The Roost · Alternative provision
Using the power of the outside
to change the inside.
Individualised, nature-based alternative provision rooted in Forest School principles for young people (age 11–18 yrs) who are struggling to thrive in mainstream education.
A different kind of space
Real experiences.
Room to grow.
The site has always been a place for getting outside, getting stuck in and learning by doing. Raising our family here, surrounded by animals, nature and the everyday business of a smallholding, I’ve seen first-hand what a difference connection with nature can make.
With a background in commissioning services for young people, including work involving CAMHS, I trained as a Forest School Leader to bring together my professional experience and a belief in the value of time spent outdoors.
The Roost offers individualised, nature-based alternative provision for young people aged 11–18 who are finding mainstream education difficult.
Rather than another classroom, we offer a different kind of space. A place to work with animals, build something, cook over a fire, learn practical skills or simply take some time to breathe.
Sessions are generally one-to-one and shaped around the young person’s interests, abilities and needs. Our aim is to build confidence, self-esteem, resilience and the skills that can help young people engage more positively with education and everyday life. Consciously removing young people from the classroom provides an opportunity to use nature, physical exercise and simple provisions to help trigger changes that positively affect engagement back in the classroom.
We work alongside schools, offering sessions during term time that complement the young person’s existing timetable. Sessions are usually two hours long, with transport included for schools within five miles of our site near Much Wenlock.
The Roost is led by a trained Forest School Leader with enhanced DBS clearance and outdoor first aid training, supported by ongoing professional development including helping young people manage anxiety, exploring and balancing sensory reactions and encouraging gratitude.
We also offer traditional Forest School sessions for younger children, individually or in groups.
Choose your path
What we do
Four broad areas, with no fixed order. The young person helps shape the experience.
01
Forest School Activities & Bushcraft Skills
From coop to shelter building, woodwork and using tools, to willow weaving, whittling, crafts and creative projects. Opportunities to make, mend, experiment and discover what you’re capable of.
02
Animal Husbandry
Get to know the animals and help with the everyday jobs of a smallholding — basic care routines including feeding, cleaning, clipping, building shelters, caring for livestock and growing things. Real responsibilities, real achievements and plenty of graft!
03
Fire & Food
Fire starting, skills & management; building a firepit, fire and rules of safety. Cooking with fire — chorizo, hot chocolate, popcorn, marshmallow sticks, s’mores and pizza making; smoking techniques; pesto making; or simply just ‘be’ and sit by the fire.
04
Recreational Activities
Rifle target shooting, archery, metal detecting, fossil hunts, tree & plant identification, table tennis, walking and hiking. A chance to discover new interests, challenge yourself and have a bit of fun
Sometimes the most important thing is simply being outside.
How it works
A simple, supportive process
A thoughtful, eight-step approach tailored to each young person.
1. Aim
Using the power of outside to change the inside. Tailored programme which helps improve engagement with mainstream provision and overall potential and educational achievement.
2. Brainstorm
Agree a baseline of issues that want to be addressed, including behaviour and personal. Jargon free, involving the pupil and an honest assessment of their needs, including relevant SEN / Safeguarding issues.
3. Sketch
Agree short interventions around the pupils current timetable, to complement their needs. Choose from a variety of options which are built around their capability and interests.
4. Solution
Pupil attends site during this agreed time, to engage in opportunities to work, cook, play and simply ‘be’ outside in a safe, but down to earth environment.
5. Repeat
Pupil repeats the process for an agreed time to build interest, engagement and confidence. The focus remains on the individual receiving a good education in their mainstream setting.
6. Review
Assess and review experience, exploring impact on attendance, behaviour and achievement in mainstream school timetable, and the pupils personal experience.
7. Measure
Identify outcomes in behaviour, attendance, academic achievement and personal skills / wellbeing.
8. Follow up
Identify next steps, and sign-post other relevant services to inform ongoing care package for pupil, ensuring positive outcomes are protected and engagement with mainstream school timetable continues.
Questions we hear
The Roost FAQs
For parents, carers, schools and young people.
How do I get a place?
We work with schools and parents in Shropshire. Schools can refer young people who are finding mainstream school difficult, whether due to attendance, pastoral needs, trauma, behaviour, exclusion concerns or other difficulties. Following a referral, the young person comes for a meet-and-greet to decide whether The Roost feels right for them. We then agree a tailored programme with the school that complements their timetable and review it regularly.
What do we do when we are there?
Sessions are tailored and one-to-one, so the activities are led by the young person’s interests and capabilities. The four broad areas are Forest School and bushcraft, animal husbandry, fire and food, and recreational activities. There is no fixed order; new activities can be developed around individual interests.
Who do the young people work with?
Young people work predominantly with founder Dru Jagger, a trained Forest School Leader with experience commissioning services for young people, supporting refugees and new community groups, and raising a family on a smallholding. Where a young person has a particular interest, we look for ways to support it.
Where are we?
We are based on a smallholding of just under two acres, around one mile from Much Wenlock. For schools within five miles of the site, transport to and from school is included in the fee.
How long is each session?
Sessions are generally two hours, giving time to get stuck in while allowing young people to attend core lessons at school. Frequency is agreed with the school according to individual needs. Sessions run during the school week in term time.
Should I be worried about the young person missing lessons?
We believe young people are better placed to learn when they feel emotionally secure. Our work focuses on confidence, resilience, self-regulation and motivation rather than classroom learning objectives. We record sessions and review how things are going with the young person and school.
What should a young person wear — and not wear?
Clothes should suit the weather and outdoor activity. In winter, warm layers, coats, waterproofs, hats and gloves are important; in summer, long sleeves and trousers may still be sensible. Please apply sunscreen in advance. We have some spare items, so clothing needn’t be a barrier — just ask. Mobile phones are not used on site and should be left at school. Drinks are available.
What does the young person eat and drink on site?
Fire and Food is often a favourite! We teach fire safety and cooking skills, and young people may prepare something to eat. There is always the option of hot chocolate, tea and a biscuit. A drink and snack will always be offered.
Can I visit Rabble & Roost and meet the staff?
We are a closed site, with pre-arranged activities only, to protect young people and prevent sessions overlapping. Please contact us to arrange a visit. Young people referred to The Roost are invited to a meet-and-greet, and parents or guardians are welcome to attend.
How do you report progress and keep in touch?
We record attendance and brief session notes, review informally each week and undertake a formal review with the school every six weeks. Relevant concerns and safeguarding matters are shared through appropriate school procedures. If we cancel a session, we contact the school and parent or guardian directly.
How do I know young people are safe?
We offer one-to-one interventions on a closed site. Staff have appropriate training and enhanced DBS checks, and outdoor first aid cover is available. We have safety and risk management policies that schools and families can ask to see, and we follow safeguarding procedures. Our core rules are to use tools with supervision, stay within agreed boundaries and care for ourselves, other people, animals and nature.
Come and meet us
See whether it feels right.
We arrange a meet-and-greet before a young person begins, so they can explore the site and decide whether The Roost is for them. Parents and guardians are welcome.
For safeguarding reasons, visits are by appointment only.
A glimpse of The Roost
Curiosity, creativity & the outdoors.
