New Leaf Centre the Newton Rigg based specialist alternative provision provider supporting neurodivergent young people aged 11+ who are unable to access mainstream education providing a personalised, therapeutic approach to learning, combining academic study with animal-assisted activities, outdoor education, life skills and wellbeing support has announced the arrival of three pygmy goats, thanks to the generosity of local business owners Ian and Gill Ridley of Ian Ridley Transport.
The goats Daphne, Nutella and Coco have recently joined the centre's growing menagerie of animals, which already includes chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and an array of tropical fish. The latest arrivals have settled in beautifully, and their individual personalities are already beginning to shine through, with Nutella in particular already stealing everyone’s hearts and happily dozing off while being gently rocked.
The specialist alternative provision centre supports neurodivergent young people aged 11+ and uses hands-on, meaningful learning experiences that help build confidence, independence, wellbeing and essential life skills.
Before the goats arrived, a group of learners attended a goat keeping course at West Barn Pygmy Goats, where they learned how to care for them properly and build confidence around handling and welfare. The experience helped prepare learners for their new responsibilities and gave them the confidence and skills needed to care for them from day one.
The impact has already been significant. One learner at the New Leaf Centre commented: “When you see things like this, who needs technology?"
For New Leaf Centre, this simple reflection captures the value of providing meaningful, real-world experiences that encourage young people to connect with nature, build relationships and develop a sense of purpose.
Ian and Gill Ridley, owners of Ian Ridley Transport, said:
“We’re delighted to sponsor two pygmy goats for New Leaf Centre. We wanted to support something that offers young people a different way to engage, connect and grow outside of a traditional classroom environment.
Animals can help create a calm, welcoming atmosphere, where young people feel more comfortable, build confidence and develop positive relationships. We hope these goats will become much loved members of the provision and provide opportunities for learning, responsibility and wellbeing in a way that complements education beyond the usual school setting.
We’re proud to support an initiative that recognises that every young person learns differently, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this will have.”
They added: “We’re pleased to support New Leaf Centre and can’t thank the team enough for allowing us to visit. It is a fantastic provision and an absolute credit to everyone involved.”
Director Vicky Hunter said:
"We’re incredibly grateful to Ian and Gill Ridley for making this possible. The goats have already made such a difference here. They’ve brought excitement, responsibility and a real sense of purpose to the centre. Watching learners take pride in caring for them and seeing the confidence this develops is exactly why we do what we do."
The goats form part of New Leaf Centre's expanding curriculum, delivered by a dedicated team of qualified teachers who share and embrace the New Leaf ethos. The team is committed to providing a personalised, therapeutic approach to education that recognises every learner's strengths and potential. Alongside Functional Skills English and Maths, learners access Personal Development, ASDAN programmes and a bespoke therapeutic curriculum designed to promote confidence, wellbeing and preparation for adulthood.
Animal care provides learners with opportunities to develop teamwork, responsibility, routine, problem-solving skills and emotional regulation, while also supporting mental health and wellbeing.
As New Leaf Centre continues to grow, the team remains committed to creating innovative learning experiences that help young people thrive both academically and personally.
The goats have already become a real highlight of the centre day, bringing energy, calm moments and plenty of smiles.
New Leaf Centre would like to extend its sincere thanks to Ian and Gill Ridley and Ian Ridley Transport for their generosity and for investing in opportunities that directly benefit local young people.
And as for what animal might arrive next? The staff and learners are keeping their options open.
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