Highfield Ely Academy is a Special School in Ely, Cambridgeshire. It has 135 learners aged between 2-25 with a very wide range of learning needs and disabilities.
The creation of Muddyboots Farm began in early 2022, when the school introduced rabbits and guinea pigs. Some older students work towards qualifications in Animal Care as part of their programme of study but the animals provide opportunities for all learners, ranging from therapeutic benefits to curriculum opportunities in Maths, English, Sciences, Communication and much, much more.
Chickens quickly followed and it was clear that more space was needed – Muddyboots Farm was born when an unused 160 square metre space was fenced off and repurposed to make it accessible to all. The school quickly fundraised for a Chicken “palace”, which gives plenty of space for the five chickens. Further to this, 2 pygmy goats joined the farm over the summer after the Highfield Friends and Parents Association (HFPA) had raised funds for a goat shed. A rabbit “mansion” is now also on the way.
Moving forward, the HFPA are raising further funds for a fully accessible fenced pond area where students will be able to experience pond dipping in safety. A car boot sale on October 1st on the school site aims to raise money for this part of the project. See poster below for details of how to book a pitch.
The school plans to open Muddyboots Farm up to small groups of visitors from local schools and other parts of the community from Spring 2023, giving Highfield students valuable work experience as guides and developing their confidence.
Press release from Highfields Ely Academy
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