Whirlow Hall Farm Trust new outdoor classroom

30th June 2026

Children and young people across Sheffield are set to benefit from a brand-new outdoor classroom at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, creating exciting new opportunities for hands-on learning, wellbeing, and connection with nature.

Picture - L-R: Graham and Susan Royle, Megan Heeley, Faye Baggley from B. Braun, Jack Kidder from Henry Boot

The new outdoor classroom, which officially opened on 24th June 2026, has been designed as a transformative learning space where children and young people who struggle due to health issues, learning disabilities, and trauma have the chance to connect with nature, build confidence, and develop vital life skills outside of the traditional classroom. At Whirlow, they can focus on reducing their anxieties whilst building trusted relationships, reengaging with education and gaining qualifications.

The project has been made possible thanks to the generosity and support of a number of key partners. B. Braun were the first organisation to embrace the vision for the Outdoor Classroom, becoming the project's leading partner and helping to build the momentum needed to bring the idea to life. Significant funding was also provided by Graham and Susan Royle and GRI Group, whose combined contribution played a transformative role in making the project a reality. In addition, Galliford Try generously donated the extensive groundwork and access path works, making a substantial in-kind contribution to the development of the site. Together, their support has helped create a lasting resource that will benefit children and young people for many years to come.

"We are incredibly proud to have supported the Outdoor Classroom project at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. From the moment we heard the vision, we could see the positive impact it would have on children and young people across the region. It has been wonderful to see that vision become a reality, and we look forward to seeing the difference this space makes for many years to come." Karina Windle, Senior Projects Assistant at B. Braun, Leading Partner

The new space will allow more children and young people to access meaningful outdoor learning opportunities throughout the year. More than just a building, the Outdoor Classroom is a place where young people can build confidence, develop new skills and discover what they are capable of. It is expected to make a lasting difference to thousands of children and young people for many years to come.

"From the moment we heard about the vision for the Outdoor Classroom, we could see the positive impact it would have on the children and young people who visit Whirlow. The farm provides a unique environment where young people can learn, build confidence and develop important life skills, and this new space will help extend that impact for many years to come. Susan and I are delighted to have supported the project and look forward to seeing the difference it makes in the future." Graham Royle, Lead Sponsor

Sarah Kerrigan, Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, said: "The Outdoor Classroom represents much more than a new learning space. It is an investment in the future of the children and young people we support. By providing a dedicated, all-weather environment for outdoor learning, we can help more young people build confidence, develop new skills and experience the benefits of connecting with nature. We are incredibly grateful to all of the individuals and organisations who have helped bring this vision to life." 

Whirlow Hall Farm Trust would like to thank everyone involved in bringing the Outdoor Classroom to life. The support, generosity and shared commitment shown by individuals, businesses and partners across the region have helped create a lasting legacy for future generations of children and young people.

Who we are

Whirlow Hall Farm Trust: Empowering young minds through nature

Whirlow Hall Farm empowers young people facing mental health challenges, providing them with support and a sense of belonging.

There is a growing mental health crisis amongst young people. Every day, the number who display high levels of anxiety, are disconnected, depressed or without hope increases.  Whirlow Hall Farm gives them the support they need, the space to grow, and a sense of belonging. We celebrate every one of their achievements with them so that, when they leave us, they do so with confidence, self-worth, and excitement for their future.

We play a vital role in supporting children and young people facing a complex combination of difficulties, including medical and mental health conditions, learning needs and disabilities, and heart-breaking personal circumstances.  We provide a range of educational and therapeutic real farm jobs on our working farm. Activities are fun, engaging, and tailored to the needs of our learners with every young person having their own goals and achievements. Our aim is to inspire them to explore their capacity for growth; physically, emotionally, and creatively.

We strongly believe that every child deserves to reach their full potential, no matter their circumstances

Our alternative programmes are known as Whirlow LIFE (Learning In a Farming Environment). They are split into two categories:

Secondary Provision (Ages 11 – 18); Working with schools across Sheffield to ensure children with complex needs such as Autism, ADHD, and trauma, and including school refusers, are able to access educational provision focused on progression and reengagement (or reintegration) with education. We work in partnership to deliver to all students from Becton and Kenwood Schools. Becton School is part of the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and provides education for children who are unable to attend mainstream school due to medical or mental health reasons. Kenwood School is a special school which provides full-time education for neurodiverse young people with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) for communication and interaction needs alongside social, emotional and mental health needs. All students have a diagnosis or traits of autism.

Post 18 Provision for young adults aged 18+ with moderate to severe Special Educational Needs (SEND). All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Outcomes

Our aim is to inspire them to explore their capacity for growth; physically, emotionally, and creatively. Our priority is to reduce anxiety. We can then support the child/young person to re-engage with education.

Eighty-five percent of those we support show a reduction in anxieties within 12 weeks at Whirlow. For those who stay longer, we this increases to 95% within six months. 

Success looks different for each child or young person. This could be returning to their school and being more engaged, moving on to a new school, starting at a special school or gaining qualifications to move onto further education. At the end of July 2024, 83% progressed in a way that was suitable for them and their abilities.

Support for our young people aged over 16 with learning disabilities is longer term and our retention rate is 96% which shows this is the right place for them.  Ninety-three percent maintain (7%) or improve (86%) their mental and social wellbeing. They also work towards individual targets set by their Education, Health and Care Plan.