Needwood Education - helping young lives flourish

Claire: is the creative brain behind Hens for Hire and has been sharing the joy of hen-keeping with schools around England for the last 13 years.  She has grown and developed her love of poultry with thousands of young people, proving that chickens can offer so much more than just laying eggs. The business has grown over the years to include ethical hatching, day visits, and, of course, the Positive Ponies, which allows Claire to share her other passions, her horses and ponies. She holds a level 3 in Safe Guarding, First Aid, Health & Safety and Food Hygiene. She is fully insured & Advanced DBS checked. She is also an approved facilitator for equine interventions from The Horse Course and holds a level 2 in Parelli Natural Horsemanship.

Natasha: runs her own business, Shepherd's Rest Holistic Therapy, offering Aromatherapy Massage, Mind Body Coaching, End-of-life support, Youth Support and Reiki. Natasha is a qualified Youth Worker and Early Educator with over 30 years of experience working with children and teens in a range of settings. Natasha is passionate about supporting children and young people to make a difference. She considers herself very fortunate that she gets to spend time with children and young people in a positive way. Natasha supports Claire with the Positive Ponies, taking Wellbeing Sessions into schools. Natasha has an enhanced DBS check, holds a First Aid at Work qualification and is fully insured.

Ella: has just completed her A-Levels and has grown up with all the animals at Hens HQ. She is passionate about sharing animal experiences and is a regular out on Positive Ponies Days and our Chick Cuddle Days. She has a passion for dance and was a volunteer at her local studio for 7 years. She is fully insured and advanced DBS checked, along with First Aid, Level 1 Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Food Hygiene.

Steve: is an experienced secondary school teacher with knowledge in multiple subject areas – specialising in vocational qualifications. He has been a pastoral leader for many years, with extensive experience in wellbeing and safeguarding across the curriculum. Steve is a Gold Parliament Ambassador and has worked on multiple projects in this area. He is fully insured and advanced DBS checked, along with NPQ-leading behaviour & culture & Safeguarding Level 2.

Daniel: has just graduated from Bournemouth University with a Bsc in Sports Management and a passion for American and English Football. Just like Ella, he has grown up at Hens HQ along with all the animals. He is fully insured and holds Advanced DBS, Level 2 Safeguarding, First Aid, FA Level 1, FA Safeguarding & First Aid. Daniel will be supporting our sessions and leading the Sports Coaching.