We can host a small number of young people for post-16 NVQ courses in Horse Care and Small Animal Care at various levels. We are exploring the option of NVQs in horticulture as well but haven't got this in place at the time of writing.

These courses offer young people the chance to acquire qualifications and real-world experience in the daily working life of a yard or with animals. The students will complete daily responsibilities including mucking out, feeding, grooming and caring for the horses or other animals. Students also complete assignments and collect evidence though out the year to support their qualifications in the different areas of study.

At JAC we offer different options for NVQ qualifications, these courses focus on ‘work ready’ skills:

Work Based Horse Care– level 1, 2 and 3

Work Based Animal Care – level 1, 2 and 3

Personal Progress - entry level and level 1

The qualifications for the above options start at Award level, then further progress could be made to go on to achieve the Certificate, followed by a Diploma.

Students at Post 16 level have an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan) which is funded by the local authority. (This course could be self-funded by parents/carers, though is costly).

Students would need to let their council SEN case officer know they wish to be considered for a place on a Post 16 NVQ and which option (Equine, Small Animal or Personal Progress) - this is usually discussed at the young person’s Annual Review.

A consultation would be sent to JAC from the council. This would then be considered by JAC, taking into account the young person’s ability to:

• manage the physical aspects of the course
• manage the theory side – each session comprises of practical outdoor work, practical theory and indoor theory
• their individual SEN needs and what support they may need, for example whether a one to one is required

JAC also take into consideration the blend of the current cohort of students and their needs when looking at potential new students.

Parents/carers please be aware there is an extremely limited number of spaces for the NVQ courses.

If a young person is potentially considered to be suitable then an “informal meet/ interview” and skills test is likely to be required before the final decision and possible acceptance on the course can be made. So far, we have seen many students through different levels of NVQs and the roll call increases every year. If you are interested in pursuing this and fulfil the needs above, please do contact us at [email protected]

Please see here for further details of our Horse Care courses.  For details of our level 1 Animal Care course click here.  For details of our level 2 Animal Care course click here. 

We can also offer AQA Unit Award Scheme certification, in skills such as retail and customer service at our JAC in a Box shop.

These placements are normally funded as part of young people's ongoing education.