Equine Facilitated Educational Programme
The EFEP Programme is designed to target the areas of social, emotional and behavioural well-being. Specifically, the programme addresses a young persons’ self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making with all activities mapping onto these domains.
Whilst there are many activities involved in this programme, some of them include grooming, bringing ponies in and out of the fields, preparing feeds, tacking up, mucking out stables and all other duties associated with care and welfare of horse. Using the natural qualities and behaviour of horses allows for a very rich reflective and experiential learning for each pupil.
FAQs
I know very little about horses. Do I need experience to do this programme?
No experience of horses is necessary.
Can I book one session?
The EFEP Programme is delivered during the school term and is arranged between the school personnel and the EFEP Co-ordinator in Festina Lente.
How long is the programme?
Sessions are provided between 9.30am and 12.30pm between Monday and Friday.
How much is a session?
This programme is subsidized through the Community Service Programme andlocal philanthropists and as such there is a small fee of €5.00 per child per session.The total cost is calculated to cover the school term e.g. September to December and should be paid for in advance.
What happens in a session ?
The EFEP Programme is designed to target the areas of social, emotional and behavioural well-being.Specifically, the programme addresses a young persons’ self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making with all activities mapping onto these domains.
Whilst there are many activities involved in this programme, some of them include grooming, bringing ponies in and out of the fields, preparing feeds, tacking up, mucking out stables and all other duties associated with care and welfare of horse.Using the natural qualities and behaviour of horses allows for a very rich reflective and experiential learning for each pupil.
Do lessons / sessions run Monday to Friday or Monday to Sunday?
This programme is delivered between Monday and Friday during the school term.
If I am nervous, can someone come with me?
If a pupil is nervous their support staff is more than welcome to accompany them. Our mission is to provide the best environment for each persons learning.
I have some challenges to learning, can I still book a session / lesson?
Yes indeed.We continuously adjust the learning environment for each pupil.
I have some physical challenges, can these be facilitated?
A visit to the facility by the school personnel is a great way to assess how best our environment meets a persons’ physical needs and what else can be done in the event that additional supports may be necessary.
How do I book?
Contact Nicola at bookings@festinalente.ie
What H and S procedures are in place during Covid 19 if I am taking lessons?
H & S is paramount in Festina Lente and once bookings are made new clients are sent a H & S information booklet which outlines all existing and pandemic-specific procedures that the organization has adopted.
In addition:
- All coaches and clients wear masks
- All equipment is sanitized in between sessions
- Social distancing rules apply
- Hands are continually washed and sanitized with sanitising stations throughout the yard and site area
I have more questions, who can I ask?
Roisin Gregory Cameron is the Supported Helper Co-ordinator and she can be contacted at shp@festinalente.ie