We start measuring outcomes after a referral has been accepted and the participant has a confirmed place.

We track progress in the areas that matter for education, emotional health, and social development. Including: Regulation and emotional steadiness Engagement and participation Confidence with outdoor and equine tasks Communication and interaction Awareness of behaviour and impact Attendance, commitment, and completion Goal-based Objectives Personal development & skills

We use a clear set of tools to track progress and gather meaningful evidence across the programme: SDQs – children/teens (parent + teacher) WEMWBS – adults GBOs – simple goal-based outcomes used across all ages Engagement and attendance logs Facilitator observations – brief, factual notes linked to session themes Participant Hub – a secure online space where participants can work on regulation, work on personal development, & upload: written pieces contributions to our blog photography video diaries artwork or music storytelling pieces evidence towards Wild Mane Wilderness Skills & Pony Care certificates teamwork and leadership reflections These contributions help capture personal development, practical skill growth, true self-esteem, and engagement in a way that suits different ages and communication styles.

We review progress every single session using our internal Wild Mane Project Session Review Form. The Session Lead completes this form after each session. It captures: regulation and steadiness engagement and participation practical skills and task completion interaction with peers and ponies awareness, insight, and responses anything that needs monitoring or adjusting This gives us a continuous picture of each participant’s development across the programme, not just at fixed points. At the end of the block, the full set of session write-ups is shared with: the participant, and for those under 18, the parent, school, or referring professional (depending on referral route). This ensures families and referrers receive a clear, factual record of the participant’s journey and progress through the programme.

Referrers receive a clear, concise outcome summary that brings together all key information from the programme: Session-by-session write-ups from our Wild Mane Session Review Form Baseline and final outcome scores (SDQs, WEMWBS, GBOs, where relevant) Attendance and engagement overview Practical skills and personal development notes Any relevant observations linked to regulation, interaction, or awareness Progress towards goals (GBO) Next-step recommendations Children and teens also have this report shared with their parent or carer unless the referrer requests otherwise. Adults receive their own copy directly. The aim is to provide a factual, easy-to-read record that supports SEND files, Early Help reviews, Social Care plans, commissioning reports, and ongoing support.

The Wild Compass sits underneath every session and gives us a clear way to understand how participants engage, respond, and grow. It helps us pick up changes session by session and feeds directly into our outcome notes, GBOs, and end-of-programme summaries. The Compass includes four areas of development: NORTH – Doing the right thing getting things done communication and responsibility working things out EAST – Creativity and new ideas imagination and curiosity problem-solving seeing possibilities SOUTH – Instincts and energy movement and physicality enthusiasm and drive WEST – Reflection and uncertainty processing feelings thinking things through managing “not knowing yet” Because our activities naturally touch all four areas, we can observe: regulation and steadiness engagement, effort, and skill growth confidence with practical tasks communication and teamwork awareness, insight, and emotional processing This framework provides a clear, balanced picture of development across the whole programme.

Yes. Participants receive a full report at the end of the programme. For under-18s, reports are shared with parents or the referring school/professional, depending on the referral route requested.

Yes. We use age-appropriate and needs-appropriate tools and adjust how we collect reflections or evidence depending on communication style, learning needs, and self-esteem levels. This may include written reflections, photos, video diaries, or practical demonstrations instead of formal writing.

All outcomes are based on: session-by-session write-ups from the Session Lead consistent observation points goal-based outcomes regulated, structured session formats (Wild Mane Compass) This avoids guesswork and keeps reporting factual and balanced.

Yes, with consent. We can share outcome summaries with SEND teams, Early Help, Social Care, or GPs if they are part of the support plan.

If a school or agency commissions longer placements, we can provide: half-termly summaries extended GBO reviews ongoing engagement tracking This is agreed by contacting us on the Referrers Hub Menu or emailing admin@wildmane.org.uk

Yes. The final summary includes: recommendations for reintegration suggestions for continued support any needs or strengths that stood out areas for future development This helps referrers make informed decisions after the programme ends.