Schools and Alternative Provision
StoneMind Education CIC delivers our school, SEND/SEMH, alternative provision and funded education programmes.
Sessions are led by Tom Brown, a QEST Scholar, Master Stone Carver and qualified teacher (PGCE/QTS), with over fifteen years’ experience teaching traditional stone carving and working in educational settings.
As a Community Interest Company, our education work is structured around community benefit, accountability and access.
We deliver calm, structured and hands-on stone carving programmes designed to develop focus, resilience, confidence and meaningful engagement through the gradual mastery of traditional craft skills.
Programmes are tailored for mainstream schools, specialist settings and alternative provision. Pupils work in small groups of typically four to six, using real tools and natural materials through carefully staged tasks.
Our programmes have already been delivered successfully within Sussex SEND and SEMH schools, with strong outcomes in engagement, focus and participation.
References are available on request.
What we deliver
Each session is built around clear demonstration, scaffolded skill development, and safe use of professional tools.
Pupils work to create a finished piece, developing practical competence and sustained attention through real, physical making. All tools, materials and safety equipment are provided.
Sessions are adapted to the needs of the group and can support both curriculum enrichment and targeted intervention.
Who is it for?
• Alternative provision placements
• SEMH, SEND and NEET cohorts
• Small group interventions
• Pupils experiencing sustained cognitive or emotional load
• Enrichment days and focused project weeks
Sessions are particularly effective for pupils who benefit from structured, low-sensory environments and hands-on engagement.
Structure and Safeguarding
Sessions are delivered by Tom Brown, supported by Grace, who brings six years’ experience working with SEN and SEMH learners. Together, they provide consistent, attentive supervision and clear guidance throughout.
Delivery is underpinned by robust safeguarding and operational standards:
• Fully risk assessed
• Delivered in small, structured groups
• Clear tool demonstrations and safety guidance
• Covered by appropriate public liability insurance
• Aligned with school safeguarding procedures
Risk assessments and documentation are available on request.
Outcomes for pupils
Why traditional craft matters:
Working with stone offers pupils a rare opportunity to slow down, concentrate deeply and experience the satisfaction of shaping natural material with their hands. In an increasingly digital environment, activities that require patience, skill and perseverance can provide a valuable counterbalance to academic study.
Many independent schools value these experiences as part of their wider commitment to creativity, craftsmanship and character development.
• Sustained focus and attention
• Practical tool competence
• Increased resilience through material challenge
• Completion of a physical task
• A tangible, finished piece of work
Working with stone requires patience, precision, and controlled force. Pupils experience the satisfaction of shaping a resistant material through steady effort.
Session formats
StoneMind Studio is most effective when delivered as sustained, small-group provision.
• Structured 4–6 session blocks (recommended)
• Termly alternative provision placements
• Short pilot block (1 session) for new schools
Sessions can be delivered directly within school settings. We bring all tools, materials and safety equipment, and work with staff to identify a suitable space where pupils can work safely and without distraction.
Alternatively we run classes from our dedicated studio space within the Sussex area.
Testimonial
"Tom did a fantastic job with my students. They all created exceptional work and remained fully engaged throughout the day."
Teacher, West Sussex SEMH/SEND School
