Heritage Skills Training for Schools, Alternative Provision & 16+ Programmes
Practical stone carving, masonry and conservation programmes built around real skills, professional tools and traditional craft.
Our main focus is people aged 16+, including those who are NEET, have SEND or SEMH needs, have experience of the criminal justice system, or have found conventional routes into education and employment difficult.
We also work with schools and alternative provision, including younger learners where the programme, setting and individual needs are a good fit.
StoneMind programmes are designed to build confidence, practical ability and genuine craft skills over time. Participants work with natural stone and professional tools through carefully staged projects, developing accuracy, independence, problem-solving and pride in what they make.
Where possible, we help participants look beyond the individual project towards further training, qualifications, heritage crafts, construction and employment.
What we deliver
Sessions combine clear demonstration with plenty of hands-on practice.
Participants can learn stone carving, masonry, relief carving, lettering, architectural and geometric design, conservation skills, measurement and practical geometry.
Projects are built up gradually so people have the chance to improve their skills over time rather than simply completing a one-off activity.
For longer programmes, we can also develop work around live heritage and restoration projects, giving participants experience of working towards a real outcome.
All specialist tools, materials and appropriate safety equipment are provided.
Who our programmes are for
StoneMind works with people who may benefit from a more practical route into learning, skills and employment.
This includes young people and adults who are NEET, have SEND or SEMH needs, have experience of the criminal justice system, or have struggled to engage with more conventional education or training.
We also work with schools, alternative provision, charities and community organisations looking for meaningful, hands-on programmes for the people they support.
Our main focus is 16+, although we can also work with younger school groups where the setting, programme and participants are a good fit.
How our programmes
work
StoneMind programmes are practical, structured and built around learning real skills over time.
Sessions combine clear demonstrations with plenty of hands-on work, using professional tools and natural stone. Projects are introduced in stages so participants can build confidence, accuracy and independence as their skills develop.
Programmes can be delivered as one-off introductions, short courses or longer-term projects. Where possible, we also create opportunities to work towards live heritage and restoration projects, giving participants experience of working to a real brief and producing something with a lasting purpose.
We work with the referring organisation before delivery begins so we understand the group, any additional support needs and the practical arrangements needed to make the programme work well.
What participants gain
Stone carving gives people the chance to develop a real, visible skill.
Participants build practical ability, confidence and independence as their work progresses. They learn to use tools safely and accurately, solve problems, measure and plan, concentrate for longer periods and take pride in producing something to a high standard.
For people who have struggled in more conventional learning environments, practical work can often reveal strengths that have gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Depending on the programme, participants may also gain experience that supports progression into further training, qualifications, heritage crafts, construction or employment.
Programme formats
StoneMind can deliver anything from introductory sessions to longer programmes built around developing skills over time.
This can include:
• One-off introductory sessions
• Short courses and multi-session programmes
• Term-based or alternative provision
• 16+ skills and progression programmes
• Funded heritage projects
• Live restoration and conservation projects
• Bespoke programmes developed with partner organisations
Delivery can take place in schools, alternative provision, community settings and other suitable venues. For some projects, participants may also have the opportunity to work in professional or heritage environments.
What partners say
"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
Talk to us about a programme
If you are looking for practical heritage skills training for a school, alternative provision, charity, community organisation or 16+ group, we would be happy to hear from you.
Tell us a little about the people you are working with and what you would like the programme to achieve, and we can talk through the best approach, practical arrangements and any funding or support needs.