Blacksmithing, Neurodivergence & Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
We Passionately believe that the services we provide should be Available to everyone, and we make Adjustments wherever possible to ensure the individuals attending our sessions can do so safely, with meaningful participation, and in a comfortable learning environment where they can build their own skills and confidence.
We are determined to ensure that NEURODIVERGENT / SEND children, young people and adults can access this engaging and inspiring craft. Forging hot iron is an elemental and fundamental process which can build confidence and offer great insight into many aspects of an educational curriculum, From maths and language, to geology and art, blacksmithing really is a terrific way to illuminate the world for young and Inquiring minds. It has proved to be especially beneficial for those who find conventional classroom settings challenging.
Since early 2022, we have provided regular private one-to-one blacksmithing sessions for neurodivergent children, teenagers and young adults, via SEND schools, Therapeutic Learning Services, local authorities, VIA their parents/guardians OR DIRECTLY FOR THEM.
Our forge is a safe place to learn and create. We welcome neurodivergent and SEND individuals who may need extra support or care. We ensure that our private one-to-one Sessions are calm, structured and led by trained staff who guide at a pace that feels comfortable. You can choose how you take part and ask for breaks or adjustments at any time. Communication can be verbal, written, visual or through gestures, and we make sure instructions are clear and predictable. We focus on safety, confidence, personal growth and the strengths of the individual, so every young person can learn new skills, make discoveries and feel Genuinely proud of their achievements.
If you wish to find out more about what we do, or what we can offer, please contact Tom Quinnell via 01372 375148 or by emailing tom@fireandiron.co.uk
“I wanted to email you to share how much he enjoyed himself yesterday. To use his own words: “It’s all I want to do, it's 10 out of 10!” He was absolutely chuffed with what he made. I haven't seen him that happy in a while. I can't thank you enough.” - Parent - January 2026
“…Thanks for making it so enjoyable for her - it isn’t often she is so relaxed, so quickly… You have made her feel very comfortable, which is very rare to have happened so fast. laughing and cracking jokes on the first session-that doesn’t happen. She is really enjoying it, it’s so lovely to see her so relaxed and engaged.” - Parent - February 2025
“Thank you so much for the considerable time and effort you have clearly put into this. Thank you also for yours and Giles continued outstanding support for HIM. He absolutely loves THE blacksmithing SESSIONS and you are what brings his passion to life! I cannot sing your praises highly enough! Accessing this provision has been such a significant step for Alfie and I look forward to continuing to watch him thrive with you both next year.”
- SEN Learning Support Tutor - 2024
Blacksmithing for people with physical impairments and wheelchair users
We have worked with individuals with a broad spectrum of physical impairments over the years, making adjustments wherever Necessary to provide meaningful and ‘real’ participation.
As blacksmiths, we usually make our own tools, with gives us the unique Opportunity to be able to re-design or adapt specific tooling whenever needed, to meet the requirements of an individual.
However, We still have a long way to go! Currently, we do not have a wheelchair accessible Toilets - but do have plans to build some, and are currently exploring funding Opportunities to assist with the cost. In the meantime, we have been hiring a temporary wheelchair Accessible toilet when required. We are currently developing an adjustable, wheelchair Accessible anvil, which is shallow, and allows the participant to position themselves right up to it, or under it, with a specially designed and custom-made insulated leather apron to cover them and the entire chair. We will be working with a local company that specialises in creating life-enhancing assistive equipment for those with restricted mobility, who will be offering us support and guidance on the dimensions of our Equipment to ensure it is Compatible with the vast majority of wheelchairs.
wE ARE ALWAYS EXCITED TO WORK WITH NEW PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE VERY SPECIFIC REQUIRMENTS, SO THAT WE CAN DEVISE SUCCESSFULY WAYS TO MAKE OUR CRAFT MORE ACCESSABLE.
If you wish to find out more about what we do, or what we can offer, please contact Tom Quinnell via 01372 375148 or by emailing tom@fireandiron.co.uk
Kite Therapeutic Learning Services
From their website: “We are a specialist learning support organisation for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). We create customised one-to-one learning experiences for every key stage, delivered in person or online. Our expert tutors, therapists, mentors, and learning support assistants specialise in Autism Spectrum Conditions, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and other health conditions affecting learning. We provide support through Education Other Than At/In School (EOTAS/EOTIS) and offer home education support for those who choose to homeschool. Additionally, provide mentoring to guide students on their learning journeys. Plus, we can assist within schools or other placements, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed, no matter where they are learning!”
The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing has been working with Kite since early 2022 offering weekly, adapted therapeutic blacksmithing sessions for a number of their students, with hugely positive outcomes.
Blossom House School
From their website: “Blossom House is a specialist independent day-school in London for pupils with speech, language and communication difficulties. A highly supportive and nurturing place to learn, our school has a positive and inspiring atmosphere created by our dedicated, professional and caring staff.
At Blossom House, we build on the strengths of every child and give additional specialist support with the areas or skills they find challenging. Our goal is that every child at our school has the opportunity to fully blossom and fulfil their potential.”
We are currently working with students from Blossom House, providing weekly educational blacksmithing sessions to build skills and confidence.
Westheath School
From their website: “West Heath School is an Independent Special School that supports young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities from the age of 10 to 20 years old. Our school educates students with Social, Emotional, Mental Health Needs as well as those with enduring Mental Health Needs.
Our philosophy is to create a nurturing environment, centred around a holistic approach, whereby young people are welcomed, accepted for who they are, and their educational needs are balanced with an understanding of their therapeutic requirements. Our intuitive staff are reflective practitioners who work collaboratively with the students' families and external professionals, to ensure that our students make sustained progress and develop a resilience that will be their mainstay in their future lives. Our next step in our development is to become a Therapeutic Community.”
We have been working with West Heath School since mid 2025, providing weekly blacksmithing sessions for one of their students, with a structured learning plan focusing on a variety of manual skills, blacksmithing processes and blacksmithing-applied mathematics.
Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council have played a crucial role in opening doors for individuals to attend our uniquely tailored private sessions. Through Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) funding, children and young people have been able to access specialist support that would otherwise have been out of reach. This provision has directly contributed to positive outcomes for participants who may not have had such opportunities without it, and continues to shape meaningful outcomes.