Creating Inclusive Learning in Moray: The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC
Founded in 2022 by Beccie Thornhill and Lesley Bell to fill a vital local gap, The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC offers hands-on, wellbeing-focused learning for neurodivergent children, young people and adults, supporting growth, connection, and confidence.
Supporting Neurodivergent Learners in Moray
During lockdown, Beccie and Lesley, saw a gap in local support for isolated neurodivergent people. In response, they founded The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC, an alternative educational setting for children, young people, and adults. Choosing a social enterprise model allowed them to align their business with their values and commitment to sustainable, meaningful impact.
Their Health and Wellbeing curriculum combines animal husbandry, horticulture, crafts, and personalised, interest-led activities. This hands-on approach helps learners build resilience and acquire essential life skills. They also provide safe social engagement opportunities, ranging from trampolining and board games to sharing a cuddle with a hen! Learners are also involved in propagating and growing their own plants.
They collaborate closely with schools across Moray and the Highlands, and have established partnerships with TSI Moray, Moray Reachout, and the wider local community.
The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC employs a team of 10, the majority of whom are neurodivergent themselves.
They currently support 27 primary-aged learners, 7 secondary-aged learners, 3 adults, 3 supported volunteers, and 20 holiday-club users. Several supported volunteers have now progressed into voluntary or paid roles within The Paddock Broom of Moy, and beyond.
Meet the Founders
Beccie and Lesley, co-founders and Executive Directors of The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC previously worked together in education as Principal Teachers of Moray Autism Service. It was there that they noticed some pupils were struggling to engage in traditional education.
In response, they organised Health and Wellbeing walks for the most vulnerable learners, including visits to Beccie’s garden to interact with animals. The impact was significant: a previously non-verbal pupil spoke, and other learners who found it difficult to leave their homes began looking forward to their weekly visits.
How Firstport supported Paddock Broom of Moy CIC
The Paddock Broom of Moy secured both Start It and Build It. Start It helped them open their premises and get up and running, enabling them to meet milestones earlier than expected. Build It supported them to grow their audience and allowed them to explore future business opportunities.
Before applying, Beccie and Lesley worked closely with Relationship Managers Jacky Tjivikua and Karen Fitzsimmons, and Business Advisor Charles Morgan, attending Office Hours to get guidance on their applications, with particular questions around eligibility as a Community Interest Company (CIC).
They said:
“We felt that Firstport really understood our enterprise. They offered invaluable support on setting up, governance, strategic financial planning, and business development.”
What’s next for The Paddock Broom of Moy CIC?
There’s a lot on the horizon for The Paddock Broom of Moy. They plan to develop and launch their website to raise awareness of their work. They also aim to continue reaching as many children as possible, as a waiting list currently exists for primary-aged learners, and are looking to streamline their admissions process to make access easier.
Follow the latest updates from The Paddock Broom of Moy on Facebook.
Curious about Start It and Build It? Join one of our upcoming Office Hours.