This jam-packed guide is for those of you who don’t want to follow the mainstream path for your children. Discover completely outdoor kindergartens, forest-based home-education groups, Waldorf schools, Montessori farm schools and many more.
Inside this guide you’ll find a broad range of alternative options to help you choose an education that is tailored to your child.
So many of us are choosing something different for our kids. I see so much value in home education, in raising free-thinkers who are able to listen and respond to their own instincts. I also love the Forest School ethos and draw lots of inspiration from the Montessori approach.
It’s my belief that the schools and settings here will enable your child to be themselves and most importantly, think for themselves.
Happy discovering!
Scroll down to the end of this post to get your free download of the Green Parent Alternative Schools Guide 2024 to keep and refer to whenever you want!
SOUTH WEST
Brockwood Park School
WHERE: Bramdean, Alresford, Hampshire
AGES: 14-19
WEB: brockwood.org.uk
TEL: 01962 771 744
Situated in 40 acres of beautiful countryside within the South Downs National Park, this is a unique and uplifting school. Providing a holistic education for 70 students aged 14-19, from around 25 countries, Brockwood is co-educational and fully boarding. Its intentions are to nurture self-reflection, inquiry, appreciation of the natural world, and discovery of one’s own talent, in an atmosphere of creative energy. There are no grades, no comparison, and students create their own programme of studies that challenge and extend them. All meals are either vegetarian or vegan, some coming from the school’s organic garden, which students help run.
OPEN DAYS: 28 Sept 2024, 22 March 2025 + online 16 November
Inwoods Small School
WHERE: Brockwood Park, Bramdean, Alresford, Hampshire
AGES: 4-11
WEB: inwoods.org.uk
TEL: 01962 771065
Inwoods Small School is a day school for primary aged children. They are connected to Brockwood Park School, which was founded by educator philosopher, Jiddu Krishnamurti. Inwoods is situated on a beautiful two acre site in the woods and much of the learning happens outside in nature. They aim to provide an education that concerns the development of the whole child. Through the learning process they encourage the children to be sensitive and willing to question the world around them.
OPEN DAYS: 26 September and 14 November
New Forest Small School
WHERE: Lyndhurst, Hampshire
AGES: 3-16
TEL: 023 8028 4415
The New Forest Small School is an alternative, independent school in Lyndhurst, in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Since 1994, they’ve created a unique, child-centred environment where children can learn, thrive and grow within a community built on the principles of self-expression, creativity and compassion. They value play, time spent in the outdoors and an academic approach based on fostering children’s interest in and connection with the world around them. They currently offer 12 GCSE subjects.
The Outdoor Learning Company & Embers Learning Community
WHERE: Hampshire/Dorset
TEL: 07523 918580
AGES: 1-14
WEB: theoutdoorlearningcompany.co.uk
Embark on an educational adventure with The Outdoor Learning Company and Embers Learning Community. Rooted in an Authentic Forest School Approach, they offer outdoor experiences, including nursery, preschool, holiday clubs and home education groups in Dorset and Hampshire. Meanwhile, Embers caters to home-educated youth aged 5-14, providing an indoor self-directed learning community. Discover the perfect blend of outdoor exploration and indoor curiosity, where children can have fun, feel valued and empowered to become resilient, life long learners, equipped for the 21st century.
OPEN DAYS: Follow their social media for dates @outdoorlearningcompany
Badger Forest School
WHERE: Nr. Bodmin, Cornwall
Woodland Skills is a forest school and outdoor learning group aimed at homeeducated children aged five and over. Sessions include group discussion, free-play, exploring nature, and working on woodland skills such as knot tying, whittling, firelighting, den building, etc.
Barn Hill Learning Community
WHERE: Totnes
WEB: barnhilltotnes.co.uk
A self-directed learning community, set in 2 acres of woodland and open space, 15 minutes outside Totnes. Young people choose how to spend their time alongside facilitators, through play and projects.
Children of the Forest
WHERE: Cullompton, Devon
WEB: children-of-the-forest.com
This woodland setting offers a space for parents and their children up to the age of six to spend time immersed in nature (or for home educated or flexi schooled kids aged 5-16 there are full days available).
Maverick Learning Community
WHERE: Buckfastleigh
WEB: mavericklearningcommunity.org.uk
A consent-based, self-directed exploration space in Devon for home-educated young people aged 8 to 13.
Out There Kindergarten
WHERE: East Winds Activity Centre, Brislington
WEB: outtherekindergartens.co.uk
For ages from two to nine years old, this outdoor setting draws on various educational approaches including Forest School, Steiner Waldorf and Reggio Emilio. Additional venue at Stapleton.
Park School
WHERE: Dartington, Devon
WEB: parkschoolonline.com
This school, set in spacious grounds on the historic Dartington Hall Estate is founded on 3 principles – take care of yourself, each other and the place you are in. Human scale education for ages three to 11.
Ringwood Waldorf School
WHERE: Ringwood
WEB: ringwoodwaldorfschool.org.uk
This independent school for children aged three to eighteen uses the Waldorf curriculum to support each child’s development and balance their physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual needs.
Sands School
WHERE: Ashburton, Devon
WEB: sands-school.co.uk
An alternative independent school for 11 – 17 year-olds where children learn to think and choose for themselves. This is genuinely childcentred teaching in small classes with a democratic ethos that fosters trust, mutual respect and self-directed learning.
South Devon Steiner School
WHERE: Dartington
WEB: sdsteiner.org
A co-educational school catering for 3 to 19 year olds and which follows the Steiner Waldorf curriculum. Situated on the doorstep of the Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by fields abundant with organic and biodynamic vegetables.
SOUTH EAST
Annan School
WHERE: Uckfield, East Sussex
AGES: 2-11
WEB: annanschool.co.uk
TEL: 01825 841410
Annan School is a unique and inspiring school in a beautiful woodland setting. A Froebelian ethos puts children at the centre of learning and helps them develop as confident, thoughtful learners who are happy, curious, and have empathy and responsibility towards each other and the world around them. At Annan, learning is hands on. Their creative curriculum encourages children to explore in a connected and meaningful way, to challenge themselves and take risks. The natural world shapes school days, every child has a forest school session each week. This close relationship with nature impacts on children’s wellbeing and means children have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the world around them. “A school that truly is a hidden gem and a very special place.” Parent
OPEN DAYS: 24 September and 19 October
Frensham Heights School
WHERE: Farnham, Surrey
AGES: 3-18
WEB: frensham.org
TEL: 01252 792561
At Frensham, there is an energy, a feeling of happiness and a surprising calmness. It comes from all the children being comfortable in their own skins. With no prefects or head boys and girls, everyone is on a level playing field. They can be who they are. Teachers don’t spend time telling students to pull up their socks; instead, they have conversations, inspire passion and teach creatively. It is a refreshingly different environment which you need to experience first-hand.
OPEN DAYS: 21 September 2024
Bee in the Woods
WHERE: Portslade and Stanmer Woods, Brighton
WEB: beeinthewoods.co.uk
In addition to providing Early Years education for children aged 2-5, this nature-based learning hub also offers Forest School sessions for home educated children up to age 7. This is a nurturing, safe and caring community, which fosters a strong sense of belonging, self worth and connection to the natural world.
The Centre for Self-Managed Learning
WHERE: Fishersgate
WEB: smlcollege.org.uk
This welcoming, safe environment for children aged nine to 17, from all backgrounds provides a unique alternative to mainstream schooling. Aims to help students learn how to manage their time, stay focused, and explore in greater detail the areas that they are passionate about.
East Kent Sudbury
WHERE: Ringwould, Kent
Part-time self-directed, democratic setting for home-educated children aged 5-18. Students direct their own learning in an environment that respects their freedom and right to determine their own futures.
East Sussex Montessori School
WHERE: Polegate, East Sussex
WEB: eastsussexmontessorischool.co.uk
A calm nurturing community with no more than 15 children per session. The outdoor space provides both a garden in which the children can play and a separate area for planting and growing.
Emerson College
WHERE: Forest Row, East Sussex
WEB: emerson.org.uk
Emerson College Trust is an education charity and learning community founded by Francis Edmunds. Train in everything from Anthroposophic Medicine to ceramics through their wide range of short courses and deep educational programme.
Imaginarium
WHERE: Kingston, Lewes
WEB: imaginariumlewes.com
Two days of facilitated learning and workshops for children aged five to 11. A space that fosters autonomy, independent thinking and a deep understanding of physical and mental wellbeing.
Michael Hall
WHERE: Forest Row
WEB: michaelhall.co.uk
This Steiner school is aimed at pupils from three to 16 and aspires to develop responsible, creative and freethinking young people, who will contribute, with vision and purpose, to society and a sustainable environment.
My Helm CIC
WHERE: Hove, Sussex
WEB: myhelmcic.com
A safe space where kids and teens can attend fun and engaging workshops in a welcoming community.
Rain or Shine Forest Pre-School
WHERE: Tonbridge, Kent
WEB: rainorshineforestpreschool.co.uk
An outdoor preschool which follows the Forest School ethos. Two settings located near Bidborough and Leigh for ages from three to five from Mon to Thurs each week. Plus home education group weekly.
Revolutionary Montessori
WHERE: East Grinstead
WEB: revolutionarymontessori.co.uk
Workshop opportunities for children aged between 5-11 years on Thursdays and Fridays. Set on an idyllic small farm in West Sussex.
Treehoppers Forest Kindergarten
WHERE: East Grinstead
WEB: treehoppersfk.com
This is a completely outdoor woodland nursery, based on the principles of forest school. They are passionate about outdoor play and aim to give children the opportunity to have adventures and to play and learn in an outdoor ‘classroom’.
Trefoil Montessori
WHERE: East Grinstead
Three days a week, for ages from five to 11. After more formal lessons children are responsible for farm duties, including feeding the chickens, ducks, geese, pigs and sheep and collecting eggs in small groups.
Willow’s Forest School
WHERE: Guildford, Surrey
WEB: willowsforestschool.co.uk
Expect den building, scavenger hunts, identifying bugs, making habitats for wildlife, using hand tools, playing in the mud kitchen or toasting marshmallows over a camp fire at this forest school setting for ages from one to five.
LONDON
The Acorn School
WHERE: Morden Hall Park
WEB: thelondonacornschool.co.uk
Nestled between a rose garden and meandering stream, this school promotes an un-hurried approach, limits screen time and emphasises a connection with nature, for ages three to 11.
Clapham Montessori
WHERE: Clapham and Clapham Park
Children’s House is used to describe these settings for children aged from two to six, due to Maria Montessori’s belief in a home from home environment. The ratio of adults to children is at least 1:4 for children aged 2-3.
Dallington School
WHERE: Clerkenwell
At Dallington, children (aged three to 11) address teachers by their first names and do not wear a uniform. The curriculum is broad and balanced. It prides itself on being a habitat for creativity and wonder.
The Gower School
WHERE: Islington
WEB: thegowerschool.co.uk
A broad curriculum is provided for ages two to 11 at this school where the goal is to make sure that the children are confident, happy all-rounders
Greenwich Waldorf School
WHERE: Greenwich
WEB: greenwichwaldorfschool.com
An independent school located alongside the green spaces of Greenwich and Blackheath in South East London, the teaching integrates art, creativity, movement and music with academic learning.
Into The Woods Nursery
WHERE: Highgate and Hampstead Heath
WEB: intothewoodsnursery.co.uk
Based on the Forest School approach, this is a fully outdoor nursery. The children spend the whole day outside enjoying a unique experience and education. There is also provision for flexi schooled/HE children.
Liberty Woodland School
WHERE: Morden Lodge
WEB: libertywoodlandschool.com
At this school for ages four to 18, children have freedom. They spend the majority of their days exploring and learning outdoors in nature. Maths, reading, writing, science, art, music and much more takes place at a relaxed pace in a natural environment.
North London Steiner
WHERE: Hornsey
WEB: northlondonsteiner.org.uk
This kindergarten has mixed age groups for pre-school children between the ages of three to six years, providing a traditional large family atmosphere, helping children to acquire social skills through experience and imitation.
St. Pauls Steiner
WHERE: Islington
Providing an education for children aged three to 14 that supports the development of well-rounded human beings who are resourceful, creative, responsible and curious, this school is housed in a Grade II* listed building.
CENTRAL
Bamble Learning Community
WHERE: Norwich
WEB: bamble.org
An innovative alternative for home educated children, three days per week in Norwich. Children are encouraged to make decisions and adults are known as facilitators who’ll assist in learning journeys.
Blue Squid Learning
WHERE: Ellington
An education centre for young people aged nine to 16, which aims to arm them with the qualifications that they desire, but also develop a healthy knowledge of how they learn, where they’re going in life and the tools they’ll need to get there.
Hoglet And Twig
WHERE: Wantage, Oxon
WEB: hogletandtwig.com
Free play is the main emphasis at each session, but there’s usually a loose theme and a number of ‘play invitations’ including a mud kitchen, hammocks, rope ladders, as well as craft activities such as clay, natural dyes and paints, and other multi-sensory aids.
Into The Wild Wood
WHERE: Shipley, Derbyshire
A Forest School site, set on organic land owned by Weleda. Tuesday afternoons for ages five to 11 and Saturday mornings for ages 12 to 16.
The Iona School
WHERE: Nottingham
WEB: theionaschool.org.uk
Founded on the educational ideas and spiritual worldview of the philosopher and educator, Rudolf Steiner, this school is for pupils aged three to 11.
Kinda Forest School
WHERE: Halesworth, Suffolk
The long-term vision is a Kinda School offering an alternative curriculum for children of all abilities up to 16, combining Forest School and indoor learning programmes. Currently running sessions on Mon, Tues and Weds.
Little Grubs Kindergarten
WHERE: nr Ludlow, Shropshire
WEB: littlegrubskindergarten.co.uk
An outdoor pre-school setting for children aged up to five, on a working farm. Activities include visiting the farm animals, Farm Shop and Walled Garden.
Nature Of Learning
WHERE: Saffron Walden, Essex
The forest school provision includes Treecreepers, a drop-off group for home educated and flexi-schooled children from 5-12 years old. There’s also Saturday sessions and adult skills courses too.
Out There Forest School
WHERE: Attleborough, Norfolk
WEB: outthereforestschool.co.uk
There are 3 weekly home education clubs aimed at ages eight to 13. In addition, there are forest school sessions four days a week for parents and their little ones aged up to five. And Sunday bushcraft sessions too!
Summerhill School
WHERE: Leiston, Suffolk
The oldest children’s democracy in the world. It is probably the most famous alternative or ‘free’ school and is for ages five to 17. The system that Summerhill employs is not only about education - it is also a different way of parenting which eliminates most of the friction and many of the problems experienced by modern families.
Wheatfen Forest School
WHERE: Norwich, Norfolk
WEB: wheatfenforestschool.co.uk
Tiny Acorns is a weekly Forest School group for children and their parents or carers, which takes place on Thursdays and Fridays. The majority of children are pre-schoolers, but home-edders and flexischoolers are welcomed.
The Wilderness Grove
WHERE: Cringleford, Norfolk
Wildlife Warriors is for home educated five to 11 year olds, runs four times a week and focuses on childled learning. Expect trails, mud kitchen, water table, dens, hammocks, woodland creatures and more.
The World Outside
WHERE: Kidderminster, Worcs
Predominantly outdoor kindergarten where children grow vegetables and care for animals in order to develop a greater understanding of the natural environment. On Thursdays there is home education provision.
NORTH WEST
Apple Blossom Kindergarten
WHERE: Levenshulme, South Manchester
WEB: appleblossomkindergarten.squarespace.com
Set within Cringle Park, this is a play and nature-based education for three to six year olds. Open five days a week from 8:30am-5pm.
Kids Adventures
WHERE: Prestwich and Salford
WEB: kidsadventures.co.uk
The nursery features a large outdoor play and education space. Part of a small chain of local nurseries, who also run two forest schools, there’s an emphasis on outdoor education and natural resources.
Lancaster School for Independent Learning
WHERE: Lancaster
WEB: lisal.school
Offering a gentle and natural alternative to mainstream, at this school education is a journey, not a race. Instead of testing and targets, this is a nurturing environment with small classes for ages up to 11, where each child receives individual care and attention.
Maharishi School
WHERE: Ormskirk, Lancashire
WEB: maharishischool.com
Consciousness-based Education started by the founder of the Transcendental Meditation technique. All teaching and office staff at Maharishi School practice the technique and pupils (aged four to 16) meditate in the class as part of their school day.
Nest In The Woods
WHERE: Warrington
WEB: nestinthewoods.co.uk
The outdoors is the absolute best place for children to be. Children aged two to four become natural explorers and little scientists finding out about the world for themselves with the support of experienced and caring adults. There’s also provision for home educated children two days a week.
The Old Vicarage Nature Kindergarten
WHERE: Blackburn
WEB: theoldvicaragenursery.co.uk
The Nature Kindergarten allows children aged from 0 to five to take risks beyond the usual boundaries of the indoor environment, encouraging children to develop a strong sense of self-esteem. It promotes collaborative working, encouraging children to form new friendships and develops communication and problem-solving skills.
Scraffle And Scrow
WHERE: Carlisle, Cumbria
WEB: scraffleandscrow.uk
This outdoor nursery features a large, natural play area where little people can run, explore, and discover, as well as dedicated areas for gardening, nature crafts, and environmental exploration. Also provision for home educators one day a week.
NORTH EAST
Ruskin Mill Trust
WHERE: Freeman College in Sheffield
AGES: 16-25
FOUNDED: 2005
WEB: rmt.org
TEL: 0330 055 2653
Freeman College welcomes visits by appointment. As a provision of Ruskin Mill Trust, the College offers exciting outdoor learning environments, utilising practical land and craft activities to support the development of work and life skills in young people with autism and learning difficulties. Alongside the urban environment of the college, there is a nine-acre biodynamic market garden at High Riggs. Students grow the produce used in the residential homes, in the Fusion Café and the canteen at Freeman College. Placements are offered on either a day or residential basis, for young people aged 16-25.
Calder Steiner School
WHERE: Cragg Vale, West Yorks
WEB: caldersteiner.org.uk
Children aged from three to five spend time playing in the woods, fields and gardens around the school and one full day is spent in the woods each week, cooking lunch over an open fire and playing in the trees.
Conkers Life
WHERE: Nr. Hamsterley, County Durham
WEB: conkerslife.com
This outdoor kindergarten for ages three to six takes principles from Steiner and Forest School. There’s opportunity for physical challenge and risk taking, opportunities to practice mindfulness and to deepen the children’s connection with nature.
Hebden Bridge Learning Community
WHERE: The Birchcliffe Cntre
WEB: hebdenbridgelc.co.uk
This is a three-day, flexi-time community where you can choose to do the number of days you want. They keep learning interesting through wellbeing and mindfulness, democratic decision making and cross-subject learning.
Kith Homestead
WHERE: North Rigton, N. Yorks
WEB: kithhomestead.com
The Kith Learning Community is a 2 day a week programme for young people aged 6 and over. Founded to support the needs of home educated young people in the local area, this is a nurturing homely environment that supports the natural pace of learning of each child.
Plumb Learning
WHERE: Hebden Bridge
WEB: plumblearning.org/home-education
Hands on, vocational learning opportunities for home educated children and young people aged six to 16. Choose from useful skills such as plumbing, tiling and engineering.
Saplings Nature Kindergarten
WHERE: Peterlee, County Durham
WEB: saplingsnaturekindergarten.com
This is a fully outdoor kindergarten for children aged two to five years set in 500 acres of protected ancient woodland and meadows. Forest School programmes can be created for home education groups too.
Scotswood Garden
WHERE: Newcastle
Free creative outdoor fun every week during termtime. Suitable for two to eight year olds, activities include clay work, mark making, weaving, tinkering, potion making, creating and reading stories. Elderberries is a community group run for 55+ year olds too!
Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten
WHERE: South Yorks
WEB: sheffieldwoodlandkindergarten.org
A fully outdoors kindergarten set in Lynwood Gardens, an inner city Victorian nature reserve. Staff are passionate about children learning through nature and having real life experiences.
York Steiner School
WHERE: York
Classes are kept small and school days are packed with academic lessons, practical work (children are encouraged to use tools and build things), music, art, sport and drama. Weather allowing, much of this happens outdoors.
WALES
Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School
WHERE: Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire
AGES: 3-14
TEL: 01437 563640
WEB: nant-y-cwm.co.uk
Surrounded by forest, field and river, Nant-y-Cwm School in rural Pembrokeshire offers a rich environment for whole-being learning with head, heart and hands. With a deep understanding of child development from ages 3-14, the Steiner Waldorf pedagogy nurtures creativity, critical thinking and curiosity in pupils; crucial skills in today’s information era. Within the small class sizes and extensive grounds, they offer a childcentred education that fosters a love of learning, emotional intelligence and a connection with the natural world. Students leave as confident, creative and morally capable young people able to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
The Awen Project
WHERE: Dinas, Powys
WEB: theawenproject.com
The Awen Project is pioneering a new model for learning environments: where young people are championed to be themselves and follow their passions as active participants in a democratic community. Available three days a week.
Create Play
WHERE: Llandrindod Wells
WEB: createplay.co.uk
The aim of this outdoor nursery for two to six year olds is to spend the majority of time outside but there’s a small, warm wooden cabin for downtime. Founders have cherry-picked aspects of the Playwork Principles and curriculum, alongside the Forest School Ethos to create their own curriculum.
Kin Nature Kindergarten
WHERE: White Castle, Monmouthshire
WEB: kidsinnature.co.uk
Completely outdoor setting for children aged two to five. A child led, play based approach encourages wondering, exploring, experimenting and discovering.
The Lighthouse
WHERE: Cardigan
WEB: lighthouselearningproject.org.uk
Self-directed learning community for home educated young people aged 7+ (plenty of teens too). Two days of activities each week.
Nestlings Eco Nursery
WHERE: Cardiff
A bi-lingual, eco-friendly nursery for children aged up to five years old. Home cooked organic food is served by an on site chef. A forest-focused holiday club is also available for school children up to the age of 12 during holiday times.
Nestlings Forest School
WHERE: Various locations, Wrexham and Mold
WEB: nestlingsforestschool.co.uk
A unique stay and play Forest School experience for children of all ages, including home educators. The sessions consist of sensory and creative play experiences, as well as games and songs.
Rooted Forest School
WHERE: Talgarth
The Nurture Group run by this group of forest school leaders supports those children that are experiencing anxiety, disruptive classroom behaviour, challenges at home or a lack of stability in their lives. There are also Woodland Explorer Days for families.
Woodland Classroom
WHERE: Erddig, Wrexham
Reconnecting people of all ages with nature through bushcraft, outdoor learning, forest school, nature therapy and wellbeing in the woods, this is a programme of outdoor courses including a monthly home education group called Pathfinders.
SCOTLAND
Auchlone Nature Kindergarten
WHERE: By Crieff
WEB: auchlone.co.uk
Children between two and five years old spend the majority of the day outdoors in all weathers, using tools such as saws and loppers to make fires and cook their own snacks.
Drumduan School
WHERE: Forres
WEB: drumduan.org
The Drumduan School is located in Moray, Scotland, close to Findhorn Bay. It provides Steiner education from ages 0 to 18. The location allows a direct connection with nature, which means plenty of opportunity to explore outdoor activities and a broad and rich, experiential curriculum. In place of exams, Drumduan Upper School offers Integrated Education qualifications as a route to higher education and employment.
Edinburgh Montessori Arts School
WHERE: Edinburgh
WEB: emaschool.co.uk
This creative school for ages one to 18 follows the cycle of the seasons each year. Through real experiences the children are encouraged to make connections with the world around them.
Edinburgh Steiner School
WHERE: Edinburgh
WEB: edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk
An independent school set in three acres of leafy grounds to the south-side of the city, where up to 300 children aged three to 18 years receive an education based on Steiner principles.
Greenbank Woodland Play
WHERE: Clarkson, nr Glasgow
WEB: woodland-play.co.uk
The philosophy of Woodland Play is to inspire children aged three to five through positive outdoor experiences and provide them an opportunity to appreciate the wider, natural world to encourage a responsibility for nature conservation in later life.
Little Acorns CIC
WHERE: Ayr
WEB: little-acorns.org
There’s a giant mud kitchen, swings, treehouse, sandpit, vegetable garden, wildlife pond, marble runs and obstacle courses, plus a woodworking and craft area, campfire circle, indoor yurt space and composting toilet. Choose from forest schools for families, toddlers and a half day for home educators from five to 15 years old once a week.
Outlet
WHERE: Hamilton
WEB: outlet.scot
A safe space that allows all children to be courageous in nature, to reconnect and fall in love with the outdoors. There’s family forest school, afterschool clubs and conservation and bushcraft for vulnerable teens.
The Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery
WHERE: Cupar, Fife
WEB: secretgardenoutdoor-nursery.co.uk
Based in a 25 acre woodland, this childcare setting, for children aged three upwards is entirely out of doors all year round. There’s also practitioner workshops to share their research and experiences.
W.I.L.D. Woodland Learning
WHERE: Glasgow
WEB: wildwoodlandlearning.co.uk
Regular Forest School sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during term time for home-educated children aged five to 11.
IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Dublin Steiner School
WHERE: Dublin
WEB: dublinsteiner.com
The school’s focus is on creativity, developing emotional intelligence, and on cultivating a love of learning as an end in itself, rather than as a means to an end. In Waldorf education, outdoor play and natural experiences are not an ‘extra’ at school, but crucial elements that lie at the heart of the student experience and provide the foundation for much essential learning.
Holywood Steiner School
WHERE: Holywood
This school for ages three to 17 follows the Waldorf model, which unlike mainstream education provides the time and space for each child to learn and grow at their own pace, allowing them to fully grasp a concept or achieve a skill when they are ready. Plus Wildflowers Parent and Child group.
Nature Kindergarten
WHERE: Bray, Co. Wicklow
WEB: parkchildcare.ie
Nestled in a small forest in north County Wicklow, is a unique classroom where the walls change colour every day and the ceiling is a kaleidoscope of hues of blues, whites and greys. A classroom where children aged three to six immerse themselves in nature and learn through it.
Please email letters@thegreenparent.co.uk if we missed somewhere that you think should be included.
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