Room to Grow
New Forest Small School has been quietly doing things differently for over 30 years. The Green Parent speaks to headteacher Alex James about play, nurture, and why a gentle start matters

Ideas and support for educating our children outside of the mainstream
New Forest Small School has been quietly doing things differently for over 30 years. The Green Parent speaks to headteacher Alex James about play, nurture, and why a gentle start matters
At St Christopher School, known as St Chris, education has always meant more than lessons, grades and exam results. It is about nurturing the whole child – their wellbeing, their passions, their individuality, and their place in the world.
In the heart of Ashdown Forest, Michael Hall Waldorf School offers a different pace of education for students aged 2–18 years — one that values connection, creativity, and balance.
Nestled in North London’s green heart, Wildwood Nature School offers families a fresh, thoughtful alternative to conventional primary education. Here, children aren’t merely taught; they are nurtured, known, and supported on every step of their learning journey.
From the moment you arrive at this school in Letchworth Garden City, you’ll notice that things feel a little different. St Chris has been providing an outstanding education since 1915, shaped by progressive values and a genuine commitment to every student.
– The Principles and Practice of Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education and Care