New Leaf Learning

The core provision at New Leaf Learning is The TRUST Programme. 

They offer a nature-based, connection-focussed provision for children who are not currently engaging in learning in mainstream schools.They guide parents/carers and school staff in how to create safe spaces so that children can thrive. They offer the opportunity for users to engage in a variety of activities in a beautiful outdoor setting. (Please note that Courteenhall Estate is not open to the public). 

New Leaf Learning work with children, their parents/carers and the school staff that work with them every day. 

The TRUST Programme is a nature-based, connection-focussed provision for children who are struggling to engage in learning in mainstream schools. It is research based and has been trialled over two years at Courteenhall Estate. 

Children attend in groups of 5-7 which are curated by their schools. The children take part in outdoor activities such as den-building, slackline, pond-dipping and fire. They also look after the animals, and pull vegetables to cook and eat. They support any child who is in a mainstream primary school as long as they can manage physical needs (please discuss any specific requirement with New Leaf Learning). 

Children attend with staff from their school, who also receive professional development. Together they work on self-regulation and teamwork skills by taking part in a weekly yoga session with a trauma-trained yoga teacher.

They have consistent evidence that the programme works to improve skills in:

• Trying,
• Resilience,
• Understanding and empathy,
• Self-regulation and Teamwork as well as seeing improvements in the areas within the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Parents take part in two workshops which focus on trauma-informed behaviour support, understanding of fight, flight, freeze and flop (Polyvagal theory), making connections and raising confidence.

Schools currently pay towards the costs of the group, with the shortfall paid by donations from local businesses. 

New Leaf Learning is a registered charity (no. 1202923)