Freedom in the context of community

The Garden is for anyone who believes in the rights and autonomy of young people.

We ask all families to commit to the practice of deschooling, which we define as the process of examining and deconstructing the beliefs we hold because we live in a schooled society. Some of these beliefs relate directly to education but not all. It doesn’t matter where you are on your deschooling journey, as long as you’re prepared to be curious with us about the ideas. We provide support for this, including holding space for a collective reflective practice and offering a lending library of books.

Young people are ready to join The Garden when they are able to participate in community meetings, engage with our approach to conflict and when they can take independent responsibility for their basic welfare needs. This is usually around 6 years but varies depending on the individual and we can consider anyone from the first of September after their fifth birthday. If you’re not sure about this we welcome trial days or weeks for everyone to get a sense of whether it’s a good fit. We have no upper age limit and everyone may stay until they decide it's no longer the right place for them.

There is an expectation commit to the three days per week (10am-3pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) for 36 weeks a year over six Seasons (six week blocks). It's not a drop in arrangement and it is not possible to join us for fewer sessions per week. However, attendance is always optional and there are no penalties or justification required for days off or holidays.

In order to keep fees as low as possible the families of young people who take part in The Garden are asked to volunteer a small amount of time each Season to help maintain the site

What we are:

  • A community for families committed to deschooling

  • A place where young people’s rights and autonomy are respected

  • Practitioners who take an evidence-based and always evolving approach

  • A neuro-affirming, anti-racist and LGBTQ+ friendly environment

  • A technology positive space

  • Trauma informed

What we are not:

  • A drop in activity

  • Home ed childcare

  • School but a bit nicer

  • A last resort because families need to work and all other avenues have failed (unless the family are genuinely committed to deschooling).

  • A place for highly traumatised young people, who need one to one support, or have not yet had the space to deschool enough to meaningfully join a community. However, we can support families in this position through our Learning Circles.

  • Dogmatically associated with any particular ideology, educational or otherwise