Wild School - Sprouts

Regular Wild School Sessions

Mentored by

Elena Harris

Organisation links

Ambroise Farm, Brill

Ages: children 0 - 5 · adults 18+ years

Siblings ticket £10 per session2-5 yrs £6.50/hrUnder 2 yrs £4.50/hr

Next date: None - Register your interest

Wild School - Sprouts block mentored by Elena Harris

A summary

Our Wild School sessions are a chance for kids and carers to spend time in nature, connecting with the seasons, learning about the natural world, and following their own unique enquiries and learning journeys. Sprouts is for children of 5 years and under and the format is largely based around free-play, with an opening circle including songs and a natural mystery, a craft activity, and a closing circle. Sessions take place at Amboise Farm, primarily in 'Whimsy Wood'; our spinney of native broadleaf trees, on the edge of 5 acres of certified organic land. Our nearby pond and orchard make the area wonderfully diverse and alive with insect, bird and animal life. The perfect place to learn to live wild and love nature. There is a snack provided for the children, usually 'stick bread', cooked fresh on the fire (by the children if they wish) and hot drinks are available. At the heart of the spinney is the most important feature, the village hearth, which is always burning, with a hot kettle ready to warm hands and hearts. We are very much of a child-led philosophy, so there is absolutely no pressure to join in with the more organised activities. Group activities and snacks are coordinated by the facilitator. Supervision of children remains the responsibility of their carer. We request that the sessions are booked in advance in half term blocks, however you are of course invited to a trial session before you commit to a whole block.

About your mentor

Elena Harris

You were wild once, don't let them tame you!

Elena feels most at home barefoot, under a canopy of trees and stars, bathed in the view of a communal fire. She has always had a deep love for wild places and is passionate about enabling children to pursue their natural curiosity and wonder of the natural world. Elena has 2 children whom she home-educated in their early years. This experience inspired her to immerse herself in the arts of the old ways and primitive skills, so she could pass these skills onto her children. Singing is also a huge part of Elena's life and work. She uses song to bring people together in community in nature in all her courses. An experienced nature connection facilitator, Elena is trained as a level 3 Forest School Leader, as well as having completed numerous professional trainings with Wildwise, including 'Call of the Wild' Foundation in Outdoor Leadership. Elena co-founded Wildlings, an outdoor provision for electively home educated children and is currently working on a new project, 'Earthlings With Elena', as well as performing regular facilitation roles on behalf of Wildwise. During term time, Elena leads weekly Forest School sessions at 2 Oxfordshire primary schools, as well as running Sprouts and Feral Voices Choir at in the woods at Ambroise Farm. Relevant Qualifications & Experience: 2017 - Wild Wise - Call of the Wild; a year long Nature Connection Facilitation course in Dartmoor National Park. 2018 - Forest School Leader Level 3 2018 -Ray Mears Bushcraft 2019 + 2021 - Wild Wise - Tending the Green Fire; a year long extension outdoor facilitation course. 2020 - Visit to Namibia to live and learn with the San Bush People in the Kalahari Desert. Specific training with WildWise: Art of Storytelling John Muir trek Wild Time for Girls Outdoor First Aid Challenging Behaviour in the Outdoors Transitions and Thresholds Play structures in the Outdoors Online courses: 2020 - Consent-Based Education with Sophie Christophy 2020 -Child Communication Workshop with Rosamund Frost

Premises and facilities

We have running mains water down at the farm, but not in the woods. I carry all water up in containers before each session. We have hand washing facilities and a compost toilet. We have a fire circle, wendy house, climbing frame, mud kitchen, hammocks, slack line, swings, pond, orchard, dens. Dogs: We have a resident dog called Mango who joins us during our sessions. She is very friendly and loves to welcome the children as they arrive in the woods with a little excited bark and rolling over. She loves to play fetch but often won't give you back her stick! She likes to dig holes and sit and watch the children playing. She doesn't like big cuddles as her hips are getting a little sore from arthritis, so please respect her personal space and don't jump on her or surprise her. She is very gentle and likes gentle pats on the head and strokes.

Learning aim

Aim 1

To nurture children's innate wonder of the natural world and be in community with like minded folk.

Booking & Prices

Booking: All children must be accompanied by a carer, however the carer does not need to book a place. When making your booking, please do not select yourself under the heading "Who's Attending". Please only select the children who will be attending. Prices: I do my best to keep my prices as low as possible and have tried to fairly reflect the time I have put into gaining expertise and experience in my work, as well as purchasing equipment and supplies for the sessions. I strongly feel that everyone should have access and equal opportunities to attend my events, regardless of financial limitations. In order to make the running of Sprouts financially stable and ensure the ongoing success of the sessions, we ask that once you have completed a trail day and would like to continue, you then commit to half term blocks to be paid in advance. If you are unable to afford the standard prices, please get in touch and we can discuss how we can accommodate you. If you feel you are able to offer more than the standard price, and would like to offer a donation to support another family, please get in touch also! Thank you x

Pricing information

Ticket namePriceInformation

Ticket nameSiblings ticket

Price£10

InformationFor older siblings

Ticket name2-5 yrs

Price£6.50

InformationThis is for 2-5 yr olds. All Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Babes in arms free

Ticket nameUnder 2 yrs

Price£4.50

InformationThis is for under 2 yrs. All Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Babes in arms free

LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections

Where we'll be

Ambroise Farm, Muswell Hill, Brill, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9XE

WHAT’S PROVIDED

Drinks

Snacks

Equipment

Safety

Enhanced DBS

Basic DBS

Risk Assessment

Public Liability Insurance

Safeguarding Training

First Aid Training

First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the Mentor.I understand that life can be unpredictable and things can change. Please get in touch if you have exceptional circumstances. Normally there are no refunds in the event of cancellation but I do ask you to kindly cancel the session via eequ if you know you are not attending, so that another child may take the session as a trial.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.

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