Children in Permaculture: A Nature-Based Learning Course for Home-Educated Families

One Planet Matters
Jun 27
4 min read

Being home-educated can be a liberating and personalised experience—but it can also feel lonely. Many parents of flexi-schooled or electively home-educated children express concern about their children missing out on consistent social opportunities, hands-on learning, and time outdoors. If this sounds familiar, the Children in Permaculture course at the Frome Valley Growing Project might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

This course is a chance for young learners (and their grown-ups!) to connect with nature, community, and seasonal rhythms, while exploring key principles of permaculture in a playful, engaging way.

This course pauses over the summer holidays—but don’t worry! You can stay up to date and be the first to hear when it resumes by emailing kate@oneplanetmatters.com and following us on social media.

Children in Permaculture is Designed for Home-Educated Families and Flexi-Schooled Children (Aged 4–13)

📍 Location: Frome Valley Growing Project, Winterbourne

📆 Course dates: Every Friday (term time), from 28th February to 18th July 2025🕐 Time: 1pm–3pm📌

Exclusions: No sessions on 11th April, 18th April, or 30th May📧

To book: Email kate@oneplanetmatters.com or scan the QR code on the flyer

This weekly term-time course is designed specifically for home-educated families who are outside of the mainstream school system—whether by choice, through flexi-schooling, or while waiting for more suitable provision. It's not just child-friendly—it's child-led, with parents and carers welcomed as participants and supporters.

Why Nature-Based Learning Matters

For many children, the traditional classroom simply isn’t the right fit. Whether due to neurodiversity, anxiety, or a preference for movement and creativity over sitting still, some children thrive in alternative environments. That’s where nature-based education shines.

Learning in nature allows children to move freely, express themselves, and learn in a way that feels natural and embodied. Rather than memorising facts indoors, they see, touch, grow, and explore real systems—learning how plants, animals, seasons, and people are all interconnected.

🧠 A Safe Space for SEN Learners

Support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a growing national concern. In fact, South Gloucestershire MP Claire Young recently spoke in Parliament about the significant shortfall in appropriate SEN provision and the urgent need for greater support for these families.

At One Planet Matters, we recognise the challenges many families face in navigating a system that doesn’t always meet the needs of neurodivergent or differently-abled children. That’s why this course offers a nurturing, flexible and pressure-free learning environment. Our nature-based approach provides the ideal alternative for children who benefit from learning outside of the classroom—offering safety, stimulation, and a sense of belonging.

The Risks of Isolation in Home Education

While home education offers flexibility and protection from overstimulation, it can also reduce social interaction. Children may miss out on group learning, shared experiences, and the simple joy of being part of something bigger. Without regular peer contact and structured outdoor activities, both physical and emotional health can suffer.

This course counters that isolation with:

🌿 Regular group sessions that foster friendship and teamwork
🌱 Shared experiences that build confidence and community
🌞 Time in nature that supports emotional regulation and resilience

What Children Will Experience

🐞 Seasonal, heart-led activities that reflect the Celtic wheel of the year
🌾 Food growing skills and permaculture principles
🐝 Observing natural systems and connecting with the more-than-human world
🍓 Picking, planting, crafting, creating—and eating what they grow!
🤸 Time to be active, playful, and hands-on in a supportive environment

Children are encouraged to bring lunch, water, and wear clothes suitable for getting muddy, wet, or chilly. It's learning at its wildest and most joyful!

Benefits for the Whole Family

Parents and carers often say how much they enjoy this space too. It’s not just a drop-off—it’s a community. Adults get to meet others on a similar journey, build friendships, and see their children flourish in a truly nurturing space.

If your child is more at home in the forest than at a desk, more interested in bugs than books, and loves to learn by doing—this course offers the perfect setting.

📚 Helpful Resources for Home-Ed & SEN Families

Looking for other support on your home education or SEN journey? Check out these brilliant local organisations:

Edventure Project CIC – Empowering families through inclusive education, creative play, and learning support.
Project Dragonfly CIC – Outdoor and creative sessions for neurodivergent and SEN children, including forest school and community events.
Adventurous Coaching – Coaching and mentoring support for families with neurodivergent children, helping build resilience and confidence.

Ready to Join Us?

Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.📧 Email kate@oneplanetmatters.com to reserve your place or scan the QR code on the poster. The site is off-grid, so please bring a packed lunch and water. There’s a compost toilet and rainwater hand-washing facilities, and the terrain is uneven, so suitable footwear is advised.

Let your children connect, grow, and thrive—naturally. Join the Children in Permaculture programme this spring and plant the seeds of confidence, curiosity, and care.