Our Objectives at Roots & Shoots Learning
We exist to nurture, support, and empower vulnerable children through nature-based therapeutic experiences.
Our core goals are:
- Provide a safe, inclusive space for children to heal, grow, and thrive.
- Use nature as therapy to support mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Offer alternative education that builds life skills, confidence, and resilience.
- Support families and carers through community connection and shared resources.
- Promote sustainability by using eco-friendly practices and teaching respect for the environment.
- Advocate for vulnerable children and raise awareness of their needs and potential.
- Enhance biodiversity and environmental stewardship through long-term projects like tree planting, wildlife hedges, pond creation, growing our own fruit and veg, and using natural resources like manure - helping children connect with nature while protecting it for future generations.
Who We Are
Welcome to Roots and Shoots Learning
Where Learning and Nature go Hand-in-Hand...
...And where We Support Nature to Nurture Growth for local Children & Young People facing Social, Emotional, Behavioural and Mental Health Challenges.
At Roots and Shoots Learning, we understand that every child's journey is unique. We also understand that such journeys can be made far more difficult for those facing social, emotional, behavioural, educational and/or mental health challenges.
The traditional school system works for some individuals, but for many of us, it is not the right fit. This may be due to a lack of individualised support; a lack of personalised understanding; a lack of awareness or specific training; and/or, a lack of appropriate resources - among many other potential reasons.
That's why, at Roots and Shoots Learning, we offer a nature-based learning & developmental provision, tailored specifically for children and young people (CYP), aged 5-16.
Serving across three counties – Beds, Bucks & Northants – our mission is to support the more vulnerable of those in our community by offering considered, individualised alternative styles to education, alongside therapeutically supportive interventions in nurturing natural environments.
Why Roots and Shoots Learning?
At Roots and Shoots Learning, we are passionate and dedicated to laying the essential foundations for every child & young person's (CYP's) educational and developmental journey.
We recognise that without positive, supportive experiences and foundational roots firmly in place, true progress is unattainable.
We understand that each CYP's development is unique, shaped by their individual skills, beliefs, experiences and emotions. Our approach emphasises a deep understanding of the CYP's perspective and feelings, allowing us to address their needs holistically rather than imposing rigid structures... After all, as Isaac Newton once said: "If you ask a fish to climb a tree, it will spend it's whole life believing it is stupid"
Once these foundational elements are established, we are privileged to witness the flourishing growth - the 'shoots' - develop from within each individual child or young person.
At Roots and Shoots Learning, we believe in nurturing this growth through our highly bespoke tuition and therapeutically supportive services. Unlike traditional classroom-based approaches, our nature-based provisions offer dynamic learning environments that encourage exploration and discovery. While we can conduct sessions in the home, we prioritise creating experiences in nature, recognising its therapeutic value and its ability to inspire new perspectives.
Our commitment is to support each CYP at their own pace, respecting their readiness for new experiences and ensuring their well-being is always our top priority.
Contact Us
Please contact us for more information...
More about Roots and Shoots Learning
Our Approach
Roots and Shoots Learning is more than just a learning centre, an alternative provision and a Community Interest (not-for-profit) Company.
We are a sanctuary where children and young people (CYP) can thrive amidst the unmatched healing power of nature. Our programs utilise nature-based settings, including our Eight Acre View site, farms, stables, and wooded areas, as well as our dedicated learning base in Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire.
By immersing CYP in these enriching environments, alongside our wonderful group of highly trained and experienced Team Members, we create opportunities for growth, exploration, and learning in ways that simply cannot be replicated in traditional classrooms and educational settings.
Mission
Our commitment extends beyond academic achievement.
We're dedicated to serving the SEN community, particularly in Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas, where children/young people (CYP), parents and/or carers are often overlooked and unsupported.
Through our philanthropic efforts, we strive to bridge the gaps in support and resources, ensuring that every CYP has access to the specialised care, support, education, and appropriate support that they deserve.
Why Roots and Shoots Learning?
Nature-Based Learning:
Our nature-based approach provides a holistic environment for children and young people (CYP) to develop resilience, confidence, positive core beliefs and a love for learning.
Specialised SEMH Interventions:
We specialise in supporting CYP with social, emotional, and mental health challenges, offering tailored interventions that address their unique needs.
Community-Centred:
We're deeply rooted in our community, working closely to collaborate with parents/carers, educators, and local organisations to create a network of support for local CYP and their families.
Join us towards
Cultivating Growth
in children, young people, families & our community
At Roots and Shoots Learning, we believe that every child & young person (CYP) can grow and develop strong, confident and robust shoots; so long as they are first provided with the most effective support to nurture their roots!
Every CYP has the potential to flourish, regardless of their challenges.
If your child or young person is struggling with SEMH difficulties and you are questioning whether traditional schooling is or isn't the right fit - we are here to provide a nurturing alternative.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can support you and your CYP's growth and overall well-being.
Equally, if you believe you may be able to help us towards supporting children, young people and our wider community, please do contact us today!