Home Education Outdoor Learning Sessions

Home Education Sessions – At a Glance

Who it's for:
Home educated children aged 11 - 17

Group size:
Small groups to allow individual attention

Facilitators:
At least two experienced facilitators at every session

Location:
Broompark Picnic Area/Abundant Earth, Durham

Session focus:
Outdoor learning, nature connection, practical skills and social opportunities

Parents:
Parents/carers are welcome to stay nearby if helpful

When:
Monthly on Monday 10am - 3pm

Interested in joining?

 

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At Connected in Nature we offer small group outdoor learning sessions for home educated children, providing a supportive environment where young people can explore, learn and connect with nature.

Our sessions are designed specifically for home educating families who are looking for meaningful opportunities for their children to socialise, develop practical skills and spend time outdoors.

Through nature-based activities, children are encouraged to build confidence, curiosity and resilience while forming friendships with other home educated young people.

A Supportive Space for Home Educated Children

We understand that home educated children often thrive in environments that allow for flexibility, autonomy and gentle encouragement.

Our sessions are largely child-led, meaning activities can evolve based on the interests and needs of the group. Our facilitators support children with patience, understanding and encouragement, helping them feel comfortable to take part in ways that feel right for them.

Small group sizes allow participants to build friendships naturally while also giving space for quieter children to engage at their own pace.

Small Groups and Individual Attention

We intentionally keep our home education groups small, with at least two facilitators present at each session. 

This approach helps create a nurturing community where everyone is valued and supported.

This allows us to offer:

• More individual attention and guidance

• Opportunities for one-to-one support where helpful

• Breakout spaces where smaller peer groups can form naturally

• A calm, welcoming environment where children can feel at ease

 

Working With Families

As someone with lived experience of home education and neurodiversity, I understand how important it is for families to feel comfortable, understood and included, we in still this awareness in all of our facilitators.

Parents and carers are welcome to stay nearby if that helps their child settle, particularly when joining the group for the first time.

We also aim to maintain good communication with families, so we can understand each child’s needs and ensure they feel supported.

If your child has additional needs or specific requirements, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to adapt activities so they can participate fully.

Outdoor Learning and Nature Skills

Our sessions focus on hands-on outdoor learning, helping children develop practical skills, teamwork and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Activities may include:

• Den building and shelter skills

• Nature-based games and team building

• Growing food and outdoor cooking skills

• Safe tool use and making simple tools

• Animal tracking and observation

• Tree climbing

• Nature journaling

• Identifying plants and wildlife (flora and fauna)

• Foraging

• Holistic life skills and personal development

• Permaculture Design
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We are also developing additional activities such as orienteering and archery along with mentor development to expand the opportunities available.

Time to Switch Off and Reconnect

In a world where children spend increasing amounts of time on screens, our sessions offer a chance to step away from the digital world and reconnect with nature.

Time spent outdoors helps children slow down, develop creativity and build resilience while enjoying fresh air, movement and exploration.
 

Benefits 

Nature-based home education offers:

• Multi-sensory learning experiences that strengthen memory and curiosity

• Holistic development - emotional, physical, social & cognitive

• Opportunities for family connection and shared discovery

• A supportive community of learners and facilitators, with lived experience of home education and neurodiversity

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Session Formats

Activities will take place at Broompark Picnic Area and the neighbouring land project, Abundant Earth.

Meeting monthly on Mondays at Broompark Picnic area for a 10am start, with pick up at 3pm.
As we want to keep the group small to create an inclusive and comfortable atmosphere, we will only be taking up to 10 young people for each session. Supported by two facilitators.

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Making Sessions Accessible

We are currently working hard to secure funding that will allow us to offer subsidised places and additional session times for home educating families.

Our aim is to make outdoor learning opportunities accessible to as many children as possible.

Join Our Home Education Community

If you are looking for outdoor learning sessions for home educated children, we would love to hear from you.
 

Our sessions provide a welcoming space where children can learn, play, build friendships and develop practical and personal skills in nature.

Get in touch to find out about upcoming sessions or to register your interest or sign up to our mailing list below, to hear about new sessions, funded places and programme updates.

 

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