Lerntree
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Uniforms
Are the children required to wear uniforms?
There are no uniforms at Lerntree. Instead, we ask everyone to wear practical clothing that considers the weather, what we will be doing that day and where we will be working. These considerations help young people develop skills to dress with situational awareness and freedom of expression.

Q. Term Time Holidays
Are there any penalties for taking children out in term time?
There are no penalties. Please inform us in advance of the dates of absence.
We appreciate that this is only sometimes possible in emergencies. No refunds are available for taking time out of term.

Q. Drop Off or Stay
Is it drop-off, or can I stay while my child settles in?
We insist parents and guardians spend at least four sessions with us to settle in, more if needed. The Settle-in Policy ensures that this transition is smooth and trauma-free.

Q. Extra Needs, Acceptance and Inclusivity
My child needs extra care in the classroom, how will you deliver this?
Facilitators are there to meet each child’s needs and growing autonomy, with a ratio of one facilitator to five young people. Our small groups and 1:5 adult-child ratio allow all children to be seen, heard, and supported.
We encourage young people to be their ‘authentic selves’ and grow an identity that empowers. To provide an environment that supports this, we ask for labels and diagnoses to be left at the gate and on the paperwork, and each young person is referred to by their preferred name. Where there are additional needs we cannot meet, we will bring in extra assistance - while maintaining a culture of safety, authentic relationships and unity in our diversity.

Q. Interests and Resources
Can the children bring things to do with them?
Within reason - yes and no. Please keep in mind that the learning environment needs to be safe, inclusive, designed to develop active learner skills, and socially, environmentally and developmentally appropriate. That means saying no to poisons, weapons, drugs, gaming devices, pornography, plastic crafts and some board games, for example. We welcome the opportunity to discuss items rationally in a safe space. If you need clarification, ask.

Q. Motivation and Boredom
What if my child isn’t motivated, gets bored or isn’t interested in anything educational or taking part in things?
We know what kills intrinsic motivation, inhibits participation, and how children lose interest, and we understand the depths of boredom. With this knowledge and understanding, we can rekindle intrinsic motivation.

Q. Consent
What if my child wants to opt out of group activities?
There are many reasons why a young person may wish to opt out of an activity. We will explore the reasons with them and provide them with a vocabulary to communicate their needs and state their position clearly to others in a non- confrontational way. Opportunities around choice are important when learning about consent, boundaries and working alongside others in partnership.

Q. Rules
I have read about schools with no rules. Is this the same?
Lerntree takes a different approach to rules. We have a set of guidelines and policies to help us establish the ‘safe space’ for optimum learning and development, and that supports our sustainable and eco-literate ethos. When entering the Lerntree, everyone has the opportunity to agree with these guidelines. Working in agreement around rules is an essential part of collaborative learning, social-emotional mobility and socialization.

Q. Conflict
How do you deal with conflict?
We practice and facilitate peaceful negotiation and conflict resolution at Lerntree. Conflict is simply a mismatch of ideas, points of view, beliefs, and needs. When we practice peaceful negotiation and conflict resolution, young people learn transferable skills and gain confidence when facing conflict.

Q. Aggressive Behaviour
What is your policy on aggressive behaviour?
People get aggressive for many reasons; nearly all are linked to an active ‘survival brain’. We explore the reasons behind behaviour with the person and provide them with a vocabulary to communicate needs, rationalize ideas and state their position clearly to others in a non-confrontational way. Above all, we must maintain a safe space for everyone at the Lerntree. See our Behaviour and Anti-bullying Policy for more details.

Q. Subjects
Do you teach subjects such as literacy and mathematics?
The holistic learning approach does not compartmentalize learning into subjects, to be taught and measured. Given the right content, conditions, and timing, children can acquire literacy and mathematics skills and knowledge naturally.
We approach subjects as tools. Suppose three or more children show interest in a subject, then we provide a skill-building workshop or experiential learning event to meet that need. This holistic learning approach keeps all subjects joined and in context, which aids the development of ‘joining the dots’ and divergent thinking, which are transferable skills valued in any workplace.

Q. Homework
Will there be homework?
No. Time at home is valuable family time.

Q. Exams and Tests
How will you measure their learning?
We take a giant step away from mainstream school with lessons delivered in measurable doses. At Lerntree, children are never tested or quizzed, with no exams. The holistic learning approach is designed around rich life experiences for multifunctional learning of development, knowledge and information.
A record is kept of the group’s experiences, stories and productions. These are documented and published at the end of each term and year.

Q. Screens
What is your policy on screens like smartphones, tablets, kindles, gaming and computers?
Whether it’s interactive games, entertaining programs, social media, or apps with all the answers,“screentime” significantly impacts the developing child and the social environment. Since the first iPhone in 2007, Android smartphones in 2008, the iPad in 2010, and the widespread use of hand-held internet-connected devices, we have seen
a great change in human behaviour. Many children are now raised by screens and by adults addicted to screens, impacting children’s development on a large scale. We see it in the development of speech and eyesight, neurodevelopment (brainstem and pathways to executive function), sensory and nervous systems, motor and reflexes, and social and emotional development.
We educate healthy tech use, only using tech as tools. On-site, all devices go into a basket upon arrival and are collected when leaving. When we are together on off-site visits and adventures, we ask that screens stay in bags unless needed, necessary or for planned tool use.

Q. OFSTED
Are you OFSTED registered?
Lerntree is exempt from OFSTED registration on the basis it is 'supplemental education'; no more than 18hrs a week, for children of school age who are home-educated. 1, 2, 3