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About The Wild Horse Tribe.
Do you long for your children to have the freedom to spend days outside, discovering the world around them, feeling the joy and wonder of being alive, and feeling a sense of belonging; to themselves, to each other and to the Earth?....
The Wild Horse Tribe is a space for children and teens to explore, play, create and learn, but most importantly, to be; to be themselves, to be with others and to be supported on their important journey of discovering who they are and what it is they are here to do.
The Wild Horse Tribe is a space where adults are mentors and guides, supporting the children's natural curiosity and fostering independence and responsibility.
Nature is our primary teacher. At The Wild Tribe, we recognise the huge benefits of spending time outdoors.
Our main site is a beautiful woodland where we have use of a large kitchen, cob pizza oven, wooden cabin, tipi, hammocks, fire circle and covered areas.
As facilitators we recognise that we too are on a learning journey and adults and children learn from each other
Underpinning values and structure.
Relationships - Supportive, caring relationships are at the heart of The Wild Horse Tribe. We are a tribe, which means we listen to each other, respect each other, and help each other.
Tools for wellbeing - We will model and teach a number of simple wellbeing practises including yoga and mindfulness/mediation. Daily Morning Circle will always include a few yoga moves and a short guided meditation to set the children up for the day.
Child centred - Children will be given the time and space to discover, explore and develop their interests. The seeds of the person a child will grow into are there from a very young age. Our intention is to provide the best soil and elements to nurture these seeds.
Relationship with the Natural world - Based for most of the year in a woodland, the children will be encouraged and supported in developing their own unique relationship with the world around them. Incorporating the Native American philosophy of regarding the rest of the life we share this planet with as 'All our relations'.
Depending on the season, children will have the opportunity to play Nature connection games, build dens, learn about flora and fauna, forage for food, cook on an open fire, and generally explore and connect with the natural world.
“We learn to love nature as children, and our commitment to nature later in life – respecting it, protecting it, restoring it, or simply enjoying it – is built on that childhood foundation. That’s why it’s so important we give all children the chance to experience the natural world”. Former Environment Minister Rory Stewart, 2016.
Therapeutic benefits of being outdoors - Numerous studies evidence the many benefits of spending time outdoors on physical health (enhanced immune system), emotional/mental health (reduced stress, increased calmness) and learning (better concentration).
According to a 4 year study, 'The Natural Connections Demonstration project', funded by Natural England and DEFRA:
“The evidence is clear – getting children outdoors is fantastic for their health, wellbeing and learning and can set them on a pathway to happy, healthy and environmentally sustainable lifestyles”
Physical activity - Plenty of time and space to move in different ways mean that The Wild Horse Tribe are able to offer the opportunity to meet the government’s physical activity guidelines for 5-16yr olds.
Play - Children (and adults!) learn so much through play. This learning doesn't stop at school starting age! At The Wild Horse Tribe children and teens are free to play as much as they like.
"Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul" - Friedrich Froebel (1782 - 1852 German educator who invented Kindergarten).
"Play is the work of childhood" - Jean Piaget
"Play is the highest form of research" - Albert Einstein.
"Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children.” ~ Kenneth R. Ginsburg American Paediatrician and author of 'Building Resilience in Children and Teens - Giving them Roots and Wings'
Creativity - Our imaginations are our superpower! Being creative helps us to express ourselves and process emotions. At The Wild Horse Tribe children and teens will have access to a range of creative materials and processes including sewing, knitting, painting, and cooking.
Days, Hours and Fees.
The Wild Horse Tribe will be open 3-4 days a week.
We are looking at opening Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with a possibility of Mondays.
9.15 am to 3.15 pm.
This will be a drop off childcare setting so children will attend without their parents/carers.
We ask for a commitment of a minimum of 2 days a week in order to build a stable community in which the children's relationships and projects can flourish.
We will follow Herefordshire County Council term dates.
Fees.
£40.00 (Higher Waged and Universal Credit)
£35.00 per day (Waged)
£25.00 per day (Reduced fees - a few places are available - please get in touch)
15% Discount available for siblings.
We will be registered with Ofsted as a registered childcare setting so help may be available through various government schemes.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit you may be able to claim up to 85% of childcare costs.
Help paying for childcare: Childcare you can get help paying for ('approved childcare') - GOV.UK
Fees are payable monthly in advance.