It's a fact of life that children need to play in order to learn about the world around them. However, it seems that starting at the ripe old age of three we are forcing our little ones into scratchy uniforms and tight shoes before whisking them away to a soulless building where they are left to learn about the wonders of poster paint while being surrounded by new, unfamiliar faces. Wouldn’t it be great if we gave our children an education about the world around them and gave them a real chance to experience nature? 

Conkers Life does just that. Eight years ago, Christina Quigley started running an outdoor parent and child group when her daughter was 1.5. She says “I did this as I was feeling that parents needed more options in groups that maybe offered a more holistic, natural and nurturing space. I started a group who met on my farm with their little children. We learnt a skill inspired by nature, enjoyed a healthy snack, listened to a story and sang a seasonal song.”

The group was a hit with children and parents alike and it has grown rapidly since. Conkers now hosts 16 children and a very long waiting list. 

Naturally, the classic nursery school education we know and love has its perks: it teaches children routine and structure, provides them with a chance to interact with other children their age and ultimately prepares them for an academic lifestyle, raising the next generation of learners. However, an education based solely in the classroom often fails to provide children with the skills they need to interact with the natural world around them. Quigley went on to say “Outdoor education where the teachers are the best role models we possibly can be for the children, we offer real life experiences - raking leaves- making leaf mulch to use the following year on our vegetable garden, collecting sticks to use on fire, sawing and stacking wood. Celebrating the seasonal festivals such as May day, Michaelmas and advent each year give the children a sense of belonging , joy and anticipation.” The school is inspired by both Steiner and forest school principles in order to provide the necessary skill set for the children to feel confident in nature. 

It's not just the kids who are involved! Conkers runs a variety of activities for parents too. “We run women's groups, retreats, bird walks, and encourage like minded practitioners to run sessions that bring together our community, to give like minded families the opportunities to connect with others & make a better future for our next generation and our planet.”

This kind of alternative approach to education may not be for every child but is certainly one that can help aid the wellbeing of children by expanding their horizons into the natural world and growing their love of learning while still in the early stage of development.