The Phoenix Project is a consent-based, self-directed setting for children aged 6+ who are in full-time home education. We run during term time on Thursdays and Fridays from 10.30am-3.30pm. Children can do one or both days and parents can drop-off or stay. We have three skilled facilitators, two with forest school training, who work as a team to support the children to get the most out of their ti
me with us. Sessions are child-led, with plenty of options for exploration and creative inquiry. There is no prescribed curriculum, and we are not teaching in order to show progression; each child learns and progresses at their own pace, getting what they need to out of every experience and learning what’s meaningful to them. Children can spend their time doing art, reading, delving into short and long-term projects of their own devising or with inspiration from our facilitators, building, experimenting, tree-climbing, exploring, connecting with and learning about nature, learning bushcraft skills, cooking, baking and endless open-ended play. We hold a circle each morning for connection and planning; the children know that they are valued and each have a voice and a say about what happens in their project. We use a consent-based approach to problem solving and decision making and we use nonviolent communication in supporting young people in their own conflict resolution. Young people at The Phoenix Project are valued and accepted unconditionally, just the way they are. They are supported to explore and grow in their own unique way. There are no expectations or demands placed upon them (though there are necessarily boundaries to keep them and others safe physically and emotionally safe). Our young people thrive - without judgement, comparison or harmful and counter-productive rewards and punishments. They are trusted (and supported) to each get what they need out of their day. They appreciate the flow of the day, which is familiar and predictable, but also the ability to choose how they spend their time. They have genuine choice and freedom, whilst being held in a safe, boundaried space. We strive to achieve a careful balance between paying close attention to each person so that we understand them and can deepen our relationship with them (engendering trust and respect) and stepping back and allowing the magic to happen. We are currently based in a village hall near Liss (GU33), where we have lots of space, views over the cricket ground and fields behind and also a catering-standard kitchen for cooking/baking. It’s a very peaceful location and we are surrounded by beautiful countryside so we can make use of the grounds (including a small playground) and nearby woodland. Our longer-term plan is to secure some land or premises we can call our own. With more space, we will then be able to expand the project and offer more varied opportunities to the young people who attend. If you feel inspired to make a donation to The Phoenix Project, or you have/know of some land or facilities in the area, please do get in touch. Please email [email protected] directly (the link on this page doesn’t always work) if you have any questions, or if you would like to arrange an initial phone call to chat about the project with a view to coming for a free trial half-day session if we sound like a good fit for your family 🧡
Recommended reading:
Changing Our Minds - Naomi Fisher
Free to Learn - Peter Gray
How Children Learn - John Holt
OUR 3-TIER FEE STRUCTURE:
Tier A – Supportive
Up to £60 per child per day if your child attends one day per week
Up to £57 per child per day if your child attends two days per week
You can self-select an amount based on your means, up to 50% over the standard fee. At the upper end of the range, you would be sponsoring a place for someone on a full bursary (see Tier C), but any amount above the standard fee of £38/£40 will be supporting the project - even £1 extra makes a difference. Tier B – Standard
£40 per child per day if your child attends one day per week
£38 per child per day if your child attends two days per week
(Possibility of applying for a sibling discount by way of a bursary depending on funding - see Tier C). Tier C – Bursary
From £20 per child per day if your child attends one day per week
From £19 per child per day if your child attends two days per week
Parents/carers can apply for a bursary through Emily Davies, founder of The Phoenix Project. This would be up to 50% off the standard fee, depending on your financial circumstances and project funds at the time of application. We rely entirely on honesty to ensure that only families really in need of this assistance, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access our setting, apply. We also ask that, should you find yourselves able to pay a higher amount at a later stage, you let us know so we can adjust accordingly. Fees are paid half-termly in advance.
