Mindful Waters Education Alternative Provision

12/10/2026

🌳🩵 And this is how we roll at Mindful Waters!

Today, our forest became a classroom as our learners began building their very own tree houses! What can we say… watching their ideas start to take shape was something special. 🪵🔨

Measuring lengths, calculating angles and thinking about shape, space and stability brought maths and science into a practical, engaging experience. Sharing ideas, explaining their plans and listening to one another developed valuable communication and teamwork skills too.

Every decision gave our learners a chance to solve problems, try things out and discover what they could achieve together. These are the moments that help confidence grow—when a child sees their contribution matter and feels proud to be part of something. 🩵

We’re so excited to watch their tree houses take shape, alongside their friendships, independence and belief in themselves. 🌿

Belong. Believe. Achieve.

09/10/2026

🎃 Halloween clay modelling at Mindful Waters 🎃

Today, our learners got creative with clay, turning their Halloween ideas into their own unique sculptures! They explored how to roll, pinch, shape and smooth the clay, adding details and experimenting with textures to bring their creations to life. 🧡

There was plenty of creative art and design learning along the way. The children explored shape, form and texture, thought about how to turn an idea into a three-dimensional model and made their own design choices. When something didn’t quite work, they had opportunities to adapt their designs and try again—developing problem-solving skills, patience and perseverance.

Working with clay also gave their hands and fingers valuable practice, supporting fine motor skills and coordination. Sharing materials and talking about their creations encouraged communication, cooperation and pride in their work.

We love giving our learners opportunities to express themselves freely, discover what they can create and feel proud of their own ideas. Every creation is different, and that’s what makes them so special. 🎨

We ended the day gathered around the campfire, enjoying a yummy campfire cooked banana and chocolate treat! A lovely chance to relax, socialise with friends and share a cosy moment together after a day of creativity and learning. 🍌🍫🔥

07/10/2026

Oh wow… what a day!! 🩵

🪓 Today, the children worked collaboratively to design and construct a den with a clear purpose. They selected the appropriate tools and resources with consideration of suitability and how the materials could best be used for its intended use.

🪵They demonstrated creativity, with both engineering and problem-solving
skills by trialing ideas, overcoming challenges and adapting their designs where necessary. The pulley system they created was just incredible!

I was especially proud of how the the children showed such incredible teamwork and democracy, respecting different opinions, compromising and recognising the value of each person’s contribution! Their ability to communicate their ideas effectively, listen to each other and negotiate roles to make decisions collaboratively was just magical! 🌿💪

🪓The session developed practical skills and purposeful tool use, with children using equipment safely and appropriately while developing confidence and competence. They showed perseverance and resilience, continuing to find solutions when faced with difficulties and learning from mistakes.

🩵It was honestly mind blowing watching this all in action today, a true inspiration each and every one of you!!

06/10/2026

💛 Today marked our first day of at Mindful Waters, in support of World Mental Health Day on Friday. 💛

Our learners were invited to wear something yellow and make a small voluntary donation, helping us share an important message: no child should feel alone with their mental health.

Around the campfire, we talked about what mental health means, how we can care for our minds and why it’s okay to have difficult feelings. We reminded our learners that asking for help is brave, and there is always someone ready to listen. 🔥💛

The day also brought creativity and calm as learners began designing and sculpting their Halloween clay projects and spent time fishing by the lake. 🎃🎣 From shaping clay to patiently watching a float, these moments offer opportunities to slow down, connect with nature and feel proud of something they have achieved.

At Mindful Waters, emotional wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. It’s in the warm welcome, the trusted adult, the friendships forming and the chance to try again without fear of getting it wrong.

Sometimes, the most meaningful learning begins with feeling safe enough to say, “I’m struggling,” and knowing someone will sit beside you. 💛

We are so proud of our wonderful learners and the kindness, courage and creativity they bring to our setting.

Belong. Believe. Achieve. 🌿

05/10/2026

🌿 These captured moments show what learning at Mindful Waters can look like. 💙

In these videos, you’ll see our amazing learners creating dens and shelters, sharing ideas and working together, guided by our wonderful qualified Forest School fairy! 🧚‍♀️🌳

Every branch placed and every problem solved is an opportunity to develop communication, creativity, teamwork and resilience. You’re watching children discover what they can achieve together—and feel proud of themselves. 💚

Over at the lake, our learners are developing their fishing skills with Andrew, our CEO, teacher and Level 2 Angling Coach. 🎣 Every cast offers a chance to practise patience, concentration and coordination, with encouragement to keep trying.

For children who find traditional classrooms overwhelming, having space to move, explore and learn through practical experiences can make such a difference. Trusted relationships, small groups and a nurturing outdoor environment can help them feel comfortable enough to join in, take a chance and discover new strengths.

We support home-educated children and learners with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs, and anxiety around attending school. We see the child behind the challenges and take time to understand what helps them thrive. 💙

Watching these moments fills us with pride. The teamwork, growing independence and willingness to try represent steps forward that deserve to be celebrated.

If you would love your child to learn alongside qualified teachers and skilled experts who care deeply about their progress and wellbeing, contact Mindful Waters today. We would love to welcome you for a visit. 🌿

Belong. Believe. Achieve.

05/10/2026

🌿 Sometimes, a different way of learning opens up a whole new world. 💙

Our amazing Mindful Waters learners have been busy creating dens and shelters in Forest School, led by our wonderful qualified Forest School fairy! 🧚‍♀️🌳

Behind every shelter is so much learning: sharing ideas, planning a structure, choosing materials, solving problems and working as a team. They’re learning to listen, ask for help, persevere when something doesn’t work and take pride in what they’ve achieved together. Watching their confidence and friendships grow makes us so proud. 💚

Over at the lake, fishing coaching is led by Andrew, our CEO, teacher and Level 2 Angling Coach. 🎣 Through fishing, our learners practise patience, focus, coordination and caring for the natural world. Every attempt matters, and every little success is a moment worth celebrating.

For some children, a traditional classroom can feel overwhelming. Noise, pressure, sitting still or fear of getting things wrong can make it difficult to show what they’re capable of. Outdoor, practical learning offers space to move, explore and learn through doing. With trusted adults, gentle encouragement and meaningful activities, children can begin to feel safe enough to try again.

A child who has struggled with learning still has so much potential. Sometimes, they need a different environment for that potential to shine. ✨

At Mindful Waters, we welcome home-educated learners and support children with additional needs, including autism, ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs, and anxiety around school attendance. We take time to get to know the child—their interests, strengths and the support that helps them feel they belong.

Our qualified teachers and skilled specialists bring expertise, kindness and heart to their work. We care about the skills children develop, the friendships they build and how they feel about themselves along the way.

If you’re looking for a nurturing place where your child can learn with passionate teachers and experts in their fields, contact Mindful Waters today. We would love to meet you and show you what makes our setting so special. 💙

🌿 Belong. Believe. Achieve.

04/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KcC7i7qnt/

🎃👻 BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN! 👻🎃

Our Mindful Waters Halloween Holiday Camp is open for bookings!

Children can join us for one day or both days of spooky outdoor adventures and Halloween fun. 🧡

Activities include pumpkin carving and decorating, our forest school yummy treat hunt, Halloween arts and crafts, Halloween campfire cooking, and a spooky fishing lesson led by Mindful Waters very own amazing, qualified Angling Trust Level 2 fishing coach Andrew! 🎣

📅 26th & 27th October
⏰ 10am–2.30pm
🎃 £50 per child, per day
📍 Chigborough Farm & Fisheries, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RE

🥪Please bring a packed lunch.

🧛🧙‍♀️ Halloween Fancy Dress is Welcomed

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended!

👉 BOOK YOUR CHILD'S PLACE HERE:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMUJ1DHfOKyC-jNsVCRTZqr562bNVs6JmR7I7C8V8ANvxioA/viewform?usp=dialog

Please feel free to share with friends and family. 💙

🌿 Belong. Believe. Achieve.

30/09/2026

🩵These photos say it all. 💙

In just four weeks, our Mindful Waters learners have developed so much knowledge, so many skills and a growing belief in themselves. Andrew, I and our whole team struggle to put into words just how proud we are.

Their determination, patience and enthusiasm shine through every day. Watching them try something new, keep going when it feels difficult and beam with pride when they achieve it means more than we can explain. 🌿

Sometimes, children just need a little extra support, someone who believes in them and a different way of learning. Time to find their feet, space to be themselves and encouragement to discover what they are capable of.

Every “I’ll have another go”, every new friendship and every “Look what I’ve done!” reminds us why we created Mindful Waters.

To our wonderful learners: we see your effort, we celebrate your progress and we are so proud of each and every one of you. Thank you to our families for trusting us to be part of your children’s journeys. 💙

Belong. Believe. Achieve. 🌿

29/09/2026

🩵 What a day at Mindful Waters! 🩵

The girls absolutely smashed it in construction with Mr Evan today! 🔨 They used tools, practised measuring and problem solving, worked together and showed so much confidence in trying something new. We couldn’t be prouder of them.

There were monster fish being caught at the lake 🎣, delicious pizza made on the campfire 🍕🔥, and friendships continuing to blossom and grow.

We’re welcoming four new learners this week and next. Watching our Mindful Waters family grow is such a beautiful thing. Andrew, I and all our staff have never felt prouder of these wonderful children and everything they’re achieving. 💙

Belong. Believe. Achieve.

28/09/2026

What a day at Mindful Waters! 🌿🔨🎣

Our learners have worked their socks off in construction, Forest School and fishing today, and we are beaming with pride. 🩵 I have watched them try new things, keep going when something felt tricky, help one another and celebrate each other’s successes.

It’s a privilege to see their confidence grow and to watch them find joy in learning. Every one of them has given us a reason to smile today. We are so proud of you all. 💙

Belong. Believe. Achieve.