Discovery Sessions are child-led, topic-based, holistic learning sessions that have a main theme each half term. Sessions have a combination of adult-facilitated discussions, activities, experiments and child-led free-flow activities that extend and challenge their learning.

Currently, Discovery Sessions are for primary-school aged children between 5-12 years old.

There is a max of 10 families in order to reduce overcrowding especially for little learners who may feel overwhelmed in busy environments.

Siblings aged 5-12 qualify for a 10% sibling discount on their booking. Siblings aged under 5 are welcome to come along free of charge. Parents need to be mindful that the activities are designed for ages 5-12 so may not be appropriate for mouthing babies or toddlers. It is the parent's responsibility to ensure their under 5s are safe.

Yes, siblings aged 5-12 qualify for 10% off their half termly booking when booking together.

Yes! Although this isn't every week, I often have 'worksheets' or paper-based activities that families are welcome to take home with them. Sometimes, children have too much fun with one activity and run out of time. So you are always welcome to take the sheets home. Sometimes, I may prepare a home learning activities suggestions sheet if you would like to extend our learning at home too.

As these sessions are child-led and interest-based, this plan is subject to change or adapt. 5-10 mins of getting a feel for the environment. 15-20 mins of adult-guided group discussion and exploration of our topic. 10-15 mins of adult-guided activity or experiment. 90 mins of child-led, free-flow learning with an extensive variety of activities such as arts and crafts, literacy, science and investigation, outdoor learning and more!

YES! Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and join in the fun. I understand that children may be feeling anxious when joining a new environment with others. Parents are welcome to sit to the side or join in to the full or if your little learner is feeling confident, you are able to drop them off with me!

I plan each term and session very carefully to ensure there are a variety of activities to match interests. There will always be arts and crafts, a form of literacy, science/investigation and outdoor play. The activities change every week as we learn more about our topic and dependent on the learners who attend. I take time to learn every child and work with parents to ensure triggers are managed and I add known interests into the space. This helps many children feel more welcome, comfortable and supported in the environment.

Whilst I do not yet have an official county approved document, I am more than happy to provide a statement and breakdown of the sessions and confirmation of your child's attendance. This is something I hope to work out with the local councils if they deem it fit.

As parents are often joining in with the children, we take joint responsibility of the children. Under 5s siblings are solely parent's responsibility. I have undergone Health and Safety and Safeguarding Training many times and I have risk assessments for new locations and potentially hazardous activities. Additionally, time is spent explaining and exploring with the children being safe with new activities.

Every week, we explore a mind-map that is all about our half-termly topic. This provides the learners an opportunity to express what they already know and would like to share, but also ask any questions they have about the topic. Most of the time, these questions are then used to adapt future planning to answer them and extend their learning. Also, whilst I have specific and general activities planned, I am guided by the children's interests in the moment. For example, if I planned an outdoor play activity of building bridges for explore strong, durable design, but the children say they actually want to see if they can make a tower that is strong instead, then they are always welcome and encouraged to explore that curiosity. Natural curiosity is celebrated and encouraged here!

Being open and honest is crucial, spaces are offered on a first come first served basis with spaces being offered to current Discovery Session learners first. If you are not in a position to pay the full term, I do have an option to work with you to arrange a deposit and date to pay the rest.

Sessions cancelled within 48 hours prior to the day of is non-refundable but why not offer it to a friend or someone on the waiting list? Refunds for planned absence (or a reduced half termly fee) is available with plenty of notice.

Have a look on the Discovery Sessions page to choose which day/session you would like to join. Send me an email at willowtreelearning@outlook.com or send me a message on our Facebook page.

Of course! I offer a trial session if you would like to try us out before booking the rest of the term. Just send me an email willowtreelearning@outlook.com to arrange.