The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire has praised the work being done by a charity to help children who are struggling in education.

New Leaf Learning was founded by Alex Preston to support primary school aged children with anxiety and trauma to become more confident. The charity uses nature-based outdoor learning techniques in the grounds of Courteenhall Estate. 

Each child goes through the TRUST Programme, which stands for Trying, Resilience, Understanding & empathy, Self-regulation and Teamwork. Developing these skills helps to make learning more accessible.

Children take part in a number of activities including slackline, den-building, wood-whittling, gardening, cooking, animal welfare and pond-dipping. Every session includes learning self-regulation techniques through breathing properly, yoga and meditation with accredited trainers. The children are immersed in nature, learning new self-nurture skills, as well as helping to look after plants and animals. 

Amy Crawfurd, the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, visited Courteenhall Estate to see the charity in action. 

She said: “I am a great fan of New Leaf Learning because of its approach to supporting children, their families and school staff.

“Often these children find it difficult to learn in a formal educational setting, and New Leaf Learning provides a one day a week, five-week course in an outdoor setting where they can learn in a different way.

“During my visit, I witnessed first-hand how the children grow in confidence, try out new things, and begin to regulate their behaviour and become articulate and confident in their friendships. 

“The staff also saw how the children responded more positively and how they as adults can start to apply some of the techniques learnt. I loved being with the children - even in a short period of time, I could see Alex drawing them into the joys of the outdoors, but creating the boundaries and then getting the children to start understanding a little bit more about themselves. It was very inspiring.”

Alex Preston said: “It was great to share our work at New Leaf Learning with Amy. She has had a keen interest from the start of the charity and didn't hesitate to get stuck in with this new group, who were on week one of The TRUST Programme.

“She didn’t hesitate to get involved, helping children to climb trees, look after chickens and walk the slackline – and she even had a go herself. Our children really benefitted from her visit. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming her back in December when we will be gardening and cooking. She will be able to see first-hand the impact of the programme.” 

New Leaf Learning was established after two years of research-based trials with primary schools across Northamptonshire.

Johnny Wake, Managing Partner of Courteenhall Estate and also Chair of Trustees for New Leaf Learning, said: “New Leaf Learning is an incredible charity that is making a real difference to individual children in the county.” 

NHS England statistics show that 18% of children aged 7-16 years have a mental health disorder. It means that teachers are working in classrooms where one in five children may be unable to access education.

www.newleafl.com