Coed Cariad Learning Community

A unique, child-centred education project in the heart of Carmarthenshire, South Wales

play

Play is the work of childhood and we protect our children's right to freely choose the nature, purpose and length of their play.  

We know that freely chosen play provides children with good mental and physical health and wellbeing.

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We know that playing gives them the best chance of learning what they need to know and practicing the skills they need to have to make a smooth transition to adulthood.

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We know that having the freedom, space and time to play nurtures important qualities such as resilience, flexibility and creativity that will stay with them throughout life.

freedom to learn

Self-Directed Learning is characterised by the freedom to pursue your own interests and passions at your own pace. Through the process of prioritising, establishing learning goals, working on real life challenges and reviewing the whole process, children experience an authentic learning experience.

Skills and qualities essential for 21st century life and work; creativity, innovation, leadership, initative, communication, critical thinking and social responsibility, are all practiced on a daily basis in a democratic and self-directed learning environment.

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equality

Democractic learning spaces allow children to grow in confidence and practice lifelong skills of cooperation, negotiation, compromise and advocacy.

Empowering children to work together with adults to create and run their own learning community ensures their voice and freedom to participate on their own terms and in their own time.

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Coed Cariad is part of a growing movement of child-centred democractic schools and projects across the UK and wider world. To find out more see the following links from these fascinating umbrella organisations:

Alliance for Self Directed Education - www.self-directed.org  
Pheonix Education Trust - www.pheonixeducation.co.uk 
European Democratic Education Community - www.eudec.org