The Apple Tree Values

To create and hold a loving community around our children.

To create and hold a supportive, autonomous environment to deliver a Steiner inspired curriculum in freedom.

To create and hold clear, co-operative and kind communication.

Nurture a committed and active relationship with the Apple Tree as a whole.

To create and hold a clear, robust framework that allows all a sense of autonomy and confidence to make decisions.

To create and hold a flexible financial model to provide sufficient and affordable resources to meet our needs.

We currently run four groups, whose names are taken from types of apple. Follow the links below to find out more.

Born September 2015 – August 2017
Born September 2013 – August 2015
Born September 2011 – August 2013
Born September 2009 – August 2011

The Apple Tree Ethos

Our tutors follow a Steiner-inspired approach with a traditional curriculum enriched through a focus on social and emotional learning, the natural world and incorporating seasonal and cultural celebrations. All tutors hold a Certificate in Steiner Education, or an equivalent teaching qualification, and are DBS checked.

Our children gain practical experience through study which is relevant, purposeful, and unique to their interests. We value the emphasis on play and imagination in the early years, and the integration of artistic expression in all aspects of learning as children grow older. The overall aim of nurturing the development of children to become free thinking adults.

Practicalities

Parents share the cost of paying for tutors, materials, venue hire, and contribute day-to-day by undertaking administrative tasks, teaching assistance, community involvement, and general care and support.

The current cost per child is £250 per month, to be paid over 12 months to spread the cost of the 33 weeks’ provision.  If parents/guardians have more than one child, then cost reductions can be considered on a case-by-case basis: currently 2 siblings within the Apple Tree pay £200 per child, per month and 3+ siblings pay £175 per child, per month.

We offer full bursaries for children of African heritage.

The Apple Tree is proud to have bursary sponsorship from Thresholds 

It is important to realise that The Apple Tree, as a home-education provision, can only provide a part of our children’s education, not the whole. As parents we remain responsible for our children’s education.