Social Emotional Development

Social Emotional Development provides the foundation for how we feel about ourselves and how we experience others.

Inspired by the natural world around us, EmbersSED was founded to help us access the dormant potential we all have within us by using the medium of the outdoors. In understanding our natural world, using the medium of bushcraft and outdoor learning as a tool, EmbersSED is able to provide positive and creative opportunities that can inspire. We are, therefore, able to develop your skills and confidence and feel this can enable everyone to be more than they are, however they perceive themselves.

Why Choose Us?

Our Key Aims

& Core Values

Our key aims are to offer bespoke learning in every product we provide. We understand that every individual and group is different and what we need from our lives, education and personal experience will also be so. We actively design specific programmes for all our client groups that meet the needs of every participant. Through clear communication and consultation along with a personal approach and deep understanding of each client group. EmbersSED are able to provide exceptional learning opportunities that go above and beyond the average provider. This hopefully leaves everyone accessing EmbersSED provision with a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Encouraging curiosity and discovery.

Helping to develop emotional strength and adaptability.

Building relationships with nature, peers, and self.

Developing a sense of belief in the ability to achieve

Supporting personal development and providing a safe platform for exploration.

Being (intentionally) more aware and awake to each moment

A word from our MD

When I first started my degree to qualify to be a secondary PE teacher I was filled with hope and aspirations of supporting young people. I knew I didn’t just want to teach them how to throw and catch a ball. I wanted to use PE and outdoor education as a tool to instill core life values, build confidence, resilience and self belief…

Two decades ago our education system was a little different. Whilst on my journey to becoming a teacher I was forced to focus on the subject curriculum, the stats, numbers and results on paper, and not the young person in front of me. My core belief that education should provide young people with the skills they need to not only survive but thrive in adulthood were quashed.

20 years ago I made the decision to quit my 4 year teaching degree. I had entered university passionately driven by the belief that PE was the best subject to teach young people how to become thriving members of their communities. Back then Outdoor Adventurous Activity was one, 6 week module and forest school didn’t exist! Physical activity and Outdoor education teaches independence, personal skills, teamwork and communication. Life Skills… but after 3.5 years I realised that the education system as it stood was far more interested in teaching the skills, running, jumping, throwing and catching a ball… I’ve never once regretted my choice to say farewell to teaching before I’d even started.

20 years on and I am now teaching children, young people and adults all the skills and attributes I believed PE and could bring through outdoor education. Over my career I’ve gained a wealth of experience and skills, working with thousands of children and young people. I qualified as a youth worker 20 years ago and have constantly sought to develop my skills and understanding in order to support a more integrated, cohesive and healthy society. My current journey to become a Certified Outdoor Mental Health Practitioner is bolstered by a wealth of mental health, child development and outdoor training.

It’s not Forest School. Yes we teach people how to safely light and manage fires, yes they learn about safe tool use and build dens, and yes we do eat lots of marshmallows!

But it’s not really the skill we are focused on developing at EmbersSED. Just being in the outdoors provides students who find the classroom environment challenging an opportunity to thrive. Being trusted with a fire to manage brings students confidence and self worth. Contributing to the preparation of a group meal gives responsibility, teamwork and a sense of community. And being able to do all this come rain or shine builds resilience and perseverance.

EmbersSED recognises every child as an individual and will work with you to tailor programmes of delivery to meet the individual need of every child. 

Qualifications

At EmbersSED our programmes are created and delivered based on Experience and Learning. 

Increased feelings of belonging and self-worth

Engaging in and manage positive relationships

Promoting emotional intelligence

Increased levels of self-image and esteem