Wonda Collective: Learning and Fun for Children

Self-directed education

Consent based settings include the voices of all its members. All activities offered are optional, allowing children to chose what they want to do. The ground rules or agreements are co-created by all members of the community. We aim to create an environment that feels comfortable for anybody to wants to make changes in it. Anyone can call a meeting, anyone can decide to change an agreement, and anyone can say "no". It is not always easy to have everybody's needs met all the time, but we will do our best to discuss, include and understand the points of view and needs of all members. We ask that all participants attend morning circle and closing circle to be actively involved in the community and are present in decisions that affect them or the whole community.
We aim to follow Roundspeak, a way of having meetings in circles to include the voices of all participants, even if one choose not to speak they are still offered a chance to. it can help to discuss ideas, suggestions, issues, openly in a way that moves towards consensus, resolution, or deeper understanding of the topic.

Wonda is a setting that follows self-directed education principles. These are based on one's own inspiration, flow and autonomy. This allows individuals to step into the lead of their learning and, in doing that, the lead of their life journey.
In this setting children are given support and space to follow their interests and curiosities, and allowed to be guided by their own nature, we believe learning and growth take place in alignment with who we are now, and who we want to become. This allows for more imaginative play, exploration, learning and group play. At the core of Wonda is trusting the process, whilst also understanding the need for autonomy, community and Self expression.

At Wonda, we nurture the connection to the Self—supporting children to stay rooted in themselves and grow from there. For any children who feel less confident or comfortable to be themselves Wonda is a space to come back into themselves, without pressure but slowly and gently to feel into their flow and freedom again. We encourage young people to feel free to do and be as they please, so long as their flow and freedom does not cause harm or get in the way of another's, or the environment.

Trust, openness, honesty, discovery and presence are values that help us to hold space, build our community and co-create a joyful environment for all. Learn more on our values and vision page.

Consent based

Welcome to a day at wonda collective!
This is a consent based setting so all offered activities will be optional, children and young people can contribute to plans and activities and can make suggestions as to what they want being offered.

10.30 - Arrival and play
11 - Morning circle
11.30 - Offerings* / outing / free flow**
12.30 -Lunch
1/1.30 - Offerings/ free flow
2.15 - Tidy up
2.30- Closing circle/story/wind down
3pm- Pick up

*offerings include arts and craft activities, trips to library/ parks/ river/other, reading/storytelling, drama, singing, gardening, fire circle, yoga, jamming, sports, diy projects, games, creative writing and more.

**free flow, this is the space that brings the self directed process to life. There are resources to use in the space and a garden to explore and play in. Someone may like to hang out with their friends, have a snack, play another game, create a picture, read, rest, whatever they feel to do in a mindful way.

a day at camp

Facilitators

This camp will be run by facilitators with experience of working with children and young people, in self-directed settings, school settings, outdoor environments and in therapeutic settings.

Ayesha is a heart led facilitator, its the strength and power of heart and spirit which she brings into her work. She excited and curious about the way and journey of others. Recognising the joy and trust it takes to follow one’s path, no matter how large or small each step is, she supports these journeys of learning and discovery. Coming from a therapeutic and child centered background, Ayesha creates a safe space and an easy going space to be in, encouraging people to feel at home in the space and in themselves. As a self directed learner she is too learning and growing and making mistakes, and learning again, its all part of the process. Her other passions include, cooking, walking, adventures, community togetherness, stories, singing, reading, writing poetry, drama, group games, festivals, drumming, fire circles, crystals, activism, the sea, and more!

Mar trained as a psychologist and has been back and forth Psychology and Education as paths for liberation and social transformation. Aware of the ways in which formal schooling can dull our minds and undermine our capacity for learning, she explores different approaches to reclaiming our agency and critically and collectively create our way to more powerful, peaceful communities. You can see her anytime drawing, singing, dancing or having passionate discussions about anything related to life, being alive and beyond.

Pilot project -
summer club 2025

This is a pilot project, we would love to set up a consistent self directed learning community that exists in Reading form September 2025 onwards which serves the Reading community and beyond.

It would be great to have a space where children and young people can go to if they are home educated/self directed and want to make friends with others whom they see on a regular basis, learn together and follow their own direction, this will be yearly or termly sign ups so the group will be consistent. We will be a consent based setting, giving chance for the group and individuals to create the space they learn and play in, we want young people to feel a sense of ownership and togetherness in this project.

Check out our vision and values for more information about what moves us, and why we want to exist.

Please, get in touch if you would like to support us in any way.
We need support from practical help like site set up to admin, we welcome participation if your a facilitator, parent or young person and would like to get involved.

Our Location

Located in a grassroot community urban garden, our holiday camp offers a nurturing environment for children to explore and learn.

Garden

Western Elms Ave, Reading RG30 1AS

Hours

10.30 AM - 3 PM