School Ethos

Inwoods is a small school that seeks to provide an environment that nurtures sensitivity to each other and to nature, and encourages inquiring and attentive minds. Although academic learning is important for us, holistic education means far more than the mere acquisition of knowledge. Learning is viewed as being a joyful and serious process whereby both teacher and child discover together. We attempt to nurture each child’s individuality and creativity, encourage questioning, and keep alive their enthusiasm for academics as well as non-academic activities.

We want children to excel out of a true love for the subject, without fear or pressure.

We want children to excel out of a true love for the subject, without fear or pressure. Time is provided for many activities that are not normally included in schools. We value activities that are hands-on and those that bring about closeness with nature. Comparison is discouraged and children’s exposure to competition and standardised tests are kept at a minimum. When conflicts arise, our intention is to discuss them openly and sensitively together, without resorting to a system of reward and punishment. Stillness and the ability to listen and remain quiet are emphasised as much as open communication. Rules and guidelines are put in place to create an orderly structure, and issues that arise are addressed with the children. We try to help the child act in an orderly manner that is sensitive to the needs of others. Our aim is to create a space where a child can flower and his or her intelligence can be awakened. 

At Inwoods, the children are grouped according to both their age and developmental need, to ensure all children receive the appropriate level of both support and challenge. For some lessons, groups of children will be given separate activities according to need, whilst in others the children will be together and the activities themselves will be differentiated. We also have regular sessions with the whole school in order to build a strong sense of the school community.

The small class sizes allow for an informal, intimate and friendly atmosphere. 

The small class sizes allow for an informal, intimate and friendly atmosphere in the classroom which fosters close personal relationships between each teacher and child, and between the children themselves. To facilitate this, class group sizes don’t exceed 15, although there are also opportunities for larger group activities including singing, sport, drama, nature walks, etc.

Our aim is to encourage a spirit of inquiry and enthusiasm for learning, by helping the children to develop their academic competence within the whole context of their social, emotional and physical development. Learning is seen as a continuous, natural process, taking place in a friendly, almost family-like atmosphere. We use the British National Curriculum as a framework from which our planning arises, whilst listening attentively to the individual needs and interests of the child. In doing so, we allow the space for children to grow in their learning at a pace appropriate to them, carried along with their natural curiosity in life. Simultaneously, we consciously offer and encourage challenge, stimulation, inspiration and questioning in a safe and supportive learning environment.

The school encourages the art of inquiry, self-understanding and relationship in a non-competitive and holistic learning environment. 

The connection to the natural world is very important at Inwoods. In addition to our dedicated weekly Nature Day, we spend time outdoors daily for both free play and outdoor lessons. The learning space is not restricted to the classroom, but to all of our outdoor spaces and further, into the surrounding woods and fields. We find that this deeper connection to nature inspires both curiosity and wonder whilst also deepening the relationship to ourselves and our true nature.

Stillness and the ability to listen and remain quiet are emphasised as much as open communication. Inwoods Small School is a place where one can learn a way of living that is whole, sane, and intelligent. Consistent with the views of J. Krishnamurti, the school encourages the art of inquiry, self-understanding and relationship in a non-competitive and holistic learning environment.

At Inwoods, the timetable is carefully structured to ensure that a holistic and balanced education is offered to the children, whilst also ensuring that the key skills in the relevant subjects are covered.

For this academic year the school is divided into two classes. Patrick is supporting children in Reception to Year 2 in one class and Mel is supporting children in Year 3 to Year 5. Currently we do not have any Year 6 children. Both teachers will also have additional support from our teaching assistant Claire to help differentiate across the different year groups.

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Inwoods Small School is a vegetarian school.  Out of a feeling of affection and respect for the welfare of animals, the school does not allow the consumption of meat, including fish and fowl. We ask you not to bring or eat such foods on campus or on any school outing; however, the school does not promote this policy as an ideology.

On a daily basis the school provides a shared snack of rice/corn/oat cakes, nuts, fruit and other low sugar and salt options for which there will be a small charge.  The school has its own vegetable garden and so sometimes the snacks come from there, such as strawberries and raspberries! We cater to many dietary needs, but if those aren’t sufficient, please discuss this with staff.  For lunches we ask that a packed lunch is provided by you five days a week.