About Us
The Attic is a small, nurturing learning community where children grow through curiosity, collaboration and self-directed exploration. We prioritise emotional wellbeing, autonomy and meaningful connection, creating a space where every child feels safe, respected and free to learn in their own way.
Our Ethos & Approach
Our guiding beliefs and the approaches that shape our learning community
Our ethos is built on the belief that children are naturally motivated to learn when they feel safe, respected and free to explore. We create a calm, nurturing environment where their voices are heard and their choices matter.
We trust children as capable individuals who can make decisions, collaborate and solve problems with guidance first over leading. Learning here is relational and co-created—shaped by curiosity, autonomy and compassionate connection.
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Our approach is influenced by child-centred philosophies that honour autonomy, emotional wellbeing and intrinsic motivation. We draw on the ideas of John Holt, Aletha Solter and Janet Lansbury, as well as self-directed and democratic education thinkers such as Ivan Illich and Paulo Freire.
We incorporate elements of self-managed and agile learning, which support children to take ownership of their choices and daily flow. Our practice is grounded in developmental psychology and an understanding of children’s natural drive to learn through real experience.
We are also guided by children’s rights (UNCRC), especially the right to express themselves, be involved in decisions and develop their abilities to the fullest.
Our Values
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Natural Learning
(guided not directed)
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Non- judgemental
Non Punitive
Respectful
Pro- differences
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Trauma informed &
Emotional Wellbeing prioritised
Our Vision
To provide a small-scale, learner-led environment where children’s questions, interests and identities guide the curriculum. We nurture independent, forward - thinking learners who feel confident, capable and connected to their community.
Our Setting
The Attic is based in the Old Convent in Beeches Green, Stroud – a calm, characterful building that lends itself beautifully to small-scale, community-focused learning. We welcome up to ten children per day, keeping the group intentionally small so everyone feels known, held and supported.
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We like to spend plenty of time outdoors, taking trips to local places such as Hawkwood woods and nearby parks. We also have access to a large garden with play equipment, a mud kitchen and space for food growing, giving children regular opportunities to connect with nature and move their bodies freely. Trips further afield – to museums, sanctuaries and other places of interest – are planned in advance with families and usually involve car or public transport journeys.
Indoors, we have a well-equipped, accessible playroom that is arranged to support independence, collaboration and child-led exploration. We offer fun, engaging resources, activities and projects that allow skills and understanding to grow naturally through play.
Fees & Opening Hours
We are open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00am–2:45pm, term time only, with attendance in full-day blocks booked per term. Children can attend 1, 2 or 3 days per week, depending on what suits families best. Free 2hr taster sessions are available before booking a place.
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Our fees:
Option 1 Community Pay It Forward Fee
£53.20 per day -
Our pay it forward supporters option that
covers all your care then adds a little extra to help keep the
setting accessible to families on a lower income.
Option 2 Standard Fee
£49.50 per day -
Our standard fee that covers all of the care, activities and projects available
Option 3 Community Supported Fee
£42.00 per day
Our fee to support access to families on a low income.
These spaces are limited in number so apply to us for details
of how to access this option.
Fees are invoiced monthly in advance of care.
We are Ofsted registered so families may use Tax-Free Childcare to help with costs (subject to eligibility)
https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare
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If our setting resonates with you and you’d like to enquire about a place for your child, get in touch today.
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We are waiting to welcome you!
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Curious about how things work day to day? Our FAQ page covers the questions families often ask.