Welcome to
Broadleaf
Creative, social and nature-based community for families not in school.
Changemaker of the Year
Broadleaf is an award-winning, welcoming family hub in the heart of the New Forest, offering creative, social and nature-based wellbeing programmes for children and young people learning outside school, along with support and connection for their families.
Broadleaf is the only specialist organisation in the region which directly supports children and families learning outside school.
Our volunteer-led approach supports hundreds of people each week, through wellbeing and creative groups, all grounded in consent-based, trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming and ND-led practice.
The number of children outside mainstream school has grown rapidly since Covid. In the last five years, Hampshire alone has seen an increase from 500 to over 2500 children being educated outside of mainstream school, yet very few community spaces exist to support them and their families.
Broadleaf exists to fill that gap.
Current Broadleaf Projects
Creative Clubs
Art, music, performance and collaborative projects where young people can explore creativity at their own pace.
Parent Community
A welcoming environment where parents build friendships and support one another.
Nature & Outdoor Time
Allotment sessions, nature art and outdoor exploration in the New Forest landscape.
Teen Community
Supportive spaces for teenagers to reconnect socially, creatively and emotionally.
Research and Policy Expertise A research hub for national Home Ed-related topics, alongside policy work in parliament - all open to our families
Home Ed Expertise Our three core team members have over 60 years of HE experience between us, ready to support your family.
Broadleaf in Numbers
220+ children and parents supported each week
120+ families currently part of the community
60+ families turned away from programmes due to demand we cannot meet this term alone
2010 supporting families for over 16 years
National Impact:
Broadleaf’s work has informed research and national conversations in Parliament about children outside mainstream school, as well as Home Education and Neurodivergence.
We hold the space; growth follows.
Interested in joining Broadleaf?
Most groups currently operate with waiting lists, but more clubs are always starting!
Complete our enquiry form or send an email - info@broadleaf.org.uk
Read our FAQs and when a space becomes available, we will be in touch.
Keep an eye on our social media to make sure you don’t miss any announcements!
“The opportunities you bring to Broadleaf are wonderful. I don't know how you find all of these things and then actually manifest them - you clearly have creative magic dust oozing from your being.” - Mum of T
“Since my daughter has been a member of Broadleaf, she’s become happier, more outgoing, and more resourceful.” — Mum of L
“I had to give you a hug as even though we haven’t met before today, your support and kindness at such a difficult time has been the most valuable thing. Thank you for welcoming us and helping us believe in kindness again.” - Mum of E
“You have given us our joyous boy back and I can never thank you enough for everything you have done for his self esteem.”- Mum of W
“S really enjoyed the session and the whole environment. It was so lovely to have a chance to sit and chat with other parents too.” - Mum of S
“ I’ve felt like a weight lifted this week since finding you - thank you for being so kind.” — Mum of H
“Thank you, from a very tired super mum. This last year was a turning point for us. You all have been so lovely and supportive and I'm so glad we found you. I think now we are on our way......finally.” - Mum of T