01 / Learn
Subject study
Children have a space to pursue their own interests or learning path over the week, whether through homeschooling, extracurricular activities or project-based learning.
We offer resources, support and a place to learn.
Families and educators work together in Espinhal, with study, creative projects and time outdoors as part of the week.
Explore Waterfall ValleyOur approach
Learning in
everyday life
Children need time to understand what they are learning and opportunities to put it into practice. We draw on different educational approaches, including Waldorf and Montessori methods.
Our week combines academic study, expressive arts, practical work and self-enquiry. Children have time to work independently, get to know one another and learn together.
Some of what we do
Educators and community members offer:
- Reading, writing and practical maths
- Human ecology
- Time in nature
- Expressive arts of many kinds
- Academic study and support with experienced educators
Ways of learning
02 / CreateMusic, drama
Music, drama
and storytelling
Children draw, paint, write, make music and take part in drama.
There is time to practise a skill, create something together and experiment with an idea.
03 / ExploreLearning
Learning
in the valley
Outdoor time includes gardening, bushcraft, movement and practical projects.
Time outdoors also leaves room to explore and play.
04 / Together
Community life
Shared meals, work days and village events bring children, families and educators together.
Children also take part in preparing, organising and caring for the shared spaces.
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Our spaces
The valley
and the village
We use two spaces in and around Espinhal: the valley and the Village House.
01
The Valley
Outdoor activities, gardening, bushcraft and space for movement, play and practical work.
02
The Village House
Spaces in Espinhal for study, creative projects, research and time together.
Espinhal · Penela · Coimbra
Portuguese & English
Two languages
in everyday use
Both Portuguese and English are spoken, with the aim of developing Portuguese fluency.
Home education
A learning
community
Waterfall Valley supports home-educating families. We are not a registered school; families arrange their child’s educational registration.
How it works
Our community
Families and educators,
working together
Families, educators and volunteers contribute through teaching, cooking, gardening, maintenance and sharing their skills.
We welcome families from different countries. Children and adults get to know one another during the week, at work days, festivals and village events.
Joining the project
Through the year
Celebrations, community events and local connection are a part of life throughout the year.
Social action
Being part of the wider community
Our programme includes getting to know the people and places around the local area. We aim to have shared projects, local events and integration with the wider community, welcoming people from all over the world.
From our families
Parents’
experiences
The educators and community have the talent to really connect with the children and build a special bond with them. Thank you for the passion from the whole team.
Our son has changed and matured into himself here in under a year with a new found passion and confidence for learning. What is available here is truly golden and unique!
The project is extraordinary. Like nature it will not fit in a box and therefore I don’t have the words to properly describe just how extraordinary it is.
I feel incredibly grateful to have discovered Waterfall Valley. It’s more than an education space, it’s a truly holistic learning environment where children are not only educated, but deeply seen, heard, and respected as a community.
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Early learning · Ages 3–6
Wildflowers Preschool
A bilingual learning community for children aged 3–6, with play, creative activities and time outdoors.
Find out more
Visiting & enrolment
Visit
Waterfall Valley
Tell us about your family, ask for a brochure or arrange a time to visit the project.
