Nurturing resilience through nature

Based at Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, New Leaf Learning helps children grow with confidence and connection through nature, guided by our unique TRUST method.

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Our mission

We help primary school children grow, thrive, and reach their potential — whatever their starting point.

Working with schools,families, and communities, we create nature-based learning environments that build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. Through evidence-based programmes and personalised support, children overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and develop skills for a more independent future.

In this video, Alex Preston — Lead Teacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and creator of The TRUST Programme — shares the psychology and educational neuroscience behind New Leaf Learning's compassionate, evidence-informed approach.

New Leaf Learning is a registered charity number 1202923.

Find out more About Us

Grow Your Own Toast: A New TRUST Programme Project for Schools

Thanks to a generous donation of wheat seed from Courteenhall Estate, TRUST Programme schools can now grow their own small crop of wheat, following its journey from seed to flour to bread.

Why Take Part?

Growing wheat gives children a hands-on learning experience linked to the TRUST method, helping them:

  • Understand where food comes from

  • Learn about farming, seasons and the natural environment

  • Build scientific skills through observation and recording

  • Develop teamwork, patience and resilience

  • Experience the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors

How It Works:

New Leaf Learning provides the seed; schools provide a sunny 1m² patch and some enthusiastic growers. This yields roughly 400g of wheat, which is enough, once milled, for a 500g loaf. We're happy to mill it for you.

  1. Prepare the ground: Clear and rake a level seedbed

  2. Sow the wheat: Sow your seeds 2–4cm deep, 15–20cm apart, then add water

  3. Watch it grow: Measure, photograph and log your progress

  4. Harvest the grain: Once golden and hard, you are ready to harvest

  5. Wheat to flour: Download your project sheet here

  6. Flour to bread: Your final project sheet guides the bake

Share Your Progress

Tag @newleaflearning as your school's crop grows so we can celebrate with you.

  • Parent feedback

    “Back in October my 8 year old daughter began to show visible signs of emotional distress just by going to school. It was a really difficult and challenging time for us all as a family whilst we tried to navigate her reluctance for school and being around people again.

    Now in her 5th and final week on the TRUST programme, the change in her is a miracle. We've had no panic attacks or uncontrollable crying through genuine fear before school each morning and she's spending more and more time now in the classroom.”

  • Parent feedback

    “My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her time at New Leaf Learning! I can see a huge difference around intent and this has helped her relationship with her sister and also has reduced conflict. I think it’s great that it is offered to all school children, as it meant I was able to refer her myself via communicating with the school. I can see she has picked up on lots of skills and it has been extremely beneficial to her. We will also continue to work on what she has learnt at home. Thank you.”

  • Parent feedback

    "The TRUST Programme has had a great impact on both my son and myself. I understand him more now. You have done a fabulous job in understanding his behaviour and putting it into perspective for me.

    I am so very happy with how he has come home every week with positive vibes. What a great difference this has made for us all. I would recommend it to all the schools."

  • Teacher feedback

    "Schools are seeing more children who need support with their mental health. By having this training and learning strategies ensures children are supported. Schools can take a consistent approach which is kind and nurturing. This training promotes a warm, safe and nurturing approach to behaviour management with children who have suffered trauma."

  • Child feedback

    "This is the best ever. I have learned how to make friends and I know they understand me and will be kind."

  • Teacher feedback

    "I am already seeing a positive impact in the school environment, with children who have not even had the opportunity to experience the Trust programme first-hand, simply because I am transferring the skills I've learned into the classroom."

  • Parent feedback

    “My son has enjoyed New Leaf Learning so much and we have definitely noticed changes in the way he communicates with us and comes out of sulks quicker! Plus he loves being outdoors more.”

  • Parent feedback

    “We have seen significant changes over the last 4 weeks.”

  • 20.6.26 - Tony Hopkin breaks 3rd World Record raising money for NLL

  • 22.5.26 - Chair of West Northants nominates New Leaf as one of their charities for 2026/7

  • 15.5.26 - Wine Tasting at Courteenhall raises £1600 for New Leaf Learning

  • 29.4.26 - Award winning Rockleigh Tree Surgeons visit New Leaf to inspire the next generation

  • 19.3.26 - The HDH Wills Trust announces a 3 year funding programme for New Leaf Learning