Georgia's Approach.

What Is Georgia’s Approach?

Georgia’s Approach is the core method behind everything we do at Welcome to the Lion’s Den. It starts with building a connection, listening to the child’s voice and understanding what helps them feel comfortable, involved and ready to learn.

We use practical and creative activities to support emotional regulation and help children build confidence, self-esteem and independence. Each child has time to explore, practise and progress at their own pace, with patient support and encouragement.

As a qualified social worker, builder and joiner, and bushcraft instructor trained in survival and foraging, I draw on my professional training and life experiences to put this approach into practice. Buddhist mindfulness and Christian values also shape my commitment to kindness, reflection, compassion and respect.

Created With Georgia

My daughter, Georgia, is autistic and has a speech delay. Georgia’s Approach grew from our experiences as she was growing up and my wish to help her lead a fulfilling life.

I developed the approach with Georgia, listening to what she enjoyed, what mattered to her and what helped her feel confident and involved. Her choices, preferences and ways of communicating helped shape the support we built together.

That same principle guides our work with other children: their voice belongs at the centre of their learning and support.

The Principles That Guide Us

Connection comes first. We take time to get to know each child and build trust through shared interests, reliable support and caring boundaries.

The child’s voice matters. We involve children in choices and listen to how they communicate, whether through words, gestures, expressions or actions.

We build on strengths. A child’s interests and abilities give us a starting point for learning. We recognise effort and progress, giving them opportunities to experience achievement.

We support emotional regulation. We help children notice their feelings, communicate their needs and explore what helps them feel settled. This might mean taking a break, moving, asking for help or having someone calmly alongside them.

Learning happens through doing. Practical and creative activities give children opportunities to solve problems, make decisions and develop skills they can use in everyday life.

Learning Through Practical Experiences

We choose and adapt activities around each child’s needs, interests and readiness. These include:

• Bushcraft and survival skills, offering opportunities to practise teamwork, assess risks and become more resourceful.

• Foraging and nature exploration, learning about fungi, slime moulds, trees, fruits and plants, including their traditional uses and the importance of safe identification.

• Human history and anthropology, exploring our ancestors, including Neanderthals, and how people lived, worked together and adapted.

• Building and joinery, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, careful decisions and pride in making something.

• Mindfulness inspired by Buddhism, encouraging children to notice their surroundings, thoughts and feelings in ways they feel comfortable with.

• Martial arts, providing opportunities to develop fitness, focus, self-control and respect.

My social work education in human growth and development helps me consider how these experiences can be adapted to each child’s stage of development.

Understanding the Child, Supporting the Family

Every child learns differently. We take time to understand their needs and consider how their experiences, surroundings and feelings may affect their ability to take part.

We look beyond behaviour and ask what a child may be communicating or finding difficult. We respond with patience, clear boundaries and support.

Communication does not always need words. Sometimes a nod is enough. We respect different ways of expressing feelings and give children time to be heard without pressure.

Families are central to Georgia’s Approach. We listen to parents and carers, value their knowledge of their child and work alongside them without blame or shame. Supporting parents and carers is part of supporting the child.

Our Values

We value nurturing relationships, positive male role models, equality for women and girls, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

There is room for children to be lively, quiet, cheeky, curious or strong-willed. We welcome their individuality while helping them develop consideration for themselves and others.

Georgia’s Approach gives children space to be themselves, a voice in their own learning and practical opportunities to grow—with connection, care and fun at its heart.