Welcome to Broadleaf
Home Educating Families Together, Flourishing in Community since 2010
Broadleaf is an award-winning Family Hub in the heart of the New Forest, dedicated to children who are educated at home.
Changemaker of the Year 2025
Our community of Home Educating parents create social, wellbeing, and enrichment opportunities for families across Wessex:
Social Clubs
Two mornings a week, we offer a variety of groups and clubs for families to spend time and share together.
On Wednesdays, we provide a Social Club for families with Home Educated teens aged 12-16 years. We offer optional activities for families, including a John Muir Award and a Life Skills project.
Fridays is our Wellbeing Club for families with teens, where parents and children can get involved with an ‘Around the World’ project every six weeks, or get creative using our extensive art and craft resources.
Friday is also time for Acorns, our social group for families with children under 12 years. Families can play in the allotment and meadow, make friends, and parents can have a cup of tea and a chat with others.
Family Support
Many of the families we work with have come to Home Education as a last resort and need support, care and time to adjust to a new way of life. We provide social spaces for parents to come together, find support and learn more about Home Education.
We also run a monthly programme of hands-on workshops for parents exploring all aspects of Home Education - exams to responsibilities, transitions from primary to secondary age, and educational philosophies to different approaches to Home Education.
These sessions offer a safe space for parents to connect with other families, whilst also allowing us to signpost parents to other support, as necessary.
Research Hub
We are proud to be part of the Acorns Research Network at the University of Southampton, where we contribute to ongoing studies around autism and education.
Through this partnership, our families are also invited to take part in PhD projects with postgraduate students, helping to shine a light on Home Education and the positive impact that learning outside of school can have on children and families.
Beyond this, Broadleaf is actively engaged in national conversations on Home Education—giving evidence at the Houses of Parliament, submitting written evidence to the Education Select Committee, and speaking publicly to share our community’s voice.
“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
“ 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