TWO PRIMARY school teachers are on a mission to change teaching.

Anita Garai and Karen Russell have set up a new alternative learning school.

They have 33 years of teaching experience between them and they say they have decided to do something about the way our children are being educated.

Anita said: “We’ve both seen what our current education system is doing to some of our children.

“It’s just not set up to give them all what they need.

“Sitting at desks and working towards tests is genuinely OK for some.

“But for many, it’s just not who they are and it doesn’t suit them.

“Some manage to adapt themselves in order to conform and stay out of trouble but they can lose the essence of who they really are in the process.

“Others, however, can’t and they can become seen as failures and troublemakers.

“It’s heartbreaking to stand by and watch.”

The two teachers met by chance as Anita was collecting a friend’s daughter from her tutoring session.

The tutor turned out to be Karen.

Anita said: “We started chatting and quickly realised that we shared a very similar vision, to create an alternative learning community for children who can’t thrive in our current system.’’

A few months later they found a location for their learning community, on the edge of the South Downs in North Peacehaven.

It has an indoor space set in an outdoor environment,

Karen and Anita are ready to welcome families in September.

Karen said: “We have called ourselves Turtle Alternative Learning as in many traditions, turtles represent a steadily unfolding journey through life. It aligns perfectly with our philosophy that children should be allowed to learn and grow at their natural pace.

“Coming to Turtle Alternative Learning will be a journey of discovery for every child, one that nourishes their creativity, encourages their curiosity, and gives them the tools they need to thrive.

“The curriculum at Turtle will be personalised to the children who attend.

“It will be designed around their interests and curiosities, as well as inspired by the environment and spontaneous happenings.”

Go to www.turtlealtlearning.co.uk for more information.

You can mail info@turtlealtlearning.co.uk