The Cabin and the Lodge are consent-based, self-directed learning communities for home educated young people. They provide a space in which young people can be themselves, follow and explore their own curiosity and interests, get to know their personal boundaries and the boundaries of others. Young people get to know their needs and personal ways of being, strengths and challenges, in supportive and affirming community. The Cabin is for young people aged 5-11, and the Lodge is for people aged 10-13 (it will eventually go up to 16). Both communities are supported by a dedicated team of facilitators. 

The Cabin is open during term-time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am-3pm. The Lodge is currently open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-3pm. The Cabin is located in the village of Berden, which sits on the Herts/Essex border. The Lodge is located in the heart of the market town of Saffron Walden, Essex. 
 
The Cabin and the Lodge are examples of the environment that we believe people need to live and grow in a whole, healthy and authentic way. They provide a regular, consistent, community experience, a place in which you can be yourself, build and navigate relationships, and feel a sense of belonging that extends that which you feel in your home and family. We believe that young people and families that choose to walk an unschooling, self-directed and consent-based path, deserve the opportunity to do so in community.
 
The Cabin and the Lodge are underpinned by a set of Guiding Principles that help us to build and maintain our culture for being together. They are made possible by the love and dedication of a fantastic team engaging in their own de-schooling and self-actualisation journeys, and the trust and commitment of families that choose to join us. You can find out more about how a typical day happens here for the Cabin, and here for the Lodge. 
 
The Cabin was co-founded by Sophie Christophy and Sarah Stollery. Sophie developed the theory and practice of Consent-Based Education in 2016, and with Sarah's support, this unfolded into the Guiding Principles that we work with today. The Lodge was co-founded together by Sophie, Sarah and Max Hope. You can find out all about the team that make these spaces possible here.