AN alternative school operating from a site in the heart of Wiltshire woodland is hunting for a permanent home.

The School in the Woods is based in Rocks East Woods, between Marshfield and Colerne.

It was set up by a group of parents disillusioned by the traditional school system who wanted their children to learn in the great outdoors.

The school has six students, the run of 100 acres of woodland and a caravan for lessons when it is just too cold and rainy to be outside anymore.

"We want the children to learn to respect and to be in nature," said founder member Hedevig Blakstad.

"The children need adventure, and here they can see the seasons and how things grow. It is really magical, and it is the magical aspect, and their imaginations, which we want to nurture."

It was set up by Ms Blakstad and Shandy Dingle. They joined forces with Steiner-trained teacher Tricia Fewer and lessons began in February. Every day begins with music, when Ms Fewer plays the harp to the children.

Afterwards they have ring time, when the five to seven-year-old pupils share poems, games and songs, relating to the unfolding seasons.

Then they have a main lesson, which lasts between one and one and a half hours. This focuses on literacy and numeracy skills.

The children have a break, and then continue the day with music, drama, dance or a long walk.

After lunch different teachers take the children for a range of practical activities.

They spend the afternoon gaining hands-on experience in woodwork, knitting and sewing, organic gardening, and ecology.

"The children are encouraged to enjoy adventure," said Ms Blakstad.

"Their gardening teacher helps them explore and build dams, and they look at the trees."

Ms Blakstad said her son started at a conventional primary school, but did not settle. She was worried about the lack of music and art in the curriculum.

Now the school is set up, they have been inundated with calls from other parents interested in the new project, as well as teachers keen to become involved.

In the long term they hope to buy a piece of woodland and build an ecologically friendly school for primary and secondary school age children.

In the short term they aim to launch a reception class for four to five year olds in September and hope to find a permanent home by then.

"We will need something else by September," said Ms Blakstad. "We have a waiting list already for children wanting to start in a reception class in September.

"There could be some complications building in the green belt but I hope the authorities understand we must have green solutions."

The school is registered with the Department of Health and Education, and parents are required to contribute £50 a week to cover costs.

The teachers do not follow the National Curriculum, but Ms Blakstad said they kept an eye on the requirements so children will not fall behind.

A secondary school would cater for children studying GCSEs.

"The children absolutely love it," said Ms Blakstad. "My son tells everyone his school is fantastic."

The school is hoping to register as a charity and is applying for funding from the National Lottery.

School in the Woods organisers are keen to hear from anyone who might have a suitable patch of woodland where a permanent school could be built.

Anyone keen to support the school or enrol their child can contact Ms Blakstad on (01225) 722597.