Little Stewards Handbook
A look into our Little Stewards World!
Our Commitment to Values, Ethics, and Transparency
Explore how we care, learn, and grow together.
At Little Stewards, we believe that trust and clarity are the roots of a thriving community. From the way we plan our sessions to how we guide children, our principles, values, and ethics shape everything we do. We want parents and families to know not just what happens, but why it happens — so you can feel confident that your child is learning, playing, and growing in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment.
Transparency and accountability are at the heart of our practice. By sharing our guiding principles, code of conduct, and approaches to wellbeing, we provide a clear framework that supports children, families, and facilitators alike. This ensures everyone can feel safe, respected, and heard, while exploring, creating, and connecting with the land, the community, and each other.
At Little Stewards, values aren’t just words on a page, they’re lived every day through play, care, curiosity, and stewardship, helping children grow into confident, compassionate, and capable stewards of the world around them.
Our Mission Statement
‘ To create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space where children can explore, play, and grow in connection with themselves, each other, and the natural world. We aim to nurture the awe, curiosity, and care that children naturally carry for life around them, while giving them the skills, knowledge, and confidence to act as stewards of the land and the wider community.’
Guided by our Founding Pillars, we commit to:
Respecting each child as they are, supporting their individual growth and expression.
Fostering connection to nature, the land, and all living beings
Blending play, creativity, and learning with hands-on experiences
Empowering children to make thoughtful choices, take measured risks, and understand the impact of their actions on themselves, others, and the Earth.
Modeling and practicing stewardship, empathy, and compassion, showing children how to care for the land, each other, and future generations.
Growing a community of learners, children, families, and facilitators, who collaborate, respect, and celebrate diversity, curiosity, and wonder
Our Principles
1. Start from the centre of the spiral. The spiral reminds us to start in the middle, with you. Take a deep breath, feel your feet on the ground, and notice how you feel. 2. Move from authenticity and intuition Inside you is a quiet feeling, a little voice in your heart or tummy — that helps you know what feels right or not. 3. Respect the lives of future generations
4. Hold a balance Give equal attention to what is happening inside you and what is happening around you (others and nature).
5. Keep playing, no matter how old you get 6. Stay humble and ready to learn We can learn from everyone and everything, friends, nature, and even mistakes. 7. Only ever “steward” what is alive, never treat them like you own them.
The Earth and all living beings belong to life itself. When something is placed in our care, we ask: How can I look after you best? 8. Listen to the whispers and wonders of nature When we pay attention, we learn to appreciate and care for the world more deeply. 9. Try to cause as little harm as possible It is impossible to cause no harm at all, but we can always try to reduce it. 10. Celebrate diversity and integration Just like a healthy forest, our communities are stronger and richer when they are as colourful as possible.
11. Make space for silence and noise 12. Move from compassion and love for all beings
Our Code Of Conduct
I treat all living things, people, animals, and plants, with kindness and care.
I look after the Earth and this land with love and respect.
I listen carefully to my teachers and follow the rules of the site.
I stay safe and act responsibly, especially around things like fire or tools.
5. I only eat wild plants or foraged food if I’ve checked with a teacher first.
6. I listen when others are speaking and let everyone have a turn.
7. I share tools, toys, and tasks and I return them when I’m done.
8. I respect other people’s personal space and boundaries.
9. If something feels wrong or upsetting, I talk to a teacher or trusted adult.
10. I use gentle hands with others, no hitting, grabbing, or hurting.
11. I don’t laugh at or make fun of anyone.
12. I show care and kindness to others when they need help.
13. I try to include everyone in games and activities, no one should feel left out.
14. I respect people for who they are, and I celebrate what makes each of us unique.
15. I don’t judge others by how they look, dress, or play.
16. I try my best to say what I need in a kind and respectful way.
The Spiral and our Values
The spiral is an ancient symbol representing the journey of life and the connection between our inner and outer selves. In our Little Stewards sessions, we start inside the spiral, exploring our own hearts and feelings, then gradually move outward to connect with the world around us. Along the way, we notice the small magic in everyday things, like the beauty of a tree or a sunset. By the end, we often discover what to do next, whether in nature or with friends. This journey helps us feel connected to ourselves and everything around us. You’ll learn it at your own pace.
5. I only eat wild plants or foraged food if I’ve checked with a teacher first.
6. I listen when others are speaking and let everyone have a turn.
7. I share tools, toys, and tasks and I return them when I’m done.
8. I respect other people’s personal space and boundaries.
9. If something feels wrong or upsetting, I talk to a teacher or trusted adult.
10. I use gentle hands with others, no hitting, grabbing, or hurting.
11. I don’t laugh at or make fun of anyone.
12. I show care and kindness to others when they need help.
13. I try to include everyone in games and activities, no one should feel left out.
14. I respect people for who they are, and I celebrate what makes each of us unique.
15. I don’t judge others by how they look, dress, or play.
16. I try my best to say what I need in a kind and respectful way.
Our Feather Ceremony
At Little Stewards, we guide children’s behaviour through relationship, reflection, and repair, not punishment. The Flag & Feather System helps children learn to live our Code of Conduct while celebrating their growth, contribution, and care for others and the land.
Green Flags – Celebration & Growth:
Children earn green flags when they show care, teamwork, courage, kindness, leadership, commitment to the land, or personal effort. Green flags are noted quietly by facilitators, without comparison between children.
When a child collects five green flags, they take part in the Feather Ceremony, where a feather is added to their feather crown, creating a visible celebration of their growth and contribution.
Orange Flags – Pause & Reflect:
Orange flags are given quietly if the Code of Conduct isn’t being followed and gentle reminders haven’t worked. They invite reflection and repair, helping children learn from the moment. Orange flags never remove green flags or feathers.Red Flags – Support & Care:
Red flags are rare and used when a child consistently struggles despite support. They are handled confidentially with parents/carers and focus on providing additional care or guidance.
Our approach:
Corrections are private; celebrations are communal.
Green flags are noted quietly, orange and red flags are handled privately, and feathers are celebrated openly.
This system encourages a culture of kindness, learning, and belonging, helping children feel proud of their contributions and connected to their community and the land.
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Would you like to read into our entire Handbook to find out more about policies and procedures?