Hello
Furness Education Co. has grown from years of learning, hard work and reflection, and is a response to the gap I have seen in the support and education available for young people in and around the Furness area. After several iterations and refinements of the approaches, purpose, and ideas we use, I am now delighted to offer a range of services focused on Nature, Nurture, and Learning to empower young people to thrive.
John Harrington, Founder
My Story
My work is driven by a belief that every young person deserves to feel understood, supported, and encouraged to overcome the challenges they face. I believe every child deserves the chance to feel safe, connected and confident in who they are, and sometimes they just need the right support around them to get there. Whether working with a young person in nature, mentoring them in the community or supporting them in the home or school, I aim to always help young people feel seen, heard and valued.
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Over the past two years, I’ve worked with the Local Authority, offering consultation and support around Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Much of my work has focused on helping young people experiencing Emotional Based School Avoidance, many of whom are neurodiverse or experience anxiety. I have worked alongside parents, teachers and other professionals to build understanding, strengthen relationships and explore and create practical ways to help each young person achieve the outcomes they wanted.
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Before my work with the Local Authority, I spent many years teaching, mentoring and leading outdoor learning programmes across the Lake District. From Forest School sessions and residential care work to adventure activities and the National Citizen Service, I’ve seen how giving young people space and time, and surrounding them with the right people who have the right skills, can help them grow in confidence and build a passion for learning and living life.
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I hold a First-Class Degree in Outdoor Education, a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status and a Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification. I’m also trained as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) and have extensive CPD in safeguarding and the care of young people, as well as in neurodivergence awareness and Mental Health Support. More than anything, I bring a genuine and strong belief that through relationships based on empathy, understanding and respect, young people can feel heard and understood.