We are located in a small community building in Rabaçal, a village in Penela, just 20 minutes south of Coimbra. The Way of St James passes through our street, giving the area a special atmosphere as pilgrims travel through the region throughout the year, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.

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Our vision is of a learning community where children have access to culturally meaningful experiences that support their sense of belonging, participation and confidence in the world around them. We aim to create an environment in which children can develop the self-awareness, social confidence and practical abilities that support active participation in community life, alongside their personal interests and curiosities.

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The Cherry Tree Learning Community (CAC) is grounded in the belief that happiness is a fundamental and non-negotiable aspect of childhood. We recognise joy, curiosity and emotional well-being as natural starting points for growth, exploration and engagement with the world. Within the community, freedom, autonomy and individual pace are respected, allowing children to explore ideas, relationships and experiences in ways that feel meaningful to them.

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We recognise that each child brings unique interests, talents and ways of engaging with learning. For this reason, the environment is shaped collaboratively by families and facilitators to offer a variety of experiences, materials and forms of participation. Facilitators take time to get to know each child, supporting the creation of spaces and activities that encourage interaction, exploration and personal expression within a shared community setting.