Fairytale Farm launches Learning Hub for home educating community
This September a new Learning Hub is launching at Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton, to fill a gap for the home educating community.
The Hub, led by qualified teachers and experts will be offering creative and fun learning experiences for young people of all ages. The provision includes a preschoolers group and a varied program for home-educated children to access during term time.
Local Therapist Clare Bay, who is part of the team that is bringing the Learning Hub to life, has seen a huge increase in families coming into her clinic needing support with alternative education ideas.
Clare says: “Since Covid there has been a steep increase in children and young people refusing school, and families realising that the mainstream education may not be the best way forward for their child.”
Having spent lots of time at Fairytale Farm with her children Clare realised what a fantastic location it would be to run a hub for young people who are better suited to learning outdoors in a more sensory and creative style: “Learning in nature and amongst animals can help children to regulate and connect with others and themselves in a very powerful way”.
The hub will not only provide a space for children to learn but is also a place for families to build community and share their journey and experience in home education.
Qualified Teacher Natalie Rushton will be running the education programme.
She says: “Our workshops and groups will include an array of subjects such as: art, creative writing, storytelling, drama, outdoor learning, animal care, design and construction, all with a focus on learning through nature.
“We will also be offering after-school clubs for primary aged children, plus mindfulness groups for young people up to aged 16.”
Natalie also explains the ethos behind the Learning Hub:
“I think great learning starts with helping children grow in confidence and self esteem and about following their own curiosities. We are excited to offer a hands-on, open ended approach to learning at The Hub and our philosophy is to encourage children to explore, create and grow at their own unique pace.
“We will be taking full advantage of the diverse learning environments available at Fairytale Farm and as much as possible, the children will be working outside and alongside the wonderful animals who live here. The seasons and our natural world will form a key source of inspiration for our young learners at The Hub and we will be exploring how to live in greater balance with nature.”
Natalie concludes: “We aim to provide a safe space for fun, freedom and imaginative play, allowing the children to challenge themselves, ask questions and take risks with their learning. I cannot wait to welcome our first children along and watch the magic unfold.”
More information can be found here: http://www.fairytalefarmlearninghub.co.uk
ENDS
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Information for Editors
Fairytale Farm is a family-friendly attraction dedicated to creating magical experiences for visitors of all ages. With a combination of enchanting tales and interactive exhibits, Fairytale Farm provides a unique and engaging environment for families to explore and enjoy.
Fairytale Farm can be found on the A44 (Oxford to Chipping Norton road), just outside Chipping Norton. Our website is www.fairytalefarm.co.uk.
The address is Fairytale Farm, Southcombe, Chipping Norton, OX7 5QH. Tel: 01608 238014. Email: info@fairytalefarm.co.uk .
Fairytale Farm has won a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as Best Family Entertainment Centre in the Park World Excellence Awards 2021. It was a Finalist in the National Farm Attractions Network ‘Farm Attraction of the Year’ award 2024. A VisitEngland survey found Fairytale Farm was England’s fastest growing farm attraction between 2019 and 2023.
More photographs of Fairytale Farm can be provided on request.
You can also find out more at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fairytalefarm/
Tickets to the Learning Hub can be bought online here: https://fairytalefarm.digitickets.co.uk/category/56488
The farm is open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Fairytale Farm is a member of Experience Oxfordshire, Cotswolds Tourism, Shakespeare’s England, Tourism South East, Tourism For All and the National Farm Attractions Network.
