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Date Published: 25/06/2026
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Hands-on fun for all ages
Our Family Learning tutors - Lauren, Paula and James - led a variety of free, hands-on activities designed to bring families together through creativity:
- Make your own musical instrument using recycled materials
- Create woven turtles with colourful threads
- Design and build your own kite
- Badge making (a huge hit throughout the day!)
Families loved getting stuck in, and it was wonderful to see both children and adults joining in. In fact, we made around 200 personalised badges, with designs celebrating everything from favourite colours and animals to cultural identities and global themes.
Learning together, having fun together
One of the best parts of the day was seeing how naturally learning happens through play and creativity. Children explored sounds, textures and movement, while parents and carers had the chance to step back, join in, and enjoy meaningful time together.
Many children returned to activities more than once, building confidence and pride in what they created. Some who found it tricky to settle at first became calm and focused when they found an activity they enjoyed - showing just how powerful the right environment can be.
Celebrating diversity and inclusion
The festival brought together families from many different backgrounds, and it was a joy to see this reflected in the creations. Some children designed badges showing both their home country and the UK, proudly celebrating who they are.
We also welcomed many children with additional and neurodiverse needs, and our team ensured activities were flexible, supportive and inclusive. Sensory elements - like our sparkling curtain - helped draw children in and keep them engaged.
Discovering Family Learning
For many families, this was their first introduction to Family Learning - and the response was incredibly positive! We had lots of great conversations with parents and carers about how our courses can help:
- Build confidence in supporting children's learning
- Develop new skills as a family
- Better understand additional needs, including autism
- Create fun, low-pressure learning experiences at home
There was especially strong interest in our autism-related courses, as well as our flexible online sessions starting in July.
Why try a Family Learning course?
If you enjoyed the sound of our festival activities, you'll love what we offer all year round! Our courses are:
- Friendly and welcoming
- Designed for parents, carers and children to learn together
- Focused on real-life skills you can use at home
- Flexible, with many online options
Whether you want to support your child's development, gain confidence, or just spend quality time learning together, Family Learning is here for you.