Lessons cancelled at new Pease Pottage school for fun ‘duvet day’

Hayley Peacock, who also founded Atelier 21 Future School, allowed the children to stay in their pyjamas while they chilled out watching films and eating popcorn.

The aim of the pyjama movie day was to help parents struggling to balance work and home schooling and to support the children’s mental health.

Hayley, who also set upLittle Barn Owls nurseries in Horsham, said: “Children and families are struggling and it’s actually heartbreaking to hear, especially when we have such a happy community usually.

“It feels good to know that fast decisions like cancelling a day of lessons to have a fun PJ movie screening instead are welcomed.

“We have a duty of care to provide a more relaxed and supportive attitude. We need to inject some serious fun into our young learners lives at a time when they need it most, so that’s what we are prioritising for the next couple of weeks – fun!”

A mass game of hide and seek was first on the pupils’ agenda, as they found hidey holes and cupboards to climb in whilst teachers and other children tried to find them.

Next, some of the children built structures from Lego, others set up an obstacle course in the garden, while two 11-year-old girls challenged themselves to bake a giant cookie.

Hayley said: “Once lunch was finished, the popcorn was ready to be served in the makeshift ‘cinema room’ where we live streamed a movie to watch in school and to all of our home learners at the same time.

“It’s been really fun and we will certainly be having more days like this over the coming weeks – it put smiles on everyone’s faces.

“No plans made, just going with the rhythm of what the children want to do. “

Based in Broadfield Park, Atelier 21 Future School says it is the UK’s first Reggio Emilia-inspired, enquiry-based learning ‘future school’ for children aged 0-14 years.

The school says its size of and its ‘progressive approach to learning’ means that it is possible for changes to be made to lesson plans at short notice.

With a teacher to child ratio of 1:10, the school says it is also easier for the staff to notice any changes in the children’s motivation and behaviour and when their well-being needs boosting.

For more information about Atelier 21 Future School, visit https://atelier21schools.co.uk/

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