The School System Left Us Behind. Here’s What We’re Building Instead

Hi! I'm Chelsea, founder of the Nurture Nook. Today I want to talk about the education system, and how it is failing us (now that will give you something to think about over your corn flakes!) 

Now I don't mean schools, and I don't mean teachers, because I am very well aware that teachers, senior leadership, and in fact all school staff are working tirelessly to ensure that the children are looked after and cared for. 

But I want to be honest with you about what it’s really like working in the modern school system.

I know from working as a teacher myself and from friends who still teach - that there is so much pressure and so many expectations put on both students and the teachers that no matter how hard they are working, it’s failing our children. 

Times have changed dramatically since the traditional 9-5, and our understandings of wellbeing, neurodiversity, and mental health have come a long way.  

Many workplaces are adapting to allow more flexible working, and the  opportunity for staff to work around their family life, providing opportunities and just caring for the general wellbeing of their employees. 

If covid taught us one thing, it’s that there’s more to life than going to work. There's family, there's community, there's love and relationships. Anyway 

So while the rest of the working world is adapting to a potentially softer, more understanding way of life, the education system is not.

We are still putting the children in school 9 while 3 (sometimes longer). The bell is ringing at nine o’ clock, they are expected to line up, walk single file, wear uniform, and sit at desks. 

Toilet when it is expected of them. Eat at specific times. Play at specific times. Even speak at specific times. Children are still expected to conform. 

The focus in schools is primarily on reading, writing, maths, and cramming everything else in between. I appreciate the importance of these subjects and that some children thrive in this environment, but the simple truth is that the majority of children do not. 

And despite teachers trying their utmost best and schools enrolling staff in training on mental health, well being, emotional regulation etc, to support  our children, it is not enough.

Because they cannot fix things within a school system that is already broken.

There is not enough time in one school year, let alone a school day. 

This leaves pupils feeling isolated and confused, and parents worried about their children ‘falling behind.’ To me, this is not what learning is about.

That’s why I created The Nurture Nook, to create an environment where children can learn and grow at their own pace and away from desks. 

Because I believe our children’s learning experience should be as rich and fulfilling as their imaginations.

So if you’re starting to question the education system, or feeling a little bit on the outside of it all, you’re in the right place.

There is a growing community of parents in Yorkshire and beyond, learning how to bring joy and community back into the school day - even if this doesn’t happen in a school building. 

And the Nurture Nook is one of these spots, for mums just like me, who are feeling let down by their child’s education. 

These places - even this blog - are a reminder that there is another way to make learning feel fun and supportive again.

If that sounds like your kind of lesson, then stick around, because we’ve got a lot to learn!

Want to find out more?

Join us at our next learning experience.