Low Contact Community
Written by: Lorna Norton
In light of the current worldwide situation, understandably there’s a considerable amount of fear and worry around gatherings of people. Together we’ve had a really long think about the realities of what that means for the homestead and how we deal with it.
Thankfully we’re in such a privileged position to have an abundance of space, the woodland, the field and all the little nooks around the the land. This space helps us be a low contact, low risk community.
In creating our termly curriculum, we carefully curate activities and learning to suit the community; the age of the children, the amount of families and the season. Having looked at what’s planned and the current pandemic, we’re shifting things around a little.
We’re using this as a real opportunity to get back to our ethos of spending time together outdoors for both parent and child. Being. Exploring. Learning together. A little pocket of time out of the daily to do’s to stop and do the thing that matters most, connect and bond.
If you’re booked into the new term, you’ll be joining us at the homestead for the next 8 weeks. You’ll also be testing out a slightly new flow of things. Still in a community gathering, but with the chance to take time away from the group to experience things alone with your child(ren.)
It’s a really strange oxymoron, that we’re hoping to bring a community of folk together yet also facilitating you to spend time with just your little one whilst at the Homestead.
We hope that over the next 8 weeks whilst the world is in a viral flux that you still are able to come be outside, getting ALL the benefits of fresh air, earth grounding and quality hands in the dirt.
So... what does this mean in practise?! Beyond the current guidelines of hand washing and social distancing if you’re sick or unwell (which as parents we tend to do anyways?!) the classes will be structured as such...
Each area of the homestead will have a slightly different focus. The woodland, arts area, Holly the polytunnel, Wander the Yurt, the field, the slingshot area and the labyrinth. We’ll make sure there are enough activities on each to allow for one or two families to really have a good play.
When you’re done, begin to move to another activity which looks like there’s space. If not, have a play somewhere else. We know that together we can make it work. And if it all fails, a run across the field and a splash in the stream!
If you’re booked in for the term we’re also offering a chance to come play another day, in addition to your regular slot, for just £5. If cabin fever is hitting hard and you’re wanting a safe space to come play, email or message us. We’d love to see you.
Thank you so much for your time and commitment to the homestead. We really hope the season will be one of love and learning rather than fear and worry.
All our very best,
Charlotte and Lorna xx
