OUR STORY
Imaginarium came to life when we – Frances, a home educating parent and Lauren, a primary school teacher – noticed the need for a different kind of education space.
We wanted to create a place that would align with home education and provide a nurturing environment for children to explore their natural curiosity, learn together in groups and forge and build new friendships. We also wanted to support parents that juggle work and home educating and build a warm and supportive community for our families to be part of.
Listen to The RAISE Podcast - we are the first guests! (Recorded in summer 2024)
LAUREN
CO-FOUNDER
Lauren gained a degree in geography before starting her teaching career in Leeds. She spent time at an inspirational school in Norway then joined a large junior school in Brighton where she became a maths specialist teacher.
She loves using puzzles and games to teach problem solving in maths but is also passionate about sharing her knowledge of geography. Lauren loves reading and is a keen netball player.
Lauren is inspired by… kindness in animals. She loves stories about unlikely animal friendships and acts of heroism!
WHAT DO THE KIDS THINK OF LAUREN?
“Lauren is so inspiring and makes me feel so good about maths. Before her lessons I freaked out every time I did it”
“Lauren makes focus time fun and she is very, very kind”
FRANCES
CO-FOUNDER
Ever since she can remember Frances has loved all things green – her Grandad first taught her how to grow plants and nurtured her passion for nature.
After leaving school she followed her dream of becoming a singer, went on tour and spent time living in New York and Barcelona. She then went on to study garden design in the UK and returned to her horticultural roots. More than anything, Frances loves being a Mum.
Frances is inspired by… random acts of kindness.
WHAT DO THE KIDS THINK OF FRANCES?
“Frances is really funny and kind. She really likes stick insects and makes me feel not shy when I am shy”
“Fances is fun, silly and caring. She always listens to you and tries to help as much as possible”
RACHEL
Rachel really likes making things! After studying embroidery and sustainable fashion, she worked at a university helping students to create their own textiles.
She has 2 children who like to play games and create (messy) experiments. She loves cold weather, hot chocolate and pub quizzes.
Rachel is inspired by…colour and pattern in nature.
WHAT DO THE KIDS THINK OF RACHEL?
“Rachel is funny and good at making things”
“Rachel will always lend a hand. She’s smart, kind and fun to be with”
AMY
Amy has worked with children from babies to primary age her whole career. Amy is both a trained nanny and primary school teacher, with a specialism in early years and key stage 1. She has a passion for wellbeing and child-centred learning, which is why she wanted to work with children in an alternative setting with more freedom to nurture the whole person. Amy is mum to 2 year old Wren.
Amy is inspired by…children’s literature: Beatrix Potter, Jackie Morris and Oliver Jeffers are amongst her favourites.
WHAT DO THE KIDS THINK OF AMY?
“Amy is friendly, explains things really well and is great with art”
“Amy is funny and kind and she makes me laugh”
POSIE
Posie studied French at university and spent a year in Paris looking after three children. Following that, she was a Montessori teacher, which had a huge effect on her teaching philosophy; such as following the interests of the child and working at their pace. Posie is now a trained primary teacher and mum to two fantastic boys! She loves story telling, languages, history and film.
Posie is inspired by…nature. She is planning on doing a bee keeping course!
WHAT DO THE KIDS THINK OF POSIE?
“She is AMAZING with French and a good helper and a great listener”
“Posie is really nice to talk to. She makes me think I can do stuff”
INTERESTED IN HELPING OUT?
We are always on the look out for inspiring people who would like to support Imaginarium. Perhaps you have a passion and a skill to share with the children or some money burning a hole in your pocket that could help to enlarge our library or buy some new equipment. Maybe even help us find (or fund!) a permanent site…
