Community Classroom CIC
We are a dynamic, community-based learning space for young people aged between 5 and 14. We focus on cross-curricular, project-based activities and real-world skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Our Approach
The Community Classroom offers science, art, humanities and outdoor learning sessions, underpinned by a progressive educational approach which encourages respect and independence.
It's no secret that many children do not fulfil their learning potential within the mainstream school system. After years of working with children both in and out of the classroom, and after completing an MA in Education, I have developed the child-led learning approach used in the Community Classroom.
Our Story
My name is Nirvana, and I'm the founder of the Community Classroom CIC. After qualifying as a primary school teacher in 2021, I wanted to educate young people in a way that I felt was more fit for the future.
I started out running single workshops for home-educated children under the name Lark Learning, but quickly realised I wanted to create more of a community where children could explore a broader range of topics and earn qualifications. In November 2024 I successfully applied for funding to set up the Community Classroom, a registered Community Interest Company. As of January 2025, we are now operating from a new premises with outdoor space, with different session leaders and new partnerships to offer unique qualifications such as Arts Award and Environment Leaders.
Why Join the Community Classroom?
We welcome any young person, regardless of your reason for home educating - all we ask is that you're willing to have a go! We currently run sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 - 14:00, in Maida Hill, West London.
We are committed to making our sessions accessible, and therefore offer a sliding scale for our subscription payments, with significant discounts for families eligible for Universal Credit.
Child-led
Learning is more engaging when the task is self-chosen. Our sessions plan with children's interests in mind, often in collaboration with the children, and are adapted to meet children's individual needs.
Cross-curricular
Rather than teaching in 'subject silos', we cover multiple topics in each session. Creating links between different areas of knowledge makes the learning more relevant to young people, especially in the highly-connected world of the 21st century.
Montessori-inspired
The Montessori Method is a progressive educational approach that supports children to become independent learners and considerate members of the community. While best known for its use for ages 3-6, it can be used effectively from birth to 18.
Sustainable
We use learning resources from the Ministry of Eco Education to teach about living sustainably in an inspiring and age-appropriate way.
30+
young learners since May 2024
4
staff members as session leaders and assistants
5
community partners in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and beyond
Contact us
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.