About studio-32
At Studio-32, we believe that every child is born with limitless creativity, imagination, and potential. Our small, nurturing studio provides a safe and inspiring environment for children who may not thrive in traditional school settings to reconnect with learning through child led creativity and design . Our mission is to help children unlearn the limitations school may have placed on them and rediscover the joy of creating, learning, and becoming.
At Studio-32, we know that every child has the potential to be creative. Our philosophy centres around providing a small inclusive environment that nurtures individual strengths and passions. Children mainly work 1:1 or within small, bespoke groups.
Children are encouraged to create, design, and experiment in ways that feel meaningful to them. This might look like: Designing and making products to sell in small-scale entrepreneurial projects. Exploring painting, printing, textiles, sculpture, or 3D modelling. Learning practical skills such as upcycling, sewing, woodworking, or collage. Even eventually turning ideas into real-world projects – from concept to finished piece. Working at their own pace in a calm, supportive environment. Every child’s journey is unique – some may focus on art and expression, others on inventing or building, others on business and enterprise. Each child's journey is their own.
Studio-32 is for children and young people who find mainstream education overwhelming, uninspiring, or unsuitable. We work especially well for: Neurodivergent children (including ADHD, ASD, PDA). Those who learn best in small groups or 1:1. Children who are creative, curious, and thrive when given freedom. Families seeking an alternative to school-based pressures and judgement.
our journey to Studio-32
My journey
My background
My journey
If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’ve been on a similar journey. A journey you never chose, yet somehow were given a ticket for.
Mine began with my youngest son, who from his very first day at school simply did not fit. He was always “too much” — too loud, too headstrong, too determined, too individual. After three primary scho
If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’ve been on a similar journey. A journey you never chose, yet somehow were given a ticket for.
Mine began with my youngest son, who from his very first day at school simply did not fit. He was always “too much” — too loud, too headstrong, too determined, too individual. After three primary schools and an ADHD diagnosis, I made the decision to ‘electively’ home educate. The truth is, it wasn’t really elective. It was the only option left.
Home education didn’t work as we had hoped, so I began the long road of applying for an EHCP following his diagnosis of ASD with Demand Avoidance. By then it was clear that no school setting - specialist or mainstream - could meet his needs. Along the way, my eyes opened to the reality of our education system: broken beyond repair. A system that suppresses children’s natural curiosity and creativity, replacing it with assessments, reward charts for conformity and endless attempts to make every child fit neatly into the same box.
Eventually, we secured an EOTAS package, which offered the freedom and flexibility my son needed to learn and grow. And with that, the seed was planted: the vision for a space where children can simply be themselves. A place where learning is child-led, creativity has no limits, and there are no grades, no “right” or “wrong,” just the joy of exploration and expression.
I believe with all my heart that creating and learning are our most natural states as humans. When given the chance to do this without judgment or pressure, children thrive. And that is the kind of space I am building here.
Studio-32
My background
My journey
Our studio is designed to be a safe and welcoming space, with everything children need close at hand. A retro-funky WC, a cosy kitchen and wash area, big desks, and plenty of equipment mean we can create almost anything we imagine. And if something isn’t here yet? Then together, we’ll source it, make it, or find a way. That’s part of the
Our studio is designed to be a safe and welcoming space, with everything children need close at hand. A retro-funky WC, a cosy kitchen and wash area, big desks, and plenty of equipment mean we can create almost anything we imagine. And if something isn’t here yet? Then together, we’ll source it, make it, or find a way. That’s part of the adventure.
We’re tucked away on the outskirts of Preston, surrounded by trees and nature — the perfect backdrop for deep breaths, calm minds, and creativity. Adding to the welcome is our resident cockerpoo, Bonnie, who is always ready with cuddles… or hoping for snacks.
My background
My background
My background
With a love of art, history and passion for creating, be it paper flowers or up-cycling furniture, my degree in Design History was the perfect option. I acquired a PGCE in Art and Design which led me into several years of secondary and post 16 teaching.
A career break for children saw me removed from formal education and into the realms o
With a love of art, history and passion for creating, be it paper flowers or up-cycling furniture, my degree in Design History was the perfect option. I acquired a PGCE in Art and Design which led me into several years of secondary and post 16 teaching.
A career break for children saw me removed from formal education and into the realms of hobby crafting and art, from upholstery to paper marbling to wool felting - if it is creative I will give it a go.
More formally I have recently undergone Laura Kerby's Level 3 PDA training.
Fostering Creativity
Our Philosophy
Why creativity matters
Our Core Values
We are guided by the Reggio Emilia approach, which places the child at the centre of their own learning journey. Instead of rigid lessons and top-down teaching, we offer:
Child-led exploration – projects grow from children’s own interests and ideas. Hands-on creativity – art, design, and making as tools for expression, problem-solving, an
We are guided by the Reggio Emilia approach, which places the child at the centre of their own learning journey. Instead of rigid lessons and top-down teaching, we offer:
Child-led exploration – projects grow from children’s own interests and ideas. Hands-on creativity – art, design, and making as tools for expression, problem-solving, and self-discovery.
Community and collaboration – learning together either 1:1 or in very small groups where every voice matters.
Respect for individuality – we embrace difference, neurodiversity, and unique ways of thinking.
Freedom to fail – because mistakes are part of innovation, growth, and resilience.
Our Core Values
Why creativity matters
Our Core Values
Our Core Values (or five pillars) These guide everything we do:
Imagination – sparking creativity through curiosity and wonder.
Expression – every child deserves to be heard and seen through their work.
Entrepreneurship – encouraging innovation, problem-solving, and real-world skills.
Resilience – embracing mistakes as stepping stones to
Our Core Values (or five pillars) These guide everything we do:
Imagination – sparking creativity through curiosity and wonder.
Expression – every child deserves to be heard and seen through their work.
Entrepreneurship – encouraging innovation, problem-solving, and real-world skills.
Resilience – embracing mistakes as stepping stones to growth.
Community – building belonging, collaboration, and shared success.
Why creativity matters
Why creativity matters
Why creativity matters
Art and creating are about so much more than making something beautiful to take home. They give children space to express themselves, to discover who they are, and to build skills that last a lifetime.
Confidence & Self-Belief – With no right or wrong answers, creativity allows children to explore freely, take risks, and feel proud of what
Art and creating are about so much more than making something beautiful to take home. They give children space to express themselves, to discover who they are, and to build skills that last a lifetime.
Confidence & Self-Belief – With no right or wrong answers, creativity allows children to explore freely, take risks, and feel proud of what they achieve.
Calm & Wellbeing – Making art provides a natural release for emotions, reduces stress, and helps children find moments of focus and peace.
Imagination & Problem-Solving – Every brushstroke or design is an experiment. Children learn to see mistakes as discoveries and challenges as opportunities.
Connection & Belonging – Through shared projects, children connect with others, learn empathy, and experience the joy of collaboration.
Resilience & Growth – Creativity teaches persistence. Each attempt, even the “failed” ones, builds resilience and the understanding that growth comes from trying - if you're not failing you're not trying!
At its heart, creativity is freedom — and when children are free to create without pressure or judgment, they thrive.
why creating matters
How creating shapes the brain
The Science Behind Creativity
Creativity doesn’t just change how children feel — it literally changes their brains.
- It builds new neural pathways.
Every time a child learns a new creative skill, their brain forms fresh connections. This process (called neuroplasticity) strengthens the brain and makes it more adaptable. - It lights up the whole
The Science Behind Creativity
Creativity doesn’t just change how children feel — it literally changes their brains.
- It builds new neural pathways.
Every time a child learns a new creative skill, their brain forms fresh connections. This process (called neuroplasticity) strengthens the brain and makes it more adaptable. - It lights up the whole brain.
Art activates both sides: the logical, planning left side and the imaginative, emotional right side. The more these areas communicate, the better children become at problem-solving and flexible thinking. - It boosts mood and focus.
Creating releases dopamine (the brain’s “motivation molecule") which helps with learning, concentration, and confidence. - It protects and strengthens.
Studies using brain scans show that making art increases connectivity in the brain networks linked to memory, emotion, and self-reflection. For children, this supports healthy development; for adults, it even helps protect against cognitive decline.
In short: creativity grows brains.
Art as therapy insights
Doodling is like meditation – it calms the mind and helps focus.
Art reduces stress – creative activity lowers cortisol and boosts feel-good endorphins.
20 minutes of drawing can lift mood and improve concentration.
Making art lights up the brain’s reward centre – creativity makes us feel good!
Art is a safe language – children can express
Doodling is like meditation – it calms the mind and helps focus.
Art reduces stress – creative activity lowers cortisol and boosts feel-good endorphins.
20 minutes of drawing can lift mood and improve concentration.
Making art lights up the brain’s reward centre – creativity makes us feel good!
Art is a safe language – children can express big feelings without needing words.
Repetitive creative acts (like colouring, sewing, weaving) soothe anxiety and create mindfulness.
Storytelling through art helps children make sense of their world.
Every creation builds resilience – mistakes turn into discoveries, and confidence grows.
Creative Activities That Help Minds Grow
Creative Activities That Help Minds Grow
Mindful Doodling
Loose, flowing doodles calm the mind and bring focus, much like meditation.
Why it helps: Doodling lowers stress, encourages relaxation, and helps the brain shift into a calm, creative state.
Nature Printing
Children gather leaves, flowers, or bark and press or print them onto paper.
Why it helps: Combining creativity with
Mindful Doodling
Loose, flowing doodles calm the mind and bring focus, much like meditation.
Why it helps: Doodling lowers stress, encourages relaxation, and helps the brain shift into a calm, creative state.
Nature Printing
Children gather leaves, flowers, or bark and press or print them onto paper.
Why it helps: Combining creativity with sensory play strengthens brain pathways and builds a connection to nature.
Colour & Emotion Painting
Children choose colours to represent how they feel — painting energy, calm, or joy.
Why it helps: This gives children a non-verbal way to explore emotions, boosting self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Collaborative Mural
Working side by side, children add their marks to a shared artwork.
Why it helps: Builds teamwork, empathy, and a sense of belonging — while activating dopamine, the brain’s “feel good” chemical.
Clay Sculpting/modelling
Squashing, rolling, and shaping clay or dough into creations.
Why it helps: Tactile, hands-on work regulates emotions, grounds restless energy, and builds fine motor skills.
Creative Journaling
Combining sketches, doodles, and short words or phrases in a personal art journal.
Why it helps: Strengthens memory, encourages reflection, and supports the brain’s self-regulation networks.