Spark Base pilot session success

Today we welcomed 11 children to our first Spark Base pilot session — and what a wonderful session it was!

Led by Spark Base Lead Mihal, supported by Spark Base Support Facilitator Bronwen, and overseen by Waymakers Co-Director Kristy, with additional support from Curiosity Hub Support Facilitator Charlie, the session was a chance to put the Spark Base approach into practice and see what happened when a new group of children were given a flexible structure and plenty of space to take ownership of their time.

And they did exactly that.

Mihal warmly welcomed everyone and introduced some of the ideas and resources available in the space, but there was no expectation that children should follow a particular activity or timetable. Very quickly, the children began making their own choices about what they wanted to do, who they wanted to spend time with and how they wanted to use the space.

There was lots of creating and imagining. Lego and Magna-Tiles constructions appeared, while dressing-up clothes sparked plenty of role play. Children explored the craft box, helped out with sanding down our donated picnic bench, made salt dough creations and black ink art, and discovered their own ways to use the resources around them.

There was plenty of movement too, with badminton and French skipping and some carrots harvested from our raised bed in the garden, alongside music and opportunities to connect with others. Friendships began to form and children found different ways to join in — or simply observe and get comfortable in the space.

Our closing circle was particularly lovely to see. Compared with the beginning of the session, children were noticeably more confident about participating and interacting. Some joined in enthusiastically, while others chose to watch, and there was absolutely no obligation to take part until they felt ready.

That is a really important part of the Spark Base approach: participation is an invitation, not an expectation. We want children to have the freedom to find their own way into the group and the activities, at their own pace.

By the end of the session, plans were already being made for our first full session in September — a lovely sign that the children were already beginning to see Spark Base as their space.

We’ll shortly be emailing details of priority booking to the families who joined us for today's pilot session. Any remaining places will then be offered more widely.

We’re so excited to see where Spark Base goes from here!