A lovely start for Hugi Nook

We've wanted to open Nook for a while, and it's been really nice to see it become part of Hugi. Getting the field and cabin ready took a lot of work, but watching the children use it has made it worth it.

Nook gives us another option alongside Nest. Where a child learns best really matters. Some need more room to move, some are happiest outdoors, and some need somewhere cosy to take a break from everything.

Nook has a bit of both. The field is for exploring, building and getting muddy, and the cabin is there for games, construction, play and quieter moments.

I'm always struck by how much children learn when it starts with something they're interested in. Building a den means sharing ideas, working out problems and sometimes working together. The mud kitchen gets them talking, experimenting and using their imagination.

We try not to turn everything into an instruction. Sometimes an adult just starts an activity and sees who comes over. Sometimes we offer a choice, change the plan or give a child longer. The team's job is to notice what each child is interested in and build from there.

Our Foundations at Hugi curriculum runs through Nook as well, covering communication, core skills, wellbeing, and focus and engagement. We look out for the small steps as much as the big ones, like sharing an idea, asking for help, trying something new or feeling comfortable enough to join another child's game.

Hub, Den, Nest and Nook each offer something different, with the same Hugi values in all of them. That helps us work out what suits each child.

I'm proud of what we've built and grateful to everyone who helped. There's still plenty to do, and the children's interests will help shape it.

For now, it's just lovely to see the space being used and enjoyed.