Co op set up tips please

[Gagaandgag]

Hello!

I am a home Ed mum of two (8 and 5 never attended a setting)

A small group of us (5 mums, possibly 6) have decided to set up a co op. We have had a few trial sessions so far at a village hall. Possibly thinking of renting a space in a community garden if possible. We have some great ideas and have started to allocate roles to the adults.

We have older children but are going to focus this particular group on our younger children (age range 2-6y)

I am just reaching out to see if anyone on here has any experiences or advice to share. Anyone who has either set one up or attended one. Anything you wish you’d been aware of or done from the start.

Thanks in advance! 😃

I’m guessing no one has set one up then? 😂

I think the lack of responses just reflects that fact that the Mumsnet home ed board is not a very busy HE forum! You could post on one of the big national Facebook groups and I'm sure you'll get more answers.

If it makes you feel any better, if you were in the south Birmingham area I'd be signing up for this yesterday ;-) It's a great idea and wish you all the best of luck. If you get it off the ground please do post an update!

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/using-twinkl-resources-with-pawprint-badges

Definitely use your local FB home ed family groups

Your younger group is pretty young so make games (basic counting etc) and sensory activities alongside storytime and colouring in? You might need a tough tray or two if doing messy play or water pouring.

Twinkl is a good starting point, we themed around times of the year - so now you could plan some autumnal leaf crafts, nature hunt bingo (clip boards with nature walk printables, lots free online)

I like rainy day mum for easy crafts

The first link is how to use paw print badges alongside twinkl for the older ones (why do kids love a badge so much lol??)

We used library a fair bit for non-fiction books and ideas

I actually just borrowed heavily from the eyfs curriculum and adapted it to what I was able to do - I realise that approach might not work for others.

Sorry if not ground breaking or helpful, all the best with the co op.

Ah so sorry just realised it was more about the setting up of the coop than the contents

We've attended one, maybe make a group weekly contribution to running costs and being clear on ground rules (awful phrase, but you know what needs to be done and when- booking venues bringing snacks?)

Sorry for misreading/misunderstanding the first post ignore me x

I’m not on Facebook anymore that’s why I posted here but thank you for your responses 🙂

Thank you!
we are East Midlands -so might be a bit far for you. But otherwise you’d be more than welcome 😂❤️

We have got venue and are allocating roles to the adults.

@Caffeineosaurus

thank you! did you help set up a co op?

Thanks yes there will be lots of sensory play and eyfs. Even my 8 year old is heavily led by this at home.

We are planning to have a time where we make and share food. In a trial session I took bread dough and they shaped into their own designs.

Also thinking of making the main theme of the group focusing on mental health wellbeing - activities surrounding relationships, community, self esteem and growth mindset. With lots of free play of course too.