Welcome to The Cottage Classroom

The Cottage Classroom provides education support, curriculum resources, workshops and community all in one space.

The Cottage Classroom is an antidote to the fast-paced, stressful environment that has become the modern day classroom. Here, we focus on making learning joyful: taking a literacy rich, holistic approach to learning in the primary years of schooling.

This Substack is for anyone who ever wondered if there was a different approach to learning. As a fully qualified primary school teacher, I know all too well the stress schools, students and their parents are under. Unfortunately, the joy has been sucked out of learning in favour of standardised tests. Teachers are leaving at record levels1 and classes are often left with substitutes and TAs. This has a huge impact on children

The Cottage Classroom is for everyone. Whether you are a home-school family or looking for a little extra support with your children’s studies at school, here you can get help from a fully qualified primary school teacher.

Why ‘The Cottage Classroom’?

I live in ‘Dragon Cottage’2 which is located right in the heart of the English countryside. Growing up in the countryside had a direct impact on my own learning and I have fond memories of school from my own childhood. Fast-forward to today and I am back in the village I grew up in.

I believe that a warm and nurturing learning environment helps children to learn. Most days, you’ll find us gathered around the kitchen table working on projects, reading or completing lessons.

‘My son always spoke highly of Sian and enjoyed his time learning with her. He would come home and tell us how much fun he had, how kind Sian was, and that she put him at ease with his learning. This was a significant statement from him as teachers at his school regularly made him feel like he was going too slow, or was wasting their time.’

A Steward

About Siân

I’m Siân3, a former primary school teacher turned private tutor and educational consultant. You might also recognise me from my early and middle years blog, How I drink my coffee hot.

I work with parents from all over the world through online courses, workshops and coaching. After seeing an increased demand for my private tuition sessions, I have decided to launch The Cottage Classroom to support home-schoolers and parents looking for extra support for their children.

Whilst I originally started out with a large following on Instagram, more recently I have navigated over to Substack and Pinterest where I’ve rediscovered my joy for sharing educational content.

When I’m not working, I’m usually out exploring the English countryside with my husband and three children (aged 6-16).

I have experience both as a mainstream teacher and a home-schooling parent. At various points, all three of my children have been home-schooled: either fulltime or part-time. Currently, my youngest two children attend the local primary school whilst my eldest son is undertaking his studies at home.

Career, Education & Experience

After A-levels at secondary school, I studied Politics and International Relations. I then went on to gain an MA in Journalism from UAL. A year after my oldest son was born, I felt a calling to become a teacher, so I pursued a PGCE in Primary Education. 

I have now lived in three different countries which was an incredible experience for both myself and my family. Navigating international education systems helped to shape me as a teacher and broadened my horizons on learning.

Diplomatic families sought my help and advice with schooling and I have them to thank for my career pivot into private tutoring and consultancy work.

Siân never hesitated to answer questions or make time to discuss and assist others whenever possible. Her generosity in time and her gentle manner made her someone that everyone in our community trusted and respected with their children’s struggles and needs.

S.Narayan

My other work:

Private Lessons

In addition to the materials here on Substack, I offer private tuition, home-school support and consultancy services via Calendly.

‘My son is dyslexic and so has found reading, writing and spelling skills during his early years. Sian’s professional, personal and caring approach meant that he trusted Sian and was comfortable learning with her. As a result, his confidence and abilities in reading, spelling and writing all improved markedly.’

D. Wrigley