Welcome to Out of the Box Learning
Welcome to Out of the Box Learning where we create SEND inclusive educational subscription boxes to support home learning. Currently there are two boxes for keen bakers or budding gardeners. Earn AQA unit awards through the AQA Unit Award Scheme with every box. Please purchase your year long AQA registration by adding it to your basket alongside your subscription to be able to submit work and receive certification.
About Us
Out of The Box Learning is the vision of Gemma Bell. It has been birthed out of the collaboration of two parents with lived experience of the challenges faced by many parents supporting their SEND children navigate mainstream education. Out The Box Learning aim to enable parents to have choices and empower learners to achieve their potential, because we believe that parents know their children best.
Gemma has ASD and struggled in mainstream school. She spent the last few years of secondary school at a pupil referral unit. Having had 3 neurodiverse children and faced many battles within the educational and health care system she decided to home educate her youngest. Seeing her flourish in an environment that she could tailor specifically to her needs made her realise that there needs to be an alternative for those of us that do not fit into mainstream education. Having worked in a school, the familly baking supplies business and various other roles she has put her expertise and passion for all things baking together to come up with a fun way for children and young people to learn valuable skills for the future.
Out of The Box co-founder Antoinette has struggled with classrrom anxiety for most of her life. Her varied work career includes many years in the mental health field and since completing a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, she has also worked in learning development and training delivery. Antoinette has the additional experience of home educating one of her children through year 10 and year 11.
Our Mission
At Out of The Box Learning, our mission is to provide SEND inclusive educational learning opportunities through a range of services including subscription boxes and learning skills hubs tailored for SEND children. We are dedicated to offering comprehensive resources and materials to support AQA unit awards, ensuring inclusive learning experiences for all children. Our aim is to enable parents to have choices and empower learners to achieve their goals. We do this by providing a service they can access through home education. Our team is committed to creating engaging and accessible educational content through co-production with SEND children, making a positive impact on children's learning journeys.
Our Boxes
Baking Boxes
Explore the world of baking
Our baking boxes are designed to ignite creativity and learning in a fun and interactive manner, while introducing your chikd to the science of baking. Each box includes step-by-step instructions and all the necessary ingredients to complete at least three recipes and an exciting experiment each month, empowering children to explore the art of baking while achieving AQA unit awards.
Gardening Boxes
Discover the wonders of gardening
With our gardening boxes, children embark on a journey of discovery and growth. From planting seeds to nurturing plants, our boxes provide a hands-on experience that aligns with the AQA unit awards, fostering a love for nature and the environment. Each box contains step by step instructions and all the necessary items you need to get started including a variety of seeds.
Inclusive Learning
We believe that children do not fit nicely into boxes and neither should they. Every child learns differently and at their own pace which is why we created these versatile boxes. Once signed up for the subscription learners will have the opportunity to achieve an AQA unit award with every box, boost their confience, and evidence their learning. By providing the tools, resources, and guidance in each box we have taken some of the additional stress out of supporting your learner.
As parents who have journeyed the challenges of mainstream education with neurodivergent children we know that traditional educational settings do not suit all children. For those who choose to or feel the best solution is to homeschool we have created an option. Every box has been carefully crafted with a focus group of neurodivergent and disabled children. Their views have been considered and helped to shape and tailor the box you will receive. Each box is tested and approved by them before we launch it.
Accessing AQA units can support SEND children and home learners to build a coherent portfolio to evidence their skills and knowledge, increase engagement, motivation, and improve confidence. Our aim is to support learners in moving toward the next stage in their educational aspirations and goals. Our post-16 offer is for those with a passion for baking who are interested in gaining the skills and knowledge to run their own home-baking franchise.