About Plumb Learning

In the heart of every child lies the potential for greatness, a spark waiting to be ignited by the right kind of learning and encouragement.

Plumb Learning was born from this belief, founded by a dedicated mother of three Hayley, with a vision to create inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom.

Our journey is not just about teaching plumbing; it’s about opening doors to social mobility, building confidence, and reigniting a passion for learning in young people.

Schools

Thank you so much for yesterday, it was so fabulous seeing how well our students engaged in the day – they loved it and learnt so much! You were brilliant with them and they responded really well to you. [… ] we’d love to book some more sessions for next academic year. ” ~ Oriel High School

100% of families surveyed said they would recommend our workshops to others.
76% of families said they saw an improvement in behaviour as a direct result of attending our Plumbing short course.

Why Choose Plumb Learning?

Metacognitive learning, the practice of understanding and regulating one’s own learning process, has been shown by research to significantly enhance educational outcomes.

This approach enables children to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for lifelong learning. In practical settings, such as plumbing workshops, children are taught to actively plan their approach to tasks, monitor their progress, and critically evaluate the outcomes. Such activities encourage a reflective learning process, fostering resilience and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Research underscores the value of metacognition in improving students’ ability to adapt and apply strategies in diverse situations, not only aiding in immediate task accomplishment but also in preparing them for future challenges across different aspects of life and learning.

Our plumbing course has proven to be a catalyst for enhancing communication within families, with a remarkable 100% of participants reporting increased conversations at home. This surge in dialogue often revolves around the practical skills learned, fostering a culture of skills sharing within the household and extending into the wider community.

By equipping children with hands-on skills, we not only boost their perceived value within the family unit but also balance the power dynamics, empowering them to contribute tangibly to their environment. This empowerment leads to a more cohesive and collaborative family structure, where each member’s skills and knowledge are valued and shared.

When these skills are taken beyond the home, they strengthen community bonds, as children become ambassadors of self-reliance and cooperation, showcasing the profound impact practical education can have on social relationships and community development.

Our commitment to inclusivity shines through our flexible, trauma-informed teaching approach, tailored to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. By emphasizing practical skills acquisition, such as those offered in our plumbing courses, we positively impact each child’s perceived value, creating avenues for significant confidence growth.

Recognizing the diversity of learning needs, we meticulously design our courses and workshops to break down complex tasks into small, achievable goals. This methodology not only accommodates children from various educational backgrounds, including those engaged in Education Other Than At School (EOTAS), mainstream, specialist schools, and the home education community but also ensures that no child is left behind due to literacy challenges.

While our courses do not require traditional reading or writing skills, they are rich with opportunities for ‘backdoor’ learning, where children can acquire and apply knowledge in context, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for learning. This inclusive approach provides a nurturing environment where all children, regardless of their educational needs, can thrive and develop essential life skills.

Setting small, achievable goals is a cornerstone of effective learning strategies, significantly impacting students’ success. Research underscores this approach’s effectiveness, revealing that breaking tasks into manageable segments enhances motivation and facilitates comprehension. This technique, often referred to as “chunking,” allows learners to experience frequent victories, reinforcing their sense of achievement and encouraging continued effort (Miller, 1956). Further, studies in educational psychology highlight that such goal-setting promotes self-efficacy, enabling learners to tackle more complex challenges with increased confidence (Bandura, 1997).

In the context of practical skills acquisition, like plumbing workshops, this method proves especially beneficial. Participants not only grasp concepts more thoroughly but also apply their knowledge with greater proficiency. Additionally, the tangible outcomes of these small goals provide learners with concrete evidence of their progress, further boosting their self-esteem and engagement in the learning process (Dweck, 2006).

This approach, rooted in decades of educational research, demonstrates a powerful method for fostering resilient, motivated learners capable of achieving significant outcomes from seemingly modest beginnings.

Trauma-informed teaching practices acknowledge and address the wide range of experiences that can impact a learner’s ability to engage and succeed in educational settings. This approach is grounded in understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma.

Research shows that trauma-informed strategies in education lead to safer learning environments, where students feel supported and understood, thereby enhancing their capacity to learn and grow (Cole et al., 2013). These practices are linked to decreased behavioural issues and improved academic outcomes, as they foster a sense of belonging and support among students (Blodgett & Lanigan, 2018). By integrating principles of safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment, trauma-informed teaching helps in building resilience among learners, allowing them to overcome challenges and thrive academically and personally (SAMHSA, 2014).

Plumb Learning teach in a trauma informed way because put quite simply it works. 100% of children say they enjoyed the course, 100% of families would recommend us and 78% of families says they have seen a positive change in behaviour as a direct result of attending a Plumb Learning course.

Plumbing

Hands-on domestic plumbing courses and short courses for children and young people aged six to sixteen.  Using professional tools and materials to identify and isolate leaks, hang radiators, fit taps and more…

Tiling

A creative, hands-on approach to problem solving for ten to sixteen year olds.  Using professional materials to cut, stick and grout ceramic wall tiles…

Event Workshops

A truly unique offering within the kids edu-tainment industry.  Providing kids with power tools across the UK. A Plumb Learning events package offers engaging hands-on experiences suitable for the whole family. From drop-in workshops to an active leak board.  Are you up for the challenge?..

Practical trade skills as a stepping stone to positive self image and STEM careers.

All of our sessions are based around a series of small achievable goals ensuring that all of our students are able to work at their own pace and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Plumb Learning’s inclusive workshops, 1:1 tuition and small group courses help young people with and without SEND to grow in confidence and learn practical skills relevant to everyday life.

Whether you’re a parent, school, community group, event organiser or anything in between.  If you value hands-on skills and want a unique educational experience guaranteed to engage and inspire then we’ve got you covered!