Little Crafters was established in June 2021, initially launching a subscription service for craft boxes. In the first few days, we sold one hundred subscriptions, demonstrating the venture's potential for success.

Post-COVID-19, many children remained at home and, for various reasons, did not return to school. These children still sought educational services and required specialised support. In response, we explored becoming a centre with an exam body. After an initial trial period with AQA, we are proud to say that we are now one of the largest AQA award providers in the country.

Our primary focus is providing craft boxes and lesson plans to homeschooled children, most of whom have Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our educational offerings are gradually bridging the gap between what schools provide and what support and sense of community SEN children require.

Each subscription box includes a craft project and a lesson plan, always linked to STEAM subjects. The boxes are customisable, allowing students to select their preferred subjects and crafts, as well as whether they want a lesson plan included, ensuring maximum benefit for SEN students.

Since our move to North Kesteven in 2022, we've received support from Phil Means, along with visits from and Harry Attrill and the previous Economic Development Manager, Alan Gray. This support has focused on guiding our business direction and helping us enter new markets by connecting with education authorities, all while maximising profitability and growth.

Recently, we faced a significant challenge when our workshop was extensively flooded, submerging it in water. This incident ruined the carpet and left the space humid for months, causing our eco-conscious stock to become mouldy.

To facilitate growth, we need to make necessary improvements to our office. With Phil's support, we have recently been awarded a Rural Business Grant, which will help cover the capital costs of three major improvements: the installation of toilets with a biodegradable eco plant, a wood waste heater, and flood defences. Each of these items has a sustainability focus; for instance, the wood waste heater will utilise our wood waste to produce heat, creating a carbon-neutral cycle.

The Rural Business Grant will enable us to expand our operations by reconfiguring our current space, allowing for growth in our educational and service offerings. We plan to employ more staff, which will enhance our efficiency, supported by the improved facilities we currently lack, such as toilets and heating. The flood defences are crucial and once installed, all water will be pumped out to the nearby dyke.

We have ambitious plans and aim to continue being an educational provider and community for children and adults alike. Currently, there is only one remote exam centre in Lincolnshire for home-educated students. We hope to establish a centre where we can offer remote exams and create a welcoming and relaxed environment for students.

Radha Borthayre, Little Crafters Boxes
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