A city dance school has been proving popular with home-schooled kids as the method of education rises in popularity following the pandemic.  

Avian Dance School in Vulcan Road began teaching classes specifically for children learning at home in 2020.  

Harriet Wigger, principal of the dance school along with other principals Aimee Cooper and Lauren Stearman, says they have taught more than 50 home-educated kids since they started.

Norwich Evening News: The three principals offer an inclusive approach to classes The three principals offer an inclusive approach to classes (Image: Avian Dance School)

READ MORE: Choristers flip and slip in traditional cathedral Pancake Day race

The school runs acrobatics and dance classes for home-educated children with 12 currently attending – though in recent years the school has had more than 30 attending.

Harriet, 32 said: “We plan on adding physical education and English to our list of classes as of September.” 

The school also encourages children to take classes and attend groups outside of what they offer to receive a well-rounded education.  

Norwich Evening News: At any one time they can have had more than 30 home educated kids enrolled At any one time they can have had more than 30 home educated kids enrolled (Image: Avian Dance School)

READ MORE: Charlie Simpson making special city appearance following Masked Singer win

Harriet said: “From our classes alone, they not only learn about being healthy, how to protect their muscles and joints but also, ignite their creativity, set themselves achievable goals, work within a team and build confidence.” 

An annual survey of English councils by the Association of Directors of Children's Service estimated 81,000 children were being home-educated in October 2021, the most recent figures available - up by 7pc from 75,600 in 2020.

Amid those changes, staff at Avian Dance School also found that many students attended both the home ed classes and the evening classes, to mix with children who attend school during the day.  

Norwich Evening News: Isabella Brown, 15, began classes in 2020 and has really enjoyed setting goals Isabella Brown, 15, began classes in 2020 and has really enjoyed setting goals (Image: Avian Dance School)

Isabella Brown, 15, currently attends Avian classes as a home-educated student.  

She said: “I set new goals that help me achieve the skills I am working towards, and I love the confidence it gives me when I achieve those goals.  

“Even over lockdown, I had encouragement and help to keep me motivated and meant I got to keep working on everything I would have in class whilst having fun with the online classes.”