Sponsor Spotlight: Norland

Introducing our sponsor in Bath, Norland!

Norland, the world-famous specialist early childhood higher education provider, is delighted to host the SFW Hub: Bath. Throughout its 132-year-history, Norland has upheld its core values which place children at the heart of all it does. Norland is guided by the principles of care, inclusivity and progress, emphasising ethical practices and fostering a sustainable community to create a more environmentally conscious future. 

Sustainability is woven throughout Norland’s award-winning degree and integrated diploma training in early childhood education and care. Students learn sustainable practice through sewing, which forms a core part of the Norland diploma course. A practical and creative sewing programme provides students with a valuable life skill, enabling them to create items for children and settings. Students learn machine and hand sewing techniques to construct their designs as well as garment care skills such as washing, mending, altering and repairing.

Students are encouraged to embrace sustainability through reusing and upcycling fabrics for their projects, prioritising existing materials over new purchases. As they prepare to work with children, students develop sewing skills aimed at creating projects that encourage children to engage in learning, playing and exploring.

This year, the Norland Community Sewing Bee has participated in the Grenfell Memorial Quilt project, working together with the wider community to create a 12ft x 12ft panel that will make up part of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt. This work highlights the importance of community participation and forms part of Norland’s active charity and community programme including fundraising, volunteering and community projects.

Norland is delighted to host SFW Hub: Bath as part of its commitment to community engagement and sustainability, offering workshops for both children and adults, sharing skills and creative ideas for mending and embellishing clothes. Norland is also organising a clothes swap, supported by a sustainable stylist, and facilitating a conversation led by advocates of sustainable fashion on how to develop a conscious wardrobe. 

Through these activities Norland aims to inspire ideas for fun, sustainable activities that families can embrace, championing sustainable choices and bringing sustainability to the fore for children of all ages. Norland’s founding mottoes of ‘Love Never Faileth’ and ‘Strength in Adversity’ remain central to its mission, guiding its staff, students and graduates forward to make a positive impact in the world for children and create a sustainable future for all.