Julia Omari talks to homeschooling expert Mica Edgehill

How long have you been connected to Newham? I moved into Newham in 2018.

What’s your favourite Newham moment? The moment I realised the rich depth of the multi cultural community in Newham and how easy it was to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Most inspirational Newham person? Probably the lady who runs Custom House bookshop, she’s a lovely woman and so inviting, I wish I had time to stop by more often.

Favourite place to eat in Newham? Four seasons Caribbean food shop is one of my favourites!

Favourite Newham outdoor space? Itchy-coo Park in Beckton is a favourite for both myself and my daughter. The park is maintained by local residents, although it’s lesser known to those who do not wander through Newham looking for an adventure! It’s a beautiful spot to eat lunch and watch the ducks on the pond.

How would you spend a free day in Newham? Probably shopping and eating! Stratford is my favourite place to go shopping, I feel like Westfield has almost everything you could possibly need and plenty of really good food places.

You recently held a Homeschool Heroes Award evening, you run home education classes, publish a monthly magazine called Too Cool For School and own the Home School Hub. What is homeschooling? Homeschooling is… definitely not for the faint hearted. It’s a commitment to your child’s education and a commitment to exploring and enjoying childhood to the full. Choosing to educate your child at home whether you homeschool, home educate or unschool opens you up to a completely different way of life and allows for learning in a much more individualised way.

Finish the sentence. Newham is… the heartbeat of my London experience, with its vibrant culture and diverse communities shaping my daily life.

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