WHO ARE WE?
Laura - Founder of Made to be Messy
Made to be Messy was born in 2020 out of a love for a hands-on, open ended play philosophy where your child can learn and develop at their own pace and in their own time with activities that inspire curious thinking and creativity. There was just nothing that ticked all the boxes!
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With a lifelong love of working with children in childcare centres and playgroups, two children of my own and currently completing my Bachelor in Early Childhood Education, I found a love for messy and sensory play experiences and the opportunity they give all children to explore, learn and discover.
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I am all about creating a fun and safe environment for you and your little ones to explore. Backed by our wonderful team, all of which have childcare, teaching degrees or experience working with children hold a current Working with Children's Card, National Police Clearance and First Aid accreditations.
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In 2022 we won Peoples Choice in two categories in our first Whatson4Kids National Awards!
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Best New Kids Activity/Party Business (up to 3 years in business)
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Best Local Baby/Toddler Activity/Class (0-3 years)
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In 2023 we took home Judged and People's Choice awards in the Whatson4Kids State Awards
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Best Activity/Class for children aged 0-3 years
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State's Best Sensory Play Experience for Kids
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The 2024 National Whatson4Kids Awards we won
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Best National Independent Activity/Class for 0-3 years
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Best National Independent Activity/Class for 3-5 years
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Best National Sensory Experience for Kids
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Best National New Kids Activity/Party Business
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Myself and our incredible team cannot wait to welcome you to one of our sessions to show you and your child the fun and value of creative play!
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Laura :)
THE BENEFITS OF MESSY/SENSORY PLAY
Multi-sensory play is incredibly beneficial to early childhood development.
It gives children the opportunity to practice and refine their fine and gross motor skills and supports cognitive development and thinking.
The possibilities for development of language and communication are enhanced by sensory play. Children can build social and emotional awareness which also encourages a positive attitude towards new experiences.
Messy play enables risk taking and experimenting in a safe environment and teaches cause and effect. Children are free to explore at their own pace and in their own style. There is no right or wrong way to play and as such messy play is all inclusive.
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"Play is our brains favourite way of learning" Diane Ackerman
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HOW WAS OUR STUDIO BORN?
When I first began Made to be Messy in 2020 we used to hire council halls and pop up in local parks lugging a huge amount of equipment to and fro and as my ideas began to grow so did all the equipment and new more complex activities I wanted to supply!
The search for a venue to call our home began about 2 years prior to our eventual opening of our Heathridge studio! I had a very strict list of what would make this place perfect so it undoubtedly took a while for the perfect space to come along!
And the rest as they say - is history! We opened our studio in July 2023 boasting beautiful modern designed indoor AND outdoor spaces for your children to play in a safe, fun and enriching environment!
OUR MISSION
At Made to be Messy, we believe that creative and messy play is magical. It ignites curiosity, fuels imagination, and nurtures a love for learning.
Our mission is to provide a vibrant space where children can freely engage in sensory play, arts and crafts, STEAM activities, music and movement, and immersive hands-on experiences.
And to lighten the load on parents! There is just so much to do and stressing about activities shouldn't be one of them. Let us let you say yes to mess, painting, glitter and all the fun of childhood - we will deal with the rest!
With every splatter of paint, every squish of clay, every song and dance and every collaboration with fellow young creators, your child will be on a path to self-discovery and personal growth.