More about us

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Hi, I’m Laura! I live in the beautiful village of Mells, on the outskirts of Frome, with my husband Gary, our two children, Archie and Eden, and our two cats. We absolutely love village life and making the most of the outdoors.

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I’ve been a registered childminder for 18 years, and before that I worked in a nursery, so caring for young children has been at the heart of my life for many years. I hold an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and education and I regularly attend training courses to keep my knowledge fresh and up to date. I have certificates in Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, Food Hygiene, Healthy Eating and many more. I’m passionate about continually learning and improving, always looking for new ideas and inspiration.

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At Mells Muddy Munchkins, I provide a safe, secure, stimulating and fun home-from-home environment. I believe children learn best through play, exploration and getting a little bit messy!

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We enjoy plenty of outdoor time in the garden, which includes a mud kitchen and cafe, vegetable patches, a potion station, large wooden stepping stones, a therapy swing, a clay reel, a water fountain, three easels, a music wall, small world mini gardens (dragon, wild animal and fairy), a loose parts shop (great for supplying the mud cafe!), ride-on diggers, a mud pit, a tunnel, gutter runs (for water and ball play), a water run table, hopscotch, a giant bird’s nest, a bridge, giant dinosaurs and even a sand boat!

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We also explore Mells – visiting the Walled Gardens, the quarry, the waterfall, the church, the pond, the river, ‘The Roly Poly Hill’, ‘The Logs’ and ‘Our Tree’. We visit the sheep (the male ones are our favourite as they’re friendlier!) and are friends with a local celebrity: a dog called Dolly (she can dance!), who we see nearly every day!

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Inside, our continuous provision includes a mini sensory room, sand, play-dough, an art table, a large toy kitchen for role play, building blocks, a mark-making table, puzzles, lots of loose parts, books, dressing-up clothes and lots of toys. We do lots of art and sensory activities and have a light box, projectors, a Pikler triangle, a balance board and soft play equipment.

 

Working in partnership with parents is incredibly important to me. I value open communication and will always respect your wishes so that, together, we can provide the very best care and support for your child.

 

I charge £9 per hour, which includes everything:

 a home cooked hot meal,

snacks,

nappies,

wipes,

uniform,

hats (summer and winter ones!),

sun cream,

scarves,

gloves,

winter snowsuits,

raincoats,

waterproof trousers,

wellies,

summer shoes.

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I am registered to provide government-funded childcare places for eligible children.