The idea
The Cotswold region is lacking in activities for babies and toddlers. From this need, Mini Mudder’s was born. The benefits of more ‘green time’ versus ‘screen time’ are well documented and the nature play movement, which advocates increasing the time children spend in unstructured play outdoors and in nature, is growing in strength. To date we have been funding Mini Mudders via personal savings. We look at things through a different lens making our play equipment not only well thought out, but unique to Mini Mudder’s! Our playgroup runs come rain or shine. The activities are always designed to encourage curiosity and imagination. On site the children will find: a gigantic mud kitchen, construction area, off roading & ramps, sandpit, shepherd’s hut, vets, water-run, water wall, veggie patch, painting station, themed tuff trays and a baby sensory area. We have worked hard to develop and create these areas, but the site needs further zones to complete the site and support STEM learning.
What we'll deliver
- Play/sensory equipment
- Site weather protection
- Delivery team/labour
Why it's a great idea
Taking children outdoors and supporting their play is also helping their development. As long as children lack awareness and so fail to see patterns in nature, negative human impacts in nature, or inequalities in human communities, they will not be capable of responding and acting sustainably. In children’s learning outdoor education is seen as an optimal means of learning. Outdoor play is a fun way to learn. Developing motor skills. Young children need the opportunity to use their whole body and develop their gross motor skills. Encourages a healthy lifestyle. Getting outdoors encourages a healthy lifestyle. Through physical activity and challenges, being outdoors helps children sleep, eat, and live more healthily. This encourages them to form healthy habits for life. Care for the environment. Playing outdoors is a brilliant way to get out in nature and become aware of the environment. Children who gain knowledge and appreciation of nature are more likely to become aware adults.
Steps to get it done
- Completion of the site
Our Mission is clear
We re-invest in the company each year to improve the facilities to support learning through play
We pledge to always put the interests of people and planet ahead of shareholder gain. We reinvest back into the business, to keep building on the equipment we use to teach children about the world around them, to create positive social change for the future. We are committed to doing the right thing with our approach to business.
Impact snapshot
We measure our social impact by publishing the hours of outside learning through play delivered.
3,873 Hours of outside play delivered.
Data source bookwhen.com
Date range - 13-04-22 till 24/07/23
Re-investment snapshot
2023/24 financial year
Data source quickbooks.intuit.com
Date figures reported 26/07/23
Capital and Reserves re-invested to date = 136.36%
Free play hours donated to community to date = 16.5 hours
We offer unlimited free tickets to Home-Start Cotswolds Ltd – helping families in the Cotswolds.
