There are so many baby and toddler classes in Cheshire – specifically Macclesfield, Knutsford, Congleton, Sandbach, Wilmslow, Poynton, Alderley Edge and Prestbury – you could try a new one every week!  For full class listings click here.

It can however be really daunting going to a new baby or toddler class, especially on your own.  I can still get nervous now, three years on, and like to be as prepared as possible – to know if there’s parking and where (I’m terrible at parking), see a few photos before I go so I know what to expect, and get a feel for the class leader.

Rachael, who runs Splat Messy Play East Cheshire, has been on both sides of the fence – as a first time mum to son Francis she often felt nervous going to a class for the first time on her own so now, as a class leader, she goes out of her way to introduce herself and to make everyone who goes along to a brilliant Splat Messy Play class feel welcome and involved.  With that in mind, Rachael tells us a bit more about herself here –

I’m a mum, wife and happy northerner. After attending some messy play sessions with Francis, I knew it was something I wanted to get involved with. I therefore left my 9-5 career to join Splat Messy Play for something a whole lot more messy and fun. To me, it’s not just another playgroup (to read more about the benefits of messy play check out the blog here).

I absolutely love watching children and their parents get over their messy fears.  Its amazing seeing babies learn new skills and enhance their mobility and its great to be a part of toddlers being creative, messy and developing new skills like sharing, paintbrush holding, mixing or crafting.

Why do I love my job?

I love that I get to be creative and that I can work round my little boy.  I know how hard parenting can be and the class gives the adults an hour to relax a little whilst the little ones run riot/explore/create/learn in a safe environment that they don’t then have to clean up!

The mums who come along to the classes also tell me that messy play supports their home schooling schedule and that its a great option for families with more than one child as it can be tricky to find something everyone can enjoy (just jumping in here – we took a 7 month old, a 1 year old and a 2.5  year old and they all had a fab time so I whole heartedly agree – to see how we got on check out our review here).  I also get to have cuddles with lots of little ones which is great for the soul!

Some none messy play related facts about me!…..

• My family is so important to me. I’m really close to my parents who live in the Lake District and I have a lovely two year old niece.
• I lived in London with my husband for 8 years and Francis spent his first year there.
• My friends mean the world to me.
• I have a BA Hons degree in English & Fine Art and a Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma.
• I have previously worked in Marketing in the Aerospace & Defence, Information, Communication & Electronics, Data Quality, Finance & Asset Management & Sales industries.
• I run. I’ve entered the Manchester Half marathon this year.

Splat Messy Play classes run weekly in Macclesfield and a little further afield in Baguley and Northern Moor.  You can book onto individual classes but its cheaper to book for the term.  For more information see the Splat Messy Play Facebook page, call Rachael on 07823 334362 or email her at rachael@splatmessyplay.co.uk