Two dedicated teachers from Sutton Coldfield have transformed their passion for educational play into a vibrant new community resource. Heather Woolley and Natalie Snell, recognising a growing need for child-led learning experiences, have launched Explorers Play Village at the St James Church Centre in Mere Green.
A Creative Response to Modern Education Pressures
"We genuinely love teaching, but there has been a significant shift in how children develop through social interaction, communication, and language," explained Heather, a mother of three teenagers. Natalie, whose children are nearly four and two, shares this educational philosophy. Their concern stems from observing contemporary classroom dynamics where early years pupils sometimes face excessive formal instruction.
"We are fortunate that our school maintains continuous provision for learning through play up to Year 2," Heather noted. "However, we have heard of other settings where Year 1 children are expected to sit at tables all day from September onwards, which we find concerning. Government targets for specific ages can create pressure, often citing writing difficulties as justification. Yet, the issue often lies in simply asking young children to sit and write, rather than embedding skills in engaging contexts."
Learning Disguised as Adventure
Explorers Play Village, which opened in September 2025, is designed to enable youngsters to create their own play in richly imagined environments. Children can explore a bakery, fire station, doctor's surgery, veterinary practice, construction site, or police station. Crucially, every activity subtly incorporates writing and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) elements in a manner that feels like pure fun.
"In the bakery, children might write recipes, cake orders, or receipts. At the fire station, they could complete accident reports, and in the doctor's surgery, they might draft prescriptions," Heather elaborated. This approach fosters language development, problem-solving, imagination, and resilience naturally through play.
Intentional Design for Child-Led Exploration
The founders deliberately avoided restrictive "board cubbies" or pre-defined play structures. "Play needs to be initiated by the child," Heather emphasised. "If everything is pre-built, they are forced into a specific mode of play and lack the framework to extend their creativity. Our setup allows for open-ended exploration."
The space includes foam mats to ensure comfort for adults joining their children on the floor. "We gently model play and can assist parents who are managing more than one child," Heather added. There is also a dedicated baby area featuring a jumparoo, musical instruments, sensory play items, and scarves.
Building Community and Making Memories
Sessions, held on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, cost £9 for an adult and child, including refreshments. Each hour-long play session concludes with a 15-minute interactive story time, using props, instruments, and actions to bring tales like Dear Zoo or We're Going on a Bear Hunt to life.
"Many venues charge extra for coffee and treats," Heather observed. "We include them to foster a community atmosphere. It is wonderful to see families arriving together, parents chatting, and everyone engaging on the floor in the bakery or fire station. There is a substantial need for this connection. We actively encourage parents to play alongside their children—it is about creating lasting memories. We do not want to be a place where parents sit scrolling through their phones."
Overwhelmingly Positive Family Feedback
The play village has quickly gained popularity, with families praising its thoughtful design and welcoming environment.
One mother shared: "My little boy had a marvellous time at Explorers Play Village, so much so that we are returning next week! He enjoyed every area, and you can see the immense consideration put into ensuring all children have fun. Story time was fantastic, and Heather and Natalie made it incredibly interactive and enjoyable. We cannot wait to visit again!"
Another parent of two commented: "I brought my two young daughters today. I cannot recommend it highly enough. My six-month-old and four-year-old both found everything they needed for a wonderful experience. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was a lovely environment. My husband and I even had the chance to enjoy a hot drink and cake! We will definitely be back."
A third parent agreed: "We spent a delightful afternoon here with our three-year-old and are eager to return! The play zones are beautifully presented and well-conceived, set in a light, airy space with high-quality toys. Our child loved exploring the bakery, vets, fire station, and construction zones. Natalie and Heather are exceptionally warm and welcoming. The complimentary drink and muffin were a lovely, appreciated surprise. The interactive story at the end brought all the children together, showcasing Natalie and Heather's experience in engaging the children with props, instruments, and actions."
Beyond Weekend Sessions
Explorers Play Village also offers party bookings and school visits, providing enrichment opportunities that support the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) curriculum. "We are deeply passionate about this experience," Heather affirmed. "One mother remarked on how different it is from typical plastic-filled play areas. We invest in quality wooden toys and ensure children engage with STEM activities enjoyably."
Heather and Natalie's initiative stands as a testament to the power of play-based learning, creating a cherished local hub where education and imagination flourish side by side.
