Explore & Play Childminders —fun caring childcare in Penrhyn Coch
Providing nurturing childcare where children learn, explore and grow through play in a safe and stimulating environment.
Small group care
Individual attention
Where little ones feel right at home
Explore & Play Childminders is a professional childminding setting in the heart of Penrhyn Coch. We create a warm, welcoming space where every child feels valued, safe and free to be themselves.
With small group sizes and lots of individual attention, we help your child build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning — through play, exploration and gentle guidance.
Safe environment
Small group care
Learning through play
Outdoor activities
Creative experiences
Strong family bonds
Hello, I'm Laura
I've been working in the care industry since I was 16. I started out studying Childcare and Education at Coleg Ceredigion, which gave me a strong foundation in supporting and caring for children.
After my studies I worked as a nanny for three years, then gained further experience as a domiciliary carer supporting elderly people in their own homes. I later chose to become a stay-at-home mum while my daughters were young.
During that time I set up my own playgroup in Penrhyn-coch, so my daughter and other local children had somewhere to play, learn and socialise — and so parents could meet one another, build friendships and enjoy a supportive community.
Running the playgroup reminded me just how much I love working with children, and how much I'd missed childcare. In 2021 I set up Explore & Play Childminders, and since then I've loved working with so many children and families, creating a warm, welcoming and stimulating place where children can learn, develop and thrive.
CIW registered
Fully DBS checked
Paediatric first aid
Qualifications & training
- Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
- Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care
- Paediatric First Aid
- Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
- Safeguarding Children and Adults
- Elklan Speech and Language
- Neurodivergent Training
Plus a range of other childcare courses attended over the years.
My experience across childcare, education, care work and parenting has given me a broad range of skills and a genuine passion for helping children develop in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.
"My goal is simple — for every child to leave at the end of the day happy, curious and excited to come back tomorrow."
Care you can truly trust
Everything we do is built around your child's happiness, wellbeing and development.
Home from Home
A cosy, familiar setting where children feel safe and settled.
Registered Childminder
Fully registered and committed to the highest standards of care.
Learning Through Play
Playful, purposeful activities that spark curiosity and growth.
Outdoor Adventures
Fresh air, nature walks and garden exploration every day.
Birth to 12 Years
Nurturing care for every stage, from babies to school-age children.
Safe & Secure
A carefully prepared environment where safety comes first.
A day full of fun & discovery
Every day is different — filled with playful, hands-on experiences that help children learn and grow.
Arts & Crafts
Reading
Messy Play
Nature Walks
Gardening
Outdoor Play
Music & Singing
Sensory Play
Cooking
Learning Through Play
Role Play
Seasonal Activities
A peek into our world
Snapshots of the play, learning and adventure that fills our days.
A little look at our days
Press play for a glimpse of the play, exploring and giggles that fill our time together — indoors, in the garden and out and about in Penrhyn Coch.
Get In TouchKind words from families
Thank you for doing such a great job looking after J for us. He has grown in confidence so much since coming to you.
J and S
Thank you so much for all the fun times you and the girls have given B.
M and N
Thank you so much for all you have done for G over the last year. We really appreciate all the time and energy you put into her care and helping shape who she is.
H and S
Thank you so much for taking such great care of me! I've come on leaps and bounds since starting with you, and I've had so much fun. Mami and baba say you're amazing.
H
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for how well you have cared for A over the last 2+ years. I've always felt relaxed and at ease when he was with you! You and the girls make a wonderful childminding team and I'll always recommend you to anyone who needs childcare. You guys really are a home away from home.
S and J
Just to say how grateful we are for the wonderful care you have taken of N. He's developed so beautifully in the last year, and that's in no small part to you and your family.
E and O
M has really thrived in Laura's care and is always so keen and happy to go. She settled in quickly and bonded with Laura without a problem. She talks so positively of Laura at home and gets excited to go to childcare.
M and G
Thank you so much for all you do. T loves coming to you and is doing so well.
H and R
Trained, accredited & always learning
We invest in ongoing professional training so your child receives the safest, most nurturing care possible. Click any certificate to view it in full.
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
Highfield Qualifications
June 2026
Paediatric First Aid Course
Highfield Online Training
June 2026
Sensory Differences for Neurodivergent Children
Coram PACEY
June 2026
Neurodivergent Play
Coram PACEY
June 2026
Laura James is regulated and inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales
Our most recent ratings:
Last inspection visit: 15 August 2024. Also a member of PACEY Cymru.
Help with your childcare costs
We're signed up for Tax-Free Childcare, the Childcare Offer for Wales and Flying Start, so families can use these schemes towards their care with us.
Tax-Free Childcare
UK Government
The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in, up to £2,000 a year per child. For working parents with a child aged 11 or under (16 or under if your child is disabled). Apply online to open a childcare account, then reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months.
Apply on GOV.UK →Childcare Offer for Wales
Cynnig Gofal Plant Cymru · Welsh Government
Support with childcare costs for eligible working parents of 3 and 4 year olds — helping you return to work, increase your hours, spend more on what matters to your family, or start a new training course.
Check eligibility →Welsh Government-funded childcare
Ceredigion County Council
From November 2026, Ceredigion is offering 12.5 hours per week of term-time funded childcare to all Ceredigion children, from the term after their 2nd birthday until the end of the term they turn 3. You can claim this with a childminder — including us.
Register your interest →Flying Start
Welsh Government · Ceredigion
Flying Start offers quality, funded part-time childcare for eligible 2 to 3 year olds in selected areas. We're signed up to Flying Start, so eligible families can use their funded hours with us.
Check your area →Not sure which scheme fits your family? Get in touch and we'll happily talk it through with you.
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you care for?
We care for children from birth to 12 years.
What are your opening hours?
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm.
Do you offer school pickups?
Yes — we collect from Ysgol Penrhyn Coch and Cylch Meithrin Trefeurig only.
How do I get in touch?
Simply fill in the contact form, send an email or give us a call. We'd love to answer any questions you have.
What should my child bring?
A packed lunch, a change of clothes, any comfort items, nappies/wipes if needed and suitable outdoor wear.
Come and say hello
We'd love to hear from you and your little one. Get in touch with any questions — we're always happy to help.
Phone
+44 7828 413389Location
8 Cae Mawr, Penrhyn-coch,
Aberystwyth SY23 3EJ