Who we are

Hi, I’m Georgie, the founder of Big Mess Sensory Play, an independent business based in Hampshire.

I’m a Level 3 qualified childcare professional with over 10 years of childcare experience, and I’ve always believed that children learn best through play. Messy play has long been my favourite way to engage children, encouraging curiosity, confidence, creativity and hands-on learning in a natural and joyful way.

There’s a photo of me from 2016, taken after a day working in a nursery where I’d gotten completely covered in messy play. I remember getting home and jumping straight into the shower fully clothed. At the time, it was just part of the job, but looking back now, that moment perfectly sums up my love for messy, play-based learning and the joy it brings to children.

In 2025, after having my own child, something truly clicked. Attending baby and toddler groups quickly became one of our favourite activities, and we tried just about all of them. While each class offered something lovely, I often felt that one important element was missing. There was very little opportunity for true messy play, where children could freely explore textures, materials and their senses without restriction.

I’d often said I wanted to create a messy play experience just for children, but for a long time it never went any further than an idea. Becoming a parent gave me a fresh perspective and the confidence to finally make it happen.

Alongside my childcare background, I also spent five years working as a professional cleaner. That experience made the idea of creating a space where children could fully embrace the mess, knowing it would all be cleaned up properly afterwards, feel like the perfect combination. Making the mess and taking care of the clean-up felt like a natural fit.

Big Mess Sensory Play is built on over a decade of childcare experience, professional cleaning knowledge and a deep understanding of child development. Every session is thoughtfully planned to be child-led, taste-safe and age-appropriate. Children are encouraged to explore at their own pace while parents stay close, supporting and sharing in the experience.

This isn’t messy play created on a whim. It’s a carefully considered space where children can explore, learn and grow through play, and where parents can enjoy the magic of messy moments without the mess at home.