A CWMBRAN woman is helping children and families who missed out in lockdown with her recently launched business.

Nicola Jones, 49, is a mother of four with more than 26 years’ experience of teaching. She knew that - due to the Covid pandemic and various lockdowns - many children and young families had missed out.

So, in September, she launched her business: Funky Learning with Nicki – which offers children from the age of zero to five the chance to enjoy messy play and sensory learning.

South Wales Argus:

“Over the last two years everyone’s been stuck in lockdown,” said Ms Jones.

“Children have missed out on a lot, so I thought why not bring the best bits from the classroom? The things people may be reluctant to do at home.

“I’ve done different themes each week and the children have loved it.”

South Wales Argus: Business owner, teacher, and mother Nicola Jones (Picture: Funky Learning With Nicki)Business owner, teacher, and mother Nicola Jones (Picture: Funky Learning With Nicki)

Ms Jones has numerous qualifications including paediatric first aid, food hygiene level two, mindfulness and yoga for 3-7 year olds, and more.

Her business, Funky Learning with Nicki, allows children to enjoy messy play and sensory learning at locations in Torfaen and Newport.

Funky Learning with Nicki offers morning sessions (10am – 11.30am) and afternoon sessions (12pm-1.30pm) at various locations throughout the week:

  • Mondays at Blaenavon Bethlehem Chapel 
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Croesyceiliog Rugby Club
  • Thursdays at Pontypool Market
  • Fridays at The Loading Bay (Faith Church, Rogerstone, Newport)

All resources are provided, and it is £5.50 per session.

South Wales Argus:

“Funky Learning with Nicki also gives parents and grandparents and opportunity to meet and socialise,” said Ms Jones.

“We launched in September and classes – which combine mess and sensory play - are already starting to fill.

“People seem to really be enjoying it and have said it's a lovely, friendly environment.

“Some have said that other places offer 45-minute sessions which can feel like it’s ‘in then out’ but our sessions are an hour and a half, with different themes each week.”

Find out more at funkylearningwithnicki.co.uk or get in touch via phoning 07947 633710 or e-mailing jonesmillhouse@aol.com