Arty Explorers provides fun, creative and multi-sensory art-based classes, parties and events for children under 7 years.
Our private Early Years Art studio is located in the centre of the rural village of Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire.
Our Explorers have the freedom to fully immerse themselves in our imaginative and creative space as they play, learn and have fun together.
Our weekly term time classes are themed to include storytelling, arts and craft through immersive, imaginative play. As well as our weekly classes we run seasonal workshops and events during the school holidays. Our studio is also extremely popular for private hire and children’s birthday parties too.
Your journey starts with us from Tiny Explorers baby massage through to fully-fledged school ready Explorers! Each class is tailored to include age and stage appropriate activities and are delivered in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage by qualified class leaders.
Our studio is safely designed with our Explorers in mind. Equipment and materials are kept at your child’s level to help foster their independence. The open layout gives our Explorers the space they need to explore and move freely from activity to activity as they choose.
You and your little explorer can engage in tactile, imaginative messy play within a friendly, safe and stress-free environment. Art, sensory and play activities make a huge contribution to children’s cognitive and creative development. Our unique approach provides these hands-on learning experiences to foster your little Explorers imagination and creativity.
At Arty Explorers we welcome everyone.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our studio ready to
‘GET MESSY, PLAY, HAVE FUN AND CREATE’ together!
Founder and Creative Director
Once a teacher, head of Art & Design now inspiring little explorers one brushstroke at a time!
With years of teaching experience and a real love for creativity Arty Explorers was created back in 2017. Giving children a truly hands on, immersive, creative experience whilst learning through play.
In the past I’ve also worked as a knitwear designer, a film and tv costume design assistant in New Zealand as well as years in high street retail too. However nothing compares to the joy of working with children, supporting their creativity and seeing their imaginations ignite!
I am really lucky to now work alongside the most amazingly talented ladies to collectively bring you your favourite Arty Explorers classes each week!
Senior Class Leader and Infant Massage Instructor
My professional background has always been in Early Years, with experience in various roles in daycare settings as well as on a paediatric ward in a hospital.
After my first child was born, I became a certified Infant Massage instructor and have been teaching baby massage in our Tiny Explorers classes ever since.
I truly love watching the children’s creativity and play unfold throughout classes week after week.
Class Leader
I had a career as a performer, travelling all over the world. I was once a magicians assistant and even performed for royalty too!
Since hanging up my dancing shoes and having my own children you’ll now find me at Arty Explorers getting stuck in with the jelly, Oobleck and play dough! I love to play alongside the children having a really fun, messy and creative time!
Class Leader
l’ve been an Early Years Teacher for 25 years and have even managed nurseries, but my real adventure began in 2017 when I walked into Arty Explorers as a mum and never left!
There’s nothing more magical than watching little ones play, learn, and grow in confidence.
Being inspired by both my own children and the curious minds at Arty’s, I decided to jump back into learning myself, earning a Master’s in Psychology, and now working towards a PhD. But nothing will beat getting creative, messy, and making memories with you all!
Party Co-ordinator
I absolutely love coordinating our Arty Parties!
With 20+ years of experience across Early Years, Key Stage 1, Special Education and even outdoors as a Horticultural Therapist, I’ve always loved helping children explore, express and create in their own unique and wonderful ways.
Now that my own children are grown, I’ve retrained as a Play Therapist, because play, creativity, joy and connection are still at the heart of everything I do.
Supporting families in celebrating their little one’s special day through exploration, laughter and imagination is such a joy, and yes, l’ll probably be the one adding extra sparkle with glitter tattoos!
Party Support
I love to help families create long lasting memories at our Arty Parties!
I’m currently studying and working part time with the arty team. You’ll find me on a weekend in the party room preparing and serving the food and drinks!
Studio Technician
I help with the weekly reset on a Friday and love seeing how much mess the children have made whilst having fun in their classes!
I am currently still in school, art is my favourite subject and I have taken this as a GCSE option. This is the perfect first job for me!
Dorothy is a dot but she has a big heart. She loves to watch, listen and take in all that is happening around her.
Eva is curious, determined and lots of fun. She loves to learn and explore, making the most mess of all.
Tilly is a confident little Moose. She loves exploring and has a very playful imagination.
Henry is active and very inquisitive. He loves nothing more than exploring and playing with his friends.
“It’s by far the best thing I got to do with my little one! Each week is themed around a story – you get to make the most beautiful pieces of art together and there’s lots of different messy activities set up for them too!”
“We absolutely love Arty Explorers! My son has a wonderful time each week. The stories they choose are fab and we often end up reading the stories again or buying the books after a session! The class leaders are so lovely and helpful. Thanks we love it!!!”
“Yorkshire’s (maybe even the worlds) best toddler class!”
“A great structure of story time, free play, bubbles and making. Such a friendly and enthusiastic team. You can’t go to Arty Explorers without smiling”
“We were so lucky to have got a place on Arty Explorers back in December – and while we may have had to wait 4 months for classes to start, it was more than worth the wait! We loved it, mess and all!”
