Former Morecambe teacher 'excited' after winning top award

The 28-year-old from Galgate launched her Wedding Childcare Company just 18 months ago and has now scooped a Wedding Industry Award.

Laura won the ‘Special Touch’ category at the North West regional final of the awards and now goes forward to the national ceremony in London this January.

“It was so exciting to win,” said Laura.

The Wedding Industry Awards are the only regional and national client-voted and expert judged awards in the UK wedding industry and Laura’s win was mainly due to votes from her satisfied customers.

Laura has almost a decade of childcare experience and qualified as a primary school teacher six years ago. She’s taught at Morecambe Bay Primary School and ran a nursery at Furnace Barn in Halton.

“A parent I knew was getting married and asked if I could look after her little girl and that gave me the idea for my business. I did a couple of weddings last year and now it’s gone crazy,” Laura said.

After being contacted by a wedding couple, Laura will spend time with their children, getting to know them usually in their own home, before the big day.

When the wedding day arrives, Laura is flexible about the amount of time she can provide childcare whether it be at the ceremony, reception and/or evening celebration.

“Some people don’t like children running around at weddings so I can look after them and everyone can have a good time.”

Among the activities Laura provides are soft play, role play, a kids’ wedding table, dressing up costumes, crafts and a range of games.

Tepees are also a speciality as during the Covid pandemic, Laura set up a tepee sleepover experience for children who weren’t able to have conventional parties.

Depending on the number of children who need looking after, Laura either works alone or with assistance. Developing a staff team is a future ambition.

Most of her clients so far have been in the Lancaster area and Lake District.

“Anybody who knows me, knows my passion for working with children and that this is my dream job. I am now exactly where I belong, providing the highest quality childcare in the wedding industry.”