🛡️ £5m Public Liability · ✅ Enhanced DBS · 📋 EYFS Aligned · 🎓 Level 3 TA Qualified · 🔒 ICO Registered · 🩺 Paediatric First Aid Certified
I’m Ashleigh and I created The Seashell Garden because I believe that children learn best when they’re calm, unhurried and connected to the natural world. No flashing lights, no noise, no rushing. Just small hands, good soil and simple wonder.
The Seashell Garden was born from a simple belief — that young children deserve space to be curious, to get their hands dirty, and to experience the quiet magic of the natural world without anyone rushing them along.
I noticed that so many play experiences for little ones were loud, fast and overstimulating. I wanted to create something completely different — calm, unhurried outdoor sessions where the most exciting thing is a ladybird on a leaf or a seed pushing through soil.
Based in South Shields and Sunderland, I run small groups of no more than six children aged 12 months to 4 years, always with their parent or carer alongside them. Every session uses natural materials — soil, seeds, shells, pebbles and simple outdoor wonder.
Sessions are small, unhurried and gentle. Maximum 8 children. No rushing.
Every material comes from the natural world. No plastic. No synthetic materials.
There is no right or wrong way to explore. Children lead and we follow
Parents stay throughout every session — not as observers but as participants.
Proudly South Shields and Sunderland.
A seed sprouting. A ladybird landing. These small moments are what we're built around.
Families arrive to a beautiful sensory discovery tray — natural materials laid out to explore freely while everyone settles in. No structured start, no pressure to join in immediately. Children arrive in their own time.
Each session has a gentle theme — planting, mud kitchen, nature art, water play or seasonal exploration. The activity unfolds naturally over 50 minutes, always following the children’s curiosity rather than a rigid plan.
Every child leaves with something to take home — a planted pot, a seed ball, artwork or a small collection of natural treasures. Something to continue the magic at home.
| Ages | 12 months to 4 years |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
| Group size | Maximum 8 children |
| Location | South Shields & Sunderland |
| Price | From £8 per session |
| Parents | Always stay throughout |
The Seashell Garden is fully compliant, insured and background checked so you can relax and simply enjoy the session with your little one.
£5m public liability via Morton Michel. Professional indemnity included.
Enhanced DBS checked via uCheck. Child Workforce certificate. Available on request.
All sessions support Early Years Foundation Stage across all seven areas of learning.
The Seashell Garden is fully compliant, insured and background checked so you can relax and simply enjoy the session with your little one.
Follow along for updates or get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
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