Laura Gatford sets up Perfect Little Parties in Taunton area

Laura Gatford hit on the idea of staging luxury soft play parties for babies and small children while on maternity leave caring for her son Isaac, the first baby born in Musgrove Park Hospital on January 1 this year (2022).

After spotting a gap in the market, she set up Perfect Little Parties, which has taken off over the festive period.

Laura said: "When I was planning Isaac's christening, I was trying to find something that wasn't overstimulating.

"I wanted something quite neutral, but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

"I could see there was a gap in the market, so I set up my own little business.

"It went crazy over the Christmas period with lots of events."

Perfect Little Parties offers free rein to children to play with equipment such as a slide, building blocks and a ball pit.

"The equipment is all a neutral colour - white," added Laura.

"As a teacher, I've worked with a lot of children with special educational needs (SEN) and some of the play equipment in use has been too colourful.

"That tends to be overstimulating and has almost the opposite effect and makes them shut down.

"My aim has been to create parties that will allow SEN children to still feel included.

"I've been able to transfer my skills I picked up as a teacher for eight years.

"I can still use my creativity and am able to interact with the children and build relationships with families."

The parties are held in people's homes, local halls or outside.

Parents or carers can choose from a package of parties, all named after children in Laura's family.

The play parties have been a big hit with Isaac, who has enjoyed joining in with other children at a couple of events.

Perfect Little Parties is already proving successful with more bookings being taken after a busy Christmas.

To contact Laura to arrange a party for your baby or toddler, search for Perfect Little Parties on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or email perfectlittleparties.x@gmail.com