Scallywags Toddlers Club

Scallywags is a long-standing toddlers’ club in Richmond which focuses on small group numbers and lots of love! Born from founder Nancy’s need for a playgroup for her own children, Scallywags Toddlers Club provides a loving and family orientated environment for your children to learn and grow. Scallywags is a unique toddlers’ group in Richmond upon Thames, where children can enjoy that perfect balance of stimulation, company and play, while their parents gain some time for themselves. Scallywags welcomes children from all over the world and is committed to diversity and inclusion for all families

My Story

“There HAS to be a place!”

These were my very thoughts in 1995 as I sat in a dentist’s chair - mouth full of equipment and a squirming toddler in my lap. At 15 months, Andrew was too young to be left playing alone in the waiting room and too old to sit quietly in his pushchair. Like many young mothers in the area, I lived miles away from my family, and friends weren’t always available to help. All I needed was a few hours each week for myself.

So I started to search.

Babysitters were expensive and he’d have no other children to play with. Lots of mother and toddlers groups around, but then I’d have to stay. Crèche? “Only if you belong to the club, madam!” - or they were so chaotic and noisy that Andrew was beside himself. Finding the right childcare was proving to be a nightmare!

What I wanted for Andrew was the equivalent of my Italian aunt’s living room - complete with cousins, toys and lots of hugs. That’s how Scallywags came about. For over 20 years now, we have been helping families give their toddlers that same warm, happy play experience (AND giving parents a much needed break!)

Nancy

Book your place now!

We always keep our groups small to ensure your child gets the care and attention that we'd expect for our own children. Contact us today to see if we have a space for your child. By clicking, you agree to allow Scallywags to use your data once for the purpose of contacting you to provide additional information.

Staff Profiles

Nancy Baldwin

 


Hi! I am a qualified teacher and proud creator of Scallywags Toddlers Club. My own boys, Peter and Andrew, are adults now but they were very much the inspiration for Scallywags. It is my aim to provide a homely, friendly play experience for each child who comes to us. In other words, I have created a space where I would be happy to leave my own children. I have done this now for over 20 years and there is nothing more satisfying than to walk down the High Street in Richmond, Twickenham or Sheen and run into some of my past kids with their families. I love hearing their news and how they are getting on in life. Many are university graduates or still in school. One has even become a mother herself! Scallywags is just waiting for the day when a Scallywags “grad” sends their own child to us. A real bulwark of the community, Scallywags is there as a resource for toddlers and their families throughout the Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Sarah Hutton

 


I am married to Keith and have 2 teenage children, Harry and Becky. I started working at Scallywags when my daughter was in Year 1 at Marshgate and haven't looked back. That was over 10 years ago.

I love being at Scallywags. It is fun and very rewarding and a real privilege to work with such wonderful children and their families. I feel very lucky to have such a special place to work.

Kelly Slade


After training in childcare, I took time out to bring up my amazing children - my son Reece who is 20 and my 16 year old daughter, Shayne who are both my whole world!

Once they were older, I was looking to work with little children again.  Along came Nancy and this amazing place and I haven't looked back!  That was more than 3 years ago and working at Scallywags has been so rewarding!

I look forward to coming to work each day to see the children, to enjoy their infectious gigges when you blow bubbles or to watch their eyes light up when you read them their favourite story over and over!  It is such a wonderful feeling knowing the mums and dads trust us to share these magical early moments withtheir children, and most of all to share the lovely cuddles we get all the time!!


Lucille Drew-Edwards


My son Fred, now 13 years old, was at Scallywags for nearly 2 years, leaving aged 3. Spending time at Scallywags made a big difference to him and really helped with his transition to nursery. He still remembers it.


I've been working at Scallywags for over 6 years. I love working with the children and always become very fond of them. It's a pleasure to see them settle in and watch them grow and develop and make friends.


I've always felt it's a very comfortable space for the children to be. It’s somewhere they feel safe and secure but also have the chance to play with other children or just do their own thing.


The times I love the most though are the cuddles and hugs that we get from the children.

Debbie Dewhirst 

 

I am a former air stewardess and hotel manager.  Now I am a mother of two energetic girls aged 11 and 8, both of whom attended Scallywags.  Working her is very rewarding and enjoyable.  No one day is the same and both my daughters flourished here.  The learned to share and grow in a secure environment and remain close friends with the children who were with them -  as do the parents!  It is a safe and happy place and a real delight to be able to work here amongst a diverese community.


About us - Crèche in Richmond