Parent and Baby Awards 2020

www.lux-review.com Page 25 Page 24 www.lux-review.com LUX 2020 Parent & Baby Awards LUX 2020 Parent & Baby Awards When Fiona Drummond discovered some classic, traditional hand-smocked baby clothes in the attic of her husband’s family home, she couldn’t have known what would happen next, that she would end up starting a business that would bring these classic items into the public imagination, that would champion the ultimate in quality and would be a timely reminder of what the past has to offer. She found an artisan manufacturer in Peru, who was making hand-smocked baby clothes on softest Pima Cotton and who enabled her to bring that dream to life. With Fiona wanting to capture a fragment of the history she had found in that dusty attic, they sourced the softest Pima cotton, and executed the exquisite hand-smocking and embroidered characters that would form the heart of Mini-la-Mode’s classic babywear and children’s pyjamas. Only the highest grade of 100% OekoTex certified Pima cotton would do! This unique cotton is sustainably produced on small family farms, working in cooperatives, using traditional farming methods in the high Andes, and is hand-picked to ensure the softest, silkiest most luxurious fabric. The smocking and embroidery is carried out by artisan women working from home, empowering women to be able to earn an independent income. The heritage of these communities is an essential part of the greater history that Mini-la-Mode is recreating. The babywear that the team produces has gone on to be some of the most in-demand in the world, stocked by high end baby boutiques that seek to supply the finest in life. This commitment to a classic product that won’t age through the years is best shown through the charming character embroideries that embellish the team’s products. Beatrix Over twenty-five years of operation in the Plymouth area, Bambinos Childcare Centres has developed an ethos that centres around children, inspiring them as well as everybody who works with their incredible children. With extensive research of the impact of a child’s environment on its development, Bambinos provides a carefully curated experience that is influenced by pedagogical pioneers, such as Reggio, Steiner and more which nurtures the social, intellectual, emotional and physical development of children. Bambinos believes in the importance of the natural environment in the early years of a child’s life and therefore provides activities both inside and outside, employing loose parts play and authentic and open-ended resources. Learning through play and physical activity is central to the Bambinos ethos and is a vital element of helping children progress through the seven areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage, a concept embedded in Bambinos’ approach to learning, as it helps staff to observe, assess, plan, amend and evaluate each step of a child’s development. Bambinos provides an accessible, well-organised outdoor space that facilitates sensory explorations and interacting with nature, a crucial element of the Bambino’s process of development. The enabling environment that is fostered at Bambinos is about providing a setting in which children can play, explore and learn in The best clothing is timeless, built on a base of quality, not the perpetually changing winds of fashion. Mini-la-Mode brings a classic elegance to its customers, with designs that embrace the highest quality. We take a closer look at how this brand brings something old to a brand-new market as we celebrate their success in this year’s Parent and Baby Awards. With over twenty-five years of childcare experience, Bambinos Childcare Centres is dedicated to giving children the best start in life, providing them with an inspirational and educational environment in which to spend their formative years. Inspired by childcare pioneers such as Reggio Emilia, Bambinos places great significance on the impact of the natural environment on children’s development. It is a result of the conscientious and well-researched care that Bambinos is now celebrating success at the Parent and Baby Awards 2020. Sep20896 Sep20172 Mini-la-Mode Best Artisan Luxury Infant Apparel Brand - England Bambinos Childcare Centres Most Nurturing Childcare Provider – Plymouth Potter’s iconic Peter Rabbit™ and Friends are the stars of Mini-la-Mode’s offerings, with her illustrations faithfully reproduced, over a hundred years after they were first published in her enchanting stories, and have proven to be immensely popular with buyers of Mini-la-Mode The team are delighted to announce the addition of Snoopy™ to their stable of classic children’s characters, soon to feature on babywear and children’s pyjamas, on the finest Pima fabrics that have made the brand such a success. Mini-la-Mode has always aimed to provide clothing that is luxurious, timeless, sustainable and eco-ethical, and this naturally applies to how they interact with each and every customer. Selling online has made for new challenges, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, but is one which the team have risen to, in providing the best baby shopping experience Customers who choose Mini-la-Mode, come because they know the service they receive will be second to none. A personal touch permeates every encounter, with the team facilitating gifting and personal shopping, with beautiful gift wrapping for each and every purchase. Each special item is lovingly wrapped in tissue and placed into a Mini-la-Mode branded gift box, finished with satin ribbon and a personalised gift card. Every part of the Mini- la-Mode process is designed to envelop the buyer with luxury, from the first time the box is opened, to when this classic clothing is tucked away for the next generation. Here at LUXlife, we’re delighted that the team at Mini-la-Mode has been able to create such an enviable product. They are a clear example of how aspiring to the utmost quality leads to ideas and images that can be handed down for future generations to enjoy. Company: Mini-la-Mode Contact: Selina Craig Website: https://mini-la-mode.com/ a safe, caring and supportive space. Each of the practitioners on the team are highly trained to understand how individual children learn best, as well as encourage independence and nurture confidence and self-esteem. The team provides activities and opportunities for children to make their own choices and decisions, whether it be tidying up toys or preparing snacks, giving them both the physical and the mental space to develop, learn and grow. Bambinos also understands that each child’s perspective of the world is unique, reflecting the different contexts and cultures that make up a child’s background. Working closely with parents, Bambinos has created a space in which children and parents are able to reflect and share experiences, while also providing play opportunities that take into account the diverse experiences of each child. This creates consistency throughout the crucial developmental years of early childhood, letting children feeling secure as they learn. In 2018, Founders Alison and Bill Lane decided to retire, leaving Bambinos in the safe hands of Jemma and Sara, the management team and their devoted staff, several of whom have been with the company since its inception. Sharing in their passion and motivation to offer children the best start to life, the team ensures Bambinos remains reflective, progressive and outstanding for all. Alison and Bill also selected Jiayi Education Investment Group as the main shareholders of Bambinos. Committed to Bambinos continuing its journey of excellence under the same management structure, policies, procedures, ethos and standards, Jiayi has presented many exciting opportunities to the team at Bambinos. Based in China, Jiayi invites staff to travel there each year to learn about nursery care and further their professional development, a truly exceptional opportunity for anyone within the childcare industry. With twenty-five years of development and expertise behind it, Bambinos is excited about this next phase in its growth. As they constantly learn and research how to give children the best start to life, Bambinos is sure to remain a crucial resource for parents of young children all across Plymouth. Contact: Sara Richards Company: Bambinos Childcare Centres Web: www.bambinosdaynursery.co.uk