A little family dream that grew into something much bigger.
Our story began in 2010, when Claire and Trevor Dancer started childminding from their family home, Kingwood House, in Uffculme, Devon. Claire, a qualified Teacher with years of experience in Primary Education, and Trevor, a retired Royal Navy Officer, found themselves on this path after adopting their first child, Kieren, whom Claire had taught in her Reception class.
When Naeve came along, they found themselves looking for the same kind of care and environment they had always wanted for their own children, but couldn't quite find it. So, they decided to create it themselves, with little Isla soon joining the family.
Just in front of their home sat an old Boatyard, which they bought and lovingly transformed into the nursery they had always envisioned: a home-from-home where their own children, and those of other families, could spend their early years.
The name Kingwood was a natural choice, taken from the family home where it all began. What started around the kitchen table as a little family venture soon became something much bigger.
Our Journey
The Next Chapter
In 2021, the Dancer family moved from Kingwood House to Muddifords Court, where they began an exciting new chapter, establishing a separate family-run business.
Set within fourteen acres of beautiful Devon countryside, Muddifords Court has grown into a destination for Events, Saplings Stay & Play, Little Explorers, Home Education and Holiday Clubs, alongside its own Café.
Today, Kingwood Children continues its journey in the heart of Uffculme village, remaining a family-run business more than fifteen years after Claire and Trevor first opened their doors.
What began as a little family dream has grown into something we are incredibly proud of, and we are so grateful to every family who has been part of our story.