Playful, practical support for starting school
TeachEm Box was created to help parents support school readiness at home in a simple, low-prep and encouraging way. We believe early learning should feel playful, realistic and confidence-building for both children and grown-ups.
Founder's Story
I’m Jayne, the founder of Pudding & Squidge. A former childminder and mum of two. It was while on maternity leave from childminding I was hit with major mum-guilt. My daughter had gone from structured days learning and playing with her mindee friends, to just at home with me and her newborn baby brother, and let’s face it, newborns aren’t much fun.She didn’t attend nursery because we hadn’t needed it and maternity pay was not going to cover that now, even if I could find her a space.
I wanted her to learn but needed it to be easy and quick. I saw lots of ‘fun and easy’ things for us to do online and did lots of them. Raiding the cupboards, drawers and recycling to try and find the items needed for them was often frustrating, and I was exhausted.
I had a brainwave! I put together a box of stuff we had, that I could easily pull out and play quick, educational games,drawing on my knowledge of early learning goals and the EYFS. And so, while the baby slept I would get out the box and play a quick game with my then 3 year old. If she then spent the rest of the day watching CBeebies while I dealt with the daily grind with a baby it was ok, I had done something….!
Mum guilt eased and routines established I founded Pudding and Squidge and set about making the boxes! I developedthe games and tested them with my daughter. Eventually we had a collection of games I was proud of.
But here’s the thing you probably want to know most?! Why call it Pudding and Squidge? Easy, it’s the kids nicknames. My daughter is Pudding and my son is Squidge. Since founding Pudding and Squidge I have had another child, a son affectionately nicknamed Baby Bear.
What I believe
School readiness is about much more than letters and numbers. It is also about confidence, communication, independence, listening, fine motor skills and feeling emotionally ready for a new environment.
Children do not need constant pressure to learn well. They need playful opportunities, encouragement and simple activities that fit into real family life.
Why TeachEm Box is different
- Created with real early years experience
- Simple, low-prep activities for busy families
- Designed to support school readiness in a playful way
- Helps build confidence, independence and key early skills
- Screen-free, practical and easy to use at home
Who TeachEm Box is for
TeachEm Box is for parents, grandparents and carers of children aged around 3–5 who want to support starting school in a calm, positive and realistic way.
Whether your child is confident and curious or needs a little extra reassurance, the box is designed to help make early learning feel approachable and fun.