A Whole New World - Baby, Toddler and Pre-schooler Classes for Learning and Fun
Is there ever a better time to try new things than when you're experiencing the world for the very first time? Apart from endless enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in to practically anything, babies, toddler and pre-schoolers are also little sponges, ready to learn new skills and use them in their own special way.
As well as community-led baby and toddler groups, there are also lots of wonderful classes in Cheltenham with learning and development in mind. From rugby and dance, to music and singing, our little ones now have the chance to explore all sorts of activities, led by experienced professionals, in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Busy Lizzy
What to expect: The concept behind Busy Lizzy is to offer expectant and new mums a monthly fitness club that gives access to pregnancy and postnatal exercise classes, both online and at classes in your local area, which support them through every stage of motherhood. The Cheltenham classes are run by Amy and include everything from baby massage and pregnancy Pilates, to mummy and me bootcamp and baby boogie.
By signing up to the monthly club you also get access to the online interactive talks, which can be watched on catch-up if you can’t catch them live, covering a range of topics such as The Fourth Trimester. Not only is Busy Lizzy a great way to boost your fitness, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet new mums and create a network of friendship and support.
Age range: Expectant mums and babies
When and where?: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at St Philip & James Leckhampton, along with a Thursday bootcamp session in Naunton Park.
Cost: Monthly fees start from £20 per month for an online only plan, £45 per month for the pregnancy plan, which includes four class credits to use at your local studio, or £69 per month for the mum and baby plan, with eight class credits. Both also include full access to Busylizzy Live. There’s also the option to book a free taster session.
Find out more: busylizzy.co.uk
Tumble Tots
What to expect: Little ones will love developing their physical skills at Tumble Tots, which has been helping children improve their agility, coordination and climbing since it was first set up in 1979. The 30-minute sessions are divided into age groups so you can be sure the classes are tailored to suit your child’s ability at every stage. Expect brightly coloured play equipment, plenty of songs to sing, and friendly and specially trained staff who are there to help you and your little ones each step of the way.
Age range: Classes are suitable from six months up to seven years
When and where?: Tuesdays at Holy Apostles Church, Charlton Kings and Wednesdays at St Margaret’s Hall, Hatherley.
Cost: Classes are £7.50, with fees paid half termly. Tumble Tots annual membership is also required before attending the sessions. Bear in mind that there’s often a waiting list as the classes are so popular.
Find out more: tumble-tots-glos.class4kids.co.uk
Rugbytots
What to expect: Spark your children’s sporting imagination at these fun and structured sessions where they’ll learn to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball, and play as part of a team. Each programme is designed with your child’s age group in mind, with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way.
Expect a unique and engaging atmosphere at the classes that are brimming with energy, enthusiasm and excitement. There’s also the option of a free taster session so your little ones can see if they like it before committing.
Age range: Classes are suitable from two to five years
When and where?: Saturday mornings at Balcarras School Sports Hall and Sunday mornings at Bournside School.
Cost: Sessions are £7.75 per week, with classes book termly. When booking your first block of classes you also need to get a Rugbytots Welcome Park for a one-off fee of £29.99. The pack includes a Rugbytots kits, a Rugbytots water bottle and a discount voucher for JoJo Maman Bébé.
Find out more: rugbytots.co.uk
Jo Jingles
What to expect: Jo Jingles is a fun, interactive music, singing and movement experience that offers the chance to explore different themes, such as nature, colours or shapes each week. Children will love getting to know Jo Jingles, the happy little character dressed in red and yellow, who participates in all of the classes and has a fantastic imagination, and of course loves waving and cuddles.
The age-appropriate activities include playing percussion instruments and introducing exciting props and visuals, encouraging babies and children to learn and develop through music, including using well-known nursery rhymes to get little ones to sing along.
Age range: Classes are suitable from three months to five years
When and where?: Wednesday mornings at Saint Andrew’s Church and Thursday mornings at Saint Philip and James Church Centre.
Cost: Sessions are £6 for baby classes and £6.50 for all other age groups, with booking termly or half termly. You can also try out three classes for £10 to see if they are right for your child.
Find out more: jojingles.com
Buggy Fit
What to expect: Get fit with your baby in tow at Buggy Fit, mum-friendly exercise classes that take place come rain or shine in Pittville Park. The sessions, run by post-natal fitness specialist Joan Palmer, are a great opportunity to get back into exercise after having a little one and are also ideal for meeting like-minded mums while you lunge, squat and sprint round the park.
The hour-long classes include group exercises that are designed to strengthen and tone muscles using body weight and resistance bands, with Joan able to tailor exercises to suit the different stages after having a baby. Joan can also carry out tummy muscle checks to check for muscle separation so you know what level of exercise is right for you.
Age range: Mostly for mums with babies/young toddlers that are in pushchairs
When and where?: Pittville Park on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 10.30am.
Cost: Sessions cost £7 and you can pay as you go or opt for a prepaid class card
Find out more: joanswellnesszone.co.uk
Kick-A-Bout
What to expect: Get your kids fired up about football from a young age at a Kick-a-Bout class, which offers an alternative approach to football training for kids. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations, fancy dress and props during the fun-filled sessions where little ones could find themselves collecting hidden treasure, racing in police cars and running from monsters, all while introducing ball skills and team work.
The sessions, which are individually tailored for each age group, are led by experienced coaches who share their passion and enthusiasm for the game.
Age range: There are three sessions divided into four to five year olds, six to eight year olds, and eight to 10-year-olds.
When and where?: Friday evenings at Bournside School
Cost: Sessions are £6.40 a week and book half termly, with a two-week taster session for all new players.
Find out more: kick-a-boutdave.class4kids.co.uk
Babyballet
What to expect: Babyballet classes give children the chance to dance, gain confidence and shine, in a fun, caring and supportive environment. By learning through play, babies, tots, toddlers and young children learn how to dance in their own unique way, feeling free to explore movement, while making friends along the way. The classes are run by dancers Miss Leanne and Miss Georgie, who have years of experience on stage and love sharing their enthusiasm with budding stars.
Age range: Choose from three classes, Tots (six to 18 months), Tinies (18 months to three years) and Movers (three to four years)
When and where?: Tinies and Movers classes are on onday mornings at Hillview Community Centre in Up Hatherley. Other classes are available in Gloucester, Stroud and Slimbridge.
Cost: The three-week introductory trial is £15, and following that, classes are £5.50 for Babyballet Tots, Tinies, Movers and Groovers, with the option to add on Tappers classes for Movers and Groovers for an additional £2.75. Sessions are payable half termly upfront, with a £10 membership fee on joining.
Find out more: babyballet.co.uk
Moo Music
What to expect: Children can enjoy fun and interactive music, dance and craft sessions, along with Moo Music’s original songs. These interactive classes, which are positive, uplifting, and educational, will help your child to build confidence and develop their memory, language and coordination skills in an exciting, enjoyable and multisensory way.
Age range: Suitable for newborns up to four years
When and where?: Thursday mornings at St Margaret’s Hall in Hatherley
Cost: Sessions cost £30 for a six-week term, with sibling and twin discounts
Find out more: moo-music.co.uk
Boogie Beat
What to expect: These music and movement classes, taught by former primary school teacher Emma, are active, fun and provide lots of giggles along the way. Combining music and movement with carefully structured learning, children develop their confidence, coordination and social skills, while learning to express themselves in a warm and relaxed environment.
Children will love getting to know Giggles the Boogie Beat Monkey, with sessions including singing, dancing, instruments, stories, ball play, and parachute play.
Age range: Suitable from six month to five years
When and where?: Tuesdays mornings at Hatherley Village Hall
Cost: Classes are £5.50 per class, with half termly booking
Find out more: boogiebeat.co.uk
