* FREE FIRST CLASS (1 - 4YRS)
* FREE T'SHIRT WITH CLUB MEMBERSHIP
* BRITISH GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
* BRITISH GYMNASCTICS AWARDS FOR ALL AGES

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Parents are encouraged to have fun with their youngsters and, in the process, learn simple coaching skills. Our class is intended to promote physical and mental awareness for pupils and provide a social and enjoyable atmosphere for both parents and pupils alike, we pride ourselves on our easy going atmosphere in which pupils can learn skills without pressure in a safe and fun environment. We do not appreciate parents ‘bullying' their child into doing the parents' preferred activity.

We use Olympic Gymnastics equipment plus balls, balloons, beanbags and hoops, as well as specially designed wedges and rolls for that extra bit of ‘spatial awareness' and fun whilst teaching balance and co-ordination and simple gymnastic skills with according to each individual's ability.

We encourage parents to allow their children to choose their play time activities, and heartily disapprove of parents 'forcing' pupils to 'do it or else' etc. This is your Childs' class they are here to learn skills whilst enjoying themselves especially in this day an age of the telly tubbies alias "couch potatoes" where so many of our toddlers are becoming obese partly due to lack of exercise - we want them to grow up knowing sport and physical activities are fun.

Apparatus varies slightly between branches, to include our normal Olympic Gymnastics Apparatus plus specially prepared play apparatus for toddlers. New parents together with their toddlers are given individual guides on how to negotiate each piece of apparatus safely, carefully and to get the best out of it and your child. You are given a direction to traverse the apparatus...preferably the same as everyone else! :) Followed by half an hour or so of fun, climbing, jumping, rolling and playing, with 2 - 4 instructors helping out and advising at strategic points. This is followed by a class get together for badge work (optional), songs, general balance and co-ordination skills and lots of fun with hand apparatus or the parachute.

For our more advanced little ones there is always the possibility of entering our annual club competition! One of our 4 year olds actually beat several 5, 6 & 7 year olds to come first in our beginner level a few years ago!

CLOTHING

Pupils (& Adults) Anything suitable for climbing and jumping, i.e. Tracksuits, leggings, sweatshirts, t-shirts etc., depending on weather! Please be aware that halls can sometimes be a bit nippy.

Pupils Definitely NO skirts, dresses or baggy shorts etc., which may get snagged on equipment whilst climbing or jumping.

FOOTWEAR

Adult

Bare feet or socks/slippers/soft shoes. For the safety of our toddlers' feet, parents should remove trainers or shoes in the class.

Pupil

Bare feet is best although leather gymnastic shoes are available from baby size 20. Totes type shoes are often ok too, as long as they ARE non slip. Trainers are only allowed in special circumstances as they restrict foot flexibility.

PUPIL SAFETY

•  No jewelry OR watches, hair tied back

•  Pupils must be supervised at all times by an adult (parent/guardian)

•  Pupils must vacate safety (crash) mats at the end of vaults etc. These are there just to jump onto from vaults, beams etc and for safety must be vacated as soon as the jump is completed

•  No running/climbing across safety (crash) mats, unless they are placed specifically for ‘playing' on only.

•  Balls, hoops etc. must not be held whilst on apparatus and should be left in ‘play' area

•  No food to be consumed within the classes

•  Water is allowed in leak proof containers only to be given to pupil when sitting by the side of the class.

•  Bars in school halls are totally out of bounds