Classes

Caterpillar Music Expansion! Newbury and Winchester

Posted by juliet on in Babies, Classes, Local Mum Businesses, New Classes, North Hampshire, Things to Do, Toddlers 0 Comment

Hi! I’m Jaz and I set up Caterpillar Music in Basingstoke in 2012. Our weekly music, movement and sensory classes got so popular that the 2 that I started with quickly grew to 6, then 10 and now we’re at a fabulous 24 weekly classes, many with waiting lists. I found I could no longer run sessions as just little old me, so now we are a team of 5!

Nicky was one of my class leaders that started with me back in 2016. I mentioned to her that I’d love to expand and go even further than where I was (Basingstoke, Bramley and Tadley). After her laughing and saying I do enough (she is actually right- doing this and taking care of my 3 little ones…! but I do love it!!) She said she’d love to come on board and wondered if we could do it together. We get on so well and also have a great working relationship. So we decided to go for it!! We are currently in the process of expanding.

We are setting up our superb classes to Winchester and Newbury and are launching this September.

For those of you that haven’t come to Caterpillar Music let me give you a little idea of what we do… each unique session will include a variety of amazing puppets, instruments, bubbles, parachutes, light shows, sensory equipment and much more. Each week is a new adventure. We could be diving under the sea one week and going to the circus the next.

We currently have over 300 Mums that come each 1/2 term and we often have families stay with us right from their little ones being tiny until they start preschool and even school.

One of the most precious things is to see a little one clap for the first time, or crawl to the puppet bag. We’ve had lots of “firsts” at class and it’s so lovely to be part of the journey that childhood is. We also work really hard on ensuring our classes are relaxed and comfortable for parents and carers and to help everyone feel welcome and “at home”.

We are SO excited for this new journey we are on to bring our sessions to new families. We will be launching in South Wonston, Winchester, Kingsclere and Thatcham to begin with. Once we’ve conquered those areas, no doubt we’ll be opening elsewhere too!

If you have friends or family or you’d like to come along to our new classes please do find us. We’re on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CaterpillarMusicNewburyandWinchester 

Jaz & Nicky xx

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NHM Readers Recommend: Clubs and Groups in Old Basing

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Babies, Children, Group, Pre School, Things to Do, Toddlers 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if anyone could recommend clubs or groups for 3 year olds in Old Basing. (Thank you very much to everyone who responded!)

These were the responses I received. They are in no particular order.

NHM Readers Recommend Clubs and Groups in Old Basing

Tracey said: Old basing and Lychpit NCT coffee groups group is worth joining their Facebook page sure some in this group will have children going to school next year.

Aimee said: I’ve never been but I know of the Basing Beans toddler group which I think runs on a Tuesday in the Legion. Also, I wouldn’t worry too much about making friends before school….my little boy has just started at OBIS and the induction programme is fab, they have lots of settling in sessions before the summer holidays so get to know lots of people before they even set foot in the classroom. Xx

Kerryann replied: Basing Beans is the village toddler group. Please find our Facebook page or message me. Would be lovely to have you come along!

Louise Nhm Smith said: https://www.facebook.com/groups/basingbeans

Heather said: Have you thought about preschools? My son is nearly 3 and goes to Bolton Under 5s preschool. Lots of children from there go onto old basing infants. Other than that we go to basing beans which is great for meeting people.

Heather replied: Why don’t you go along to the nct coffee mornings too? They are on Wednesdays between 10 and 12 at houses around the village. I can aďd you to their Facebook group i think. They have babies and toddlers there. It’s a great way to meet lots of people.

Natalie said: Hi, Yes there’s a facebook page on here called mummy meetup Basingstoke, lots of new mums, next meetup is on friday 12.30-2pm in playden at sports centre. also there’s a group of us on mummy social, we are meeting on thurs for coffee at 11.30 in town if you want to come too?

Louise Nhm Smith said: Mummy meetup Basingstoke or Last minute mums Basingstoke.

Louise Nhm Smith said: or try NHM – A safe inclusive group for mummies who don’t know anyone

Hannah said: Basing beans is great fun. My son is also starting next year so feel free to message me as quite often we have preschool get togethers with other mums at our preschool. I’m in basing but my son is at preschool in lychpit.

Claudia said:  Cathy Rowe runs Music with Mummy classes in Old Basing. Fab musical classes for preschoolers!

Pam said: We used to go to the playground behind the Millstone pub so my son could get used to lots of children as they stop off after school at about 3.30-3.45. The introduction sessions at the school were brilliant too. Familiarity so no anxiety of the unknown really helped confidence. We also enjoyed sessions at the Active Life centre for preschool children. We did a preschool freestyle session with a class structure without Mum which I thought would help him with the idea of following instructions and behaving independently of my guidance. Good for me too as able to watch what he was doing in the class on their screens too.

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Safe and Friendly Playgroups with a code word!

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Babies, Basingstoke, Classes, Dads, Group, Mums, New Parents, North Hampshire, Parents, Pre School, Things to Do, Toddlers, Vulnerable Mum's 0 Comment

I think it was last week when there was a discussion on “Louise nhm Smith” about some new Mum’s feeling very intimidated at baby and toddler groups. I’ve put a bit more thought into the “code words” idea and have come up with the following. (Yes, I know it’s a bit cheeky using NHM in the “code words” but there have to be SOME perks to what I do here ???).

The code words will be:

“NorthHantsMum sent me”

and when a new Mum says that to someone when she arrives, the organisers of that group will know immediately to take extra special care of her and ensure that she feels welcomed, etc.

If you run a local play group, toddler group or somewhere where Mum’s meet and would like to be included in the post that I am putting together of “Safe and friendly” local Mum groups, please drop me an email at NorthHantsMum@gmail.com.

Hopefully this will help those Mum’s who are new to local baby and toddler groups. Thanks!!

You can find more details for the playgroups and classes on the Activities pages on NorthHantsMum.co.uk.

Playgroups

Munchkins, Thursday 10-11:30 term time, sycamore centre, winklebury.

Basing Beans Lychpit Village Hall: Basing Beans, Lychpit Village Hall, Great Binfields Rd, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8TF, Every Tuesday 10-11.30am, £2

Tuesday Tots: every Tuesday (term time) at Hall for all in Oakridge from 9:45-11:15am

Pop Up Play Village Basingstoke

Lynsey’s Little Stars parent,baby & toddler group – Old Basing

Classes

www.yogababes.co.uk

Jiggy Wrigglers classes in Basingstoke, Hook and Fleet.

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Things to do in Basingstoke with a 3 year old

Posted by shona on in Basingstoke, Cafe's, Children, Classes, Events, Organising, Outings, Pre School, Soft Play, Swimming, Things to Do, Toddlers 0 Comment

Things to do in Basingstoke with a 3 year old

Visit a library

Below is a list of Libraries in the North Hampshire area:

  • Aldershot Library
  • Alresford Library
  • Alton Library
  • Andover Library
  • Basingstoke Discovery Centre – Open on Sundays!!!
  • Chineham Library
  • Farnborough Library
  • Fleet Library
  • Kingsclere Library
  • North Baddesley Community Library
  • Odiham Bridewell
  • South Ham Library
  • Tadley Library
  • Whitchurch Library

Or Try out one of the following activities featured on NHM

What would you add to this list?

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NHM Readers: Football/dance classes for 2 year old

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in After School Clubs, Children, Classes, Exercise, NHM Readers, Pre School, Sport, Things to Do, Toddlers, Wellbeing 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if anyone could help this NHM reader: “I am thinking of sending my two year old boy to football and/or dance classes. Does anyone have any recommendations?”

These were the responses I received. They are in no particular order. Thanks very much to Juliet for putting this post together!!! 

NHM Readers recommend football/dance classes for 2 year olds

Leighann said: Basingstoke Academy of Dance is fantastic.

Fiona said: Lisa Beaumont offers ballet classes

Anita said: Lisa Beaumont School of Ballet is amazing!!! Also, my son goes to Pro-Skills Coaching Basingstoke

Vicki said: Tiny Tykes is great for football.

Christine said: My 2.5 year old really enjoys the football classes at Basingstoke Sports Centre. It’s for 2-4 year olds and run by Achieve Sports on a Monday 10-10.45 x

Heidi said: My son has been going to little kickers football since 18 months. He loves it and it helps teach them so many skills including colours, counting, animals etc.

Jessica said: Little Kickers is great for football.

Claire said: Little Kickers definitely. My son went to one at Carnival Hall when he was 2, gained loads of confidence and discipline and he is still playing grass root Sunday football at the age of 13 for a team with two friends from there.

Wendy said: RugbyTots is also worth considering. Great for hand eye coordination

Katie said: Kids Kan Dance specialise in dance for toddlers and preschoolers.

Claire said: JLD school of dancing.

Zoe said: I can recommend Katie at Kids Kan Dance, my girls love her!

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NHM Readers recommend afternoon toddler groups

Posted by Louise NorthHantsMum on in Classes, Things to Do, Toddlers 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook if anyone could recommend any local afternoon toddler groups. (Thank you very much to everyone who responded!)

These were the responses I received. They are in no particular order.

NHM Readers Recommend Local Toddler Groups in the Afternoon

Mary said: There’s one on Tuesday at St bedes church. Have a look on the website. It’s running at half measures at the moment though because the hall was recently flooded.

Wendy replied: Term time, Currently 2pm-3pm, £1 per family. Childminders welcome (and it’s not all women, we have some Dads and Grandads who are regulars too). Follow the church’s facebook page for updates.

Louise said: Messy Monsters Basingstoke run Friday’s afternoon 12.45 x

Vicki said: Pippins at St Leonard Centre in Oakley is from 1.30pm on a Tuesday. x

Cerys said: NCT has a Coffee Group on Friday afternoons in the Hatch Warren area and you don’t have to live there to attend https://www.facebook.com/groups/731774416927318/

Katie said: Cookery Doodle Doo run classes on Wednesday afternoons and are currently seeking interest in a Thursday afternoon – PM me if this might suit you. Ages 2.5+

Rebecca said: There is a lady running talking tots groups now to encourage speech, communication and language. Talking tots will have a group starting soon on Thursday afternoon in Chineham for children who start school next year. So that is Talking Tots, they have a website.

Jaz said: Caterpillar Music Basingstoke is opening up an Tuesday afternoon class in Jan. I’ll send you all the details soon Louise as I’m massively spreading out! x

There are more activities available on the activities pages:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

The weekend

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NHM Readers Recommend Dance Classes for 4 and 8 year olds

Posted by juliet on in After School Clubs, Basingstoke, Children, Classes, Exercise, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Older Children, Pre School, Sport, Things to Do 0 Comment

An NHM Reader recently asked “Are there any children’s dance classes that take mixed age children? I am looking for a class for a 4 year old and an 8 year old. It seems many places only start from age 5 also, my 4 year old will be in school from September.”

Many thanks to the NHM community for the below responses, which are in no particular order.

NHM Readers Recommend Dance Classes for 4 and 8 year olds

Paul said “not sure about dance, but I know Basingstoke Wolverines Cheer Squad are looking for people if that’s any good?”

Wendy said “They should be able to attend together for Irish Dancing. Contact below for times (I believe Basingstoke is a Tues evening) http://www.boyleodowda.com/contact.html“

Helena said “Petite school of dance (ballet, tap, Acro) are from preschool to senior school! Very friendly and relaxed but excellent dancing achieved!”

Paula said “JLD school of dancing are amazing – http://www.jldschoolofdancing.co.uk/ Main studio in Kingsclere, other classes are at Cranbourne school in Basingstoke Cranbourne Primary School“

Carlie said “North Hampshire Academy of Dance is an excellent dance school, my son and daughter have been there for 10 years and have thrived there. Free trial classes and qualified teachers. Highly recommend.”

Charlene said “JG Dance Basingstoke. My daughter is 6 and has been attending for 2 years now and does several styles of dancing on Saturday mornings. Lovely teachers and all the parents are friendly”

Sarah said “Happy Feet Dance Academy“

Julie said “The problem of them being together in most dance schools is that the exam structure is usually based at the beginning around ages – so your 8 year old could be waiting a long time for the 4 year old to be old enough/capable of doing the exams. If you wanted something informal and fun I think that Chandelle Stage School do a mixed modern/tap/ballet class in Winklebury that covers a broader age as they do IDTA dance awards rather than the formal RAD and ISTD ballet and tap etc.”

Julie said “For actual RAD and ISTD there is also Basingstoke Academy of Dancing at Houndmills”

Debbie said “www.lyndendance.co.uk“

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Review 2018: FlipOut Basingstoke

Posted by sandhya on in Basingstoke, Children, Classes, Exercise, Family, Older Children, Outings, Reviews, Reviews of Things to do, Things to Do, Toddlers 1 Comment

Thank you to S for today’s NHM Review!

Review 2018: FlipOut Basingstoke

I visited FlipOut last Saturday( just before the half-term) as part of NHM community. I was there with my 3 year old son and husband for 1 hour between 11am and 12pm. It was quite easy to buy tickets once you are there, they also offer online pre-booking which has a separate queue. However the entrance is quite narrow which can make it busy during peak time, so be prepared well in advance.

All sessions are timed and they start every half hour. Once you bought the tickets you are then asked to go to the briefing room where they show a 5 mins safety video of do’s and dont’s.

I really liked the graffiti artwork. It was beautifully used throughout the whole of Flip Out which made the place very colourful. My first reaction once I got into the park was “It was enormous”, they have over 50 trampolines of different sizes. They have lots of different areas to cater all age groups.  

The park has :

  • Main trampoline jumping area
  • 28 ft Ninja slide ( for teens/adults)
  • Foam pit.
  • Total wipeout( Kids loved it )
  • Climbing walls
  • And lots more ( I didn’t get to go into the teens/adults area )

The main park is for all age group but a few areas are height restricted which means under 6s weren’t allowed. They have a special trampoline area with FlipOut’s signature car in the middle. Kids loved jumping from and on to the car. Foam pit and total wipeout was my son’s favourite of the day. Unfortunately we didn’t use much of the teen/adults section but by the look of it I was sure they were all having lots of fun. It was a busy day with lots of toddlers, kids, teens and adults thought it didn’t look over-crowded.

Safety team:
They had a good number of safety team staff members spread all over the park. They had a keen eye on the jumping area to avoid double jumping. They are also very interactive and lively.

Baby Softplay area:
They also have a separate baby soft play area on the other side of the cafe which is small but good size for 1 and 2 year old babies when you have other kids to jumping on the trampolines.

Prices and Sessions:
All sessions are on hourly basis. You can either buy 1 hour session or add another hour for half price.
Standard jump ( 1hr) : £9.95 (2hr):  £14.95
Under 6: £5.95

You can buy FlipOut socks for £2 or they allow other parks socks as well.

Facilities and Activities

Lockers:
They have a huge locker area which works with a pound coin. The locker sizes are quite small so I had a tough time shoving my big bag into it. They are good size for shoes and coats though!

Cafe and viewing area:
There is a cafe in the mezzanine floor above to the main jumping floor with seating area. It is gallery styled and got a view to the jumping area, it allows parents to enjoy a coffee while keeping an eye on their kids.  The menu is a standard one which caters for all ages. The cafe seating area seemed to be always full and was quite a task to get a seat.

Toilets with baby changing area

Toddler Time:
Every weekday between 9am-11am  there is a dedicated toddler session in the park. Parents with under 5s can find this time appropriate as you don’t want older kids to run around at the same time.

Fit Classes :

They offer a structured Flip Fit class led by qualified fitness instructors on Wednesday 7pm. It is a pay as you go class and also you can buy 6 session for the price of 5.

Kids and adults party:

They offer different party packages according to your need which also includes exclusive room and arena hire

Website: https://www.flipout.co.uk/locations/basingstoke/

Overall experience

It looks awesome and is an excellent place for a trampoline park. Fun place and lots to do for all age group. 3 and above would enjoy their time in FlipOut. If you have only small babies then I would ask you to get an idea of what FlipOut is as it could be disappointing for a few who expected it to have big soft play areas. I really liked FlipOut and would go again.

Disclaimer: This post is a review of Flipout Basingstoke. The session was supplied free of charge for the purposes of the review. S was not expected to write a positive review and any opinions expressed are her own.

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Swimming Schools and Lessons in North Hampshire

Posted by shona on in Children, Classes, Exercise, North Hampshire, Swimming, Things to Do 0 Comment

Thank you very much to Shona for putting this post together!!

Swimming Schools and Lessons in North Hampshire

Alton Sports Centre

Swimming lessons start from 3 years old (Stage 1). All lessons are taught by qualified instructors who help children to develop confidence in and around the water.

Alton Sports Centre

Judy Sporle School of Swimming

Based in Winchester, Judy Sporle provides parent and child classes (3 months – 3 years), pre-school classes (3 years – 5 years) and also after school classes (3 years plus). In the parent and child classes they provide introduction to the water, safety, songs and games and water confidence. Pre-school classes have a maximum of 4 children to a class with the teacher in the water. After school classes have a maximum of 8 children in a class and promote water confidence and teach techniques.

Judy Sporle

Turtle Tots

Operating through Reading, Wokingham and Caversham, Turtle Tots run a baby programme and a toddler programme. The baby programme can start any time from newborn to 14 months old. You learn to swim with your baby above and below the water and help teach your baby confidence in the water. The toddler programme has been designed with a set of activities including swimming technique, safety and floating. The toddler course is suitable from 18 months.

Turtle Tots

Angela’s Swim School

Angela’s Swim School has small classes to allow for individual attention and feedback from each session. They offer swimming lessons for all the family with a wide range of lessons for children, adults and babies from 4 months. There are sessions available nationwide, locally they are held at Aldershot, Petersfield, Bordon and Hook.

Angela’s Swim School

Everyone Active

Having more than 70,000 children learning to swim through their swimming Programmes, Everyone Active helps children learn the skill of swimming. They are available 50 weeks a year (2 week break over Christmas and New Year), suitable for children aged over 5 months, all teachers are DBS checked and don’t run “terms” so children can join at any point throughout the year. Locally this is run from Hart Leisure Centre in Fleet, although it is a nationwide brand.

Everyone Active

Water Babies

Water Babies is aware that swimming is one of the few things that you can do with your baby from birth. Water Babies encourages babies to swim underwater whilst having fun. They run locally across Berkshire and North Hampshire and teach from 21 swimming pools.

Water Babies

Swim Expert

Swim Expert runs from the Apollo hotel in Basingstoke. They can provide private 1-2-1 swimming lessons to improve children’s swimming more effectively as well as running small group lessons with a maximum of 3 children per class. They will do lessons for anyone over the age of 2 years.

Swim Expert

Rushmoor Royals

Rushmoor Royals provides swimming lessons from 2 ½ years old in Farnborough, Aldershot and Yateley. Lessons are held over 3 terms and normally run for 12-14 weeks. There are badges for each stage and once achieved, children can move to the next stage.

Rushmoor Royals

Kim Chapman Swimming School

This swimming school is run from Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke. They provide adult and baby/toddler lessons from 4 months. They also do pre-school lessons for children aged over 3 years. With qualified teachers, the classes are fun using a mixture of toys, nursery rhymes and games to help children learn to swim and be confident in the water.

Kim Chapman Swimming School

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Review 2018: Pop Up Play Village UK (Basingstoke)

Posted by juliet on in Basingstoke, Children, Classes, Local Mum Businesses, Pre School, Reviews, Reviews of Things to do, Things to Do, Toddlers 0 Comment

Pop Up Play Village UK (Basingstoke)

I had only been to a play village on two occasions before with my toddlers, it was a whole new level of excitement for them (which made leaving interesting!) I was always keen to go more often but, being located that little further afield, it just never happened. So when I heard about a pop up play village coming to Basingstoke, I pretty much booked there and then. I wasn’t sure what a pop up version would be like, but I was very keen to find out.

I have to say, I was really impressed. To see my toddlers role-playing is heart-warming, and makes me really appreciate just how much they are taking in nowadays. I am so pleased that something like this is available locally, and we will definitely be visiting again!

About

To quote their website, Pop Up Play Village is “a portable play village that features a supermarket, builders yard, library, hospital, baby nursery, vets and cafe. On our event days, we also feature an art studio where children can get creative by choosing a craft to decorate and take home.” The sessions are aimed from birth to 8 years old and they are offered at various locations in the Basingstoke area. They can also be hired for events such as children’s parties.

The session that we visited was at the Beggarwood Community Centre, next to Beggarwood Park. The hall had been laid out in the different sections listed above, with a clothes rack offering various different dress up. There were large colourful signs indicating the different areas and an impressive selection of accessories in each, all in very good condition. The team kept making sure items made it back to their correct places so the experience continued throughout the session. There was also a cafe available offering a good selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and healthy snacks for the children.

My toddlers had an incredible time and pretty much tried everything, there were many protests on leaving. I have been trying to find new places to take the boys for a while as they have more or less outgrown play groups and get bored easily, but by the end of this session they were still going strong. Brilliant!

Tips

Make sure you book in advance on the Pop Up Play Village Website.

It is a shoes off environment for children and adults alike, so make sure you bring socks.

Food

There is a cafe selling hot, cold drinks and snacks.

Facilities

Dependent on location. At Beggarwood Community Centre there are toilets and baby changing facilities on site.

Parking

Dependent on location. At Beggarwood Community Centre there is a small car park available for users of the centre as well as a larger car park at Beggarwood shops, adjacent to the centre.

Locations

Please check the Pop Up Play Village UK (Basingstoke) Facebook page for locations and upcoming events.

Rating out of 5

I would have to give it a 5 out of 5. My toddlers enjoyed every minute of it!

For further information visit their Facebook page on Pop Up Play Village UK (Basingstoke) or Pop Up Play Village Website

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