I currently run sessions in local halls for 18 months to 5 year-olds in
St Andrews and Redland with more classes on the way. I also work in
many preschools, schools, day nurseries and playgroups.
The sessions are great fun, with lots of movement and stories. The sessions
are great for children on many levels (the physical side of the
sessions, the music, storytelling etc) as well as great fun.
They start with the Tatty Bumpkin warm up song, Bendy, Giggly, Clever and Strong - developed by educational musicians; click on the link
to hear a sample - then we say hello to the sun which uses rhyme to aid
memory. We go on a magical adventure through the Giggle Tree
meeting animals, helicopters, sausage rolls, magicians, pirates, lost
baby lions... We go to the toy shop, visit the circus, space, the
jungle and fly round the world on a magic carpet... We finish with a
relaxation and specially-designed stickers. STOP PRESS: Tatty
Bumpkin has won Best Physical activity (Organix and What's on for
Little Ones), No. 1 eco-toy (The Independent), an award for it's
contribution to social enterprise (Milennium Unltd).
  
Although
there is a lot of free and creative play the sessions have an
underlying and well-thought out structure focusing on the
following in each half term block:
- Focus/balance
- Dynamic movement
- Relaxation
- Multi-sensory world
- Feelings and people
- Music/communication
- Daily living skills
As
a preschool class: As a parent /carer you are encouraged to get involved in the class, many
people find that this a great way to spend some 'quality time' with
your little ones, combining all the things they love (movement, music,
dance, story) in one session, particularly if you work and therefore
can't do lots of different types of session.
Classes cost £5 per session and are booked in advance in half-term blocks
(usually 6 or 7 weeks). I don't charge for siblings under eighteen
months or for the occasional appearance of an under-the-weather older sibling (they seem love it too). Do contact me if your child has special needs, the sessions are very inclusive.
If
you haven't experienced Tatty Bumpkin before, come along for two taster
sessions before committing to a block (children often take a
couple of weeks to get the hang of it!). Please pay on the day. I
have
a limit on the number of children in the class, so please contact me to
book a place, check on availability and to find out more. “Thank
you so much for Tatty Bumpkin, it's changed my attitude towards
parenting, I find it much easier to be fun and spontaneous now, it's
opened a window for me” Parent of a 3 year old girl | 
