Baby Gymnasts (Tumbletots)

Member Name: charkai

Product:	Tumbletots
Date:	14/07/05 (1055 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, good exercise for little ones

Disadvantages: Prices keep rising, tiring for parents

Tumble Tots has more than 450 centres across the UK, with approx 60,000 children amongst their members.

~History~
It was established in 1979, by Bill Cosgrave, who was the coach for the British Olympic Gymnastics team of 1968.

~Classes~
Before you become a member, you can attend a trial class for £4.10, which is the regular weekly fee. There is no further commitment to go back, if you decide it is not for your child. Class places are booked by the term, which coincide with local school term dates. All children who attend the Tumble Tots classes must also become members of the national Tumble Tots Club.

~Membership~
This gives you regular copies of the 'Right Start' Magazines, and 'Tumble Talk' newsletters. Various offers and discounts, and personal accident insurance for your child during the classes. Membership packs include various goodies: a video, a cd of songs which you sing during your class, money-off vouchers, and a special Tumble Tots T-Shirt for wearing in class. Membership costs are £17 for the first year, and £15.50 for each subsequent year, and for siblings of current members. Your membership is valid in any of the centres across the UK.

~Age Bands~
Gymbabes - 6 months to Walking
Tumble Tots - Walking to 2 nd Birthday
Tumble Tots - 2 to 3rd Birthday
Tumble Tots - 3 to 5th Birthday
Gymbobs - Reception Class - 7th Birthday

~Aims and Benefits~
"A long term investment, laying the foundations for a healthy active lifestyle, providing the opportunity for children to fulfil their natural desire to explore and investigate through active physical play."

The equipment which they use is very versatile, the layout is changed every 2 weeks, to provide kids with new challenges and learning opportunities. Normally, classes are held in a hall, so they are in a fun and safe environment. Classes aim to develop child's physical and social confidence, as well as their listening and concentrational skills.

Their motor skills are tested and built upon through climbing, balancing and co-ordination. They learn to interact with other children properly, and build up their discipline and self confidenca and self assurance.

Parental involvement is a necessity, until your child is aged 3 when they come into classes on their own. You are encouraged to praise them and support them when required, but to remember that children will quickly gain confidence when allowed to solve their own problems!

~Staff~
Classes are led by trained staff, and class sizes are regulated to ensure there is an adequate staff to child ratio.

~My Experience~
45 minutes is plenty long enough! My son loves going to Tumble Tots, it gives him an opportunity to play with children of the same age (and hug them!), it gives me a chance to socialise with other parents. I know my son will be safe on the equipment, as the staff are on hand throughout. Half way through the class, everyone sits down and sings action songs (a much welcome beak from running around after your child!). The child gets a sense of belonging to something. And it's learning through fun and play. I thoroughly recommend this!!


~Update!~
As of September 2005 there is going to be a price increase: from £4.50 per lesson to £4.90.

Summary: Good fun and educational