Toddle Gym a real hit!

Toddler Leighton Wilson enjoying the trikes

Toddlers and their parents have been working out at a special physical exercise session for little ones thanks to Sandbrook Sure Start Children’s Centre.

Toddler Gym is an active, energy burning session that is held in the sports hall at Balderstone Technology College and run by the Early Years Team from Sandbrook Children’s Centre. There is plenty of space for the children to run around without bumping into each other.

The session is held every Tuesday in term time from 2.15pm until 3.15pm. The session caters mainly for toddlers but does have a soft play area and baby toys for younger siblings. The ample space allows opportunity for younger siblings to roll, crawl, stretch and explore their environment.

Toddler Gym has had great results for the families attending. Children have developed their hand and eye co-ordination skills as they play bat and ball and skittles with their friends, family and staff members. The bikes and trikes give the opportunity for children to learn how to negotiate space and pathways between equipment.

The children also expand their vocabulary as they play by hearing the descriptive works spoken to them about the activities they are involved with.

Toddler Gym is well equipped with large scale equipment, such as slides, balancing beams and gym balls that allow children to build their confidence in setting their won challenges as they learn how to balance and climb.

The children are free to explore the environment whilst practising existing skills as well as developing new ones. The staff are on hand to help parents supervise their children’s safety.

At the end of each session staff members encourage children and their families to participate in ring games such as ring-a-ring-a-roses! All children love this part of the session.

Kathryn, Early Years Worker, said: "Toddler Gym in a fantastic way of ensuring your child gets plenty of exercise. New families are more than welcome to join us, just pop in on the day.”

Sandbrook Sure Start Children’s Centre offer a full timetable of events for families with children aged 0 – 5 throughout the week.