Congratulations on the birth of your baby and thank you for choosing Baby Sensory TM
You are about to enter a magical world of discovery with your baby! The emphasis is always on stimulating the senses and helping every aspect of your baby's development.
Class Structure
Baby Sensory introduces you and your baby to a world of rich and varied sensory experiences in a creative and enjoyable environment. Classes always start with our 'Say Hello' song during which you will use simple sign language to communicate with your baby. This is followed by a range of sensory activities that you can enjoy with your baby. Each week has a variety of themed activities designed to delight and excite your baby and to give you a wealth of ideas to try at home too. Each class ends with our 'Wave Goodbye' song.
General Information
You are welcome to bring in a car seat or buggy if you need to, please leave them in the designated areas, not in front of fire exits. Please do not leave bags on the floor around the sensory area as they are a trip hazard to your peers and class leaders. You are asked to remove your shoes before joining the activities to keeps the mats clean for our babies. Mats are provided for you to sit on. You are welcome to bring an extra blanket or a muslin square too. If you would prefer to use a chair you are always welcome, please ask me for assistance.
Please be advised that we use bubbles and latex balloons in most sessions. Do let us know if you have any concerns or allergies. Safety messages are always noted with relevant materials in each session.
During the group activities it is helpful for background noise is kept to a minimum to help babies to concentrate and focus in on what we are doing. You are respectfully asked to keep talking to a minimum during this time. There is plenty of time to chat during the play break and before and after the sessions.
Class Schedule
Monday - Gants Hill Methodist Church
Tuesdays - Wanstead Quaker Meeting House
Wednesday - South Woodford Scout Hut
Thursday - Leytonstone United Free Church
Graduation
Once your baby reaches 6 months (and/or is able to sit up without support) you will be invited to graduate into either 7-13months or the mixed age class. This is to ensure that your baby experiences an environment where others are sitting up, crawling and moving around. If you have a time preference please let your class leader know as soon as possible so that you can be placed on the waiting list. A Baby that is 5 months old may sign up for the Birth-6months.
Mobile Babies
As babies become mobile we expect them to move around during the activity parts of the session and not necessarily sit with their accompanying adult at all times. Babies may move into the middle area or even up to the class leader. This is perfectly normal and a wonderful sign that babies are developing the desire to explore and be confident on their own!
FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What if my baby cries?
It is perfectly usual for babies to cry or to become restless at any point during the session so please do not worry if this happens. We know that babies thrive on routine and it often takes 2-3 weeks to settle in completely and to feel in familiar surroundings. Other factors such as teething may also affect your baby's mood. If you need to get up and move around with your baby at any point during the session you are always welcome but please do not ever feel that you need to move away if your baby is crying - it has happened to us all at some point and we want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome in our sessions.
Q. Can I feed and change my baby?
Baby's needs always come first at Baby Sensory and you are always welcome to feed or change your baby whenever you need to. If you have your own changing mat and wipes, you are welcome to change your baby anywhere where you are comfortable. Alternatively, you will be posted towards the changing facilities in each venue.
You are welcome to feed your baby at any point during the class. Whether you are breast or bottle-feeding you are welcome to do wherever you feel comfortable. For older babies, you are respectfully asked to keep finger food away from the fleeces and equipment for cleanliness and safety.
Q. What if I am early or need to stay at the end?
Although there are a number of classes running during the day, you are always welcome to arrive early or to stay at the end if you need to. The chairs are for your comfort and you are welcome to stay as long as you need to for feeding or changing. If there is another class running, you're asked to respect their needs and to keep noise to a minimum.
Q. Can my child's sibling attend with us?
Baby Sensory classes are designed to be enjoyed with you and your baby. As often we run during school holidays too and you may need to bring older sibling with you, please speak with me first.
Q. Once my baby is going to be 13 months, is it time to leave Baby Sensory?
Baby Sensory classes are suitable for babies up until they begin to walk with confidence. This may be sometime before or after 13 months, if you are in doubt please feel free to speak to me. Once your baby has reached 13 months you will be eligible to graduate into the Toddler Sense Programme (designed for 1-3 year olds) and we can provide you with more details.
Q. What happens if I need to miss a class?
Missed sessions can be "gifted" to friends as long as you pass me your friends name and contact details. If we have any availability in another class, we could offer you and alternative day in lieu of your missed session: please check with us.
Q. How do I re-book a block of classes?
As your block of classes is coming to an end, you will get an automated email to re-book your classes if you would like to continue. Spaces are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Spaces do fill quickly, so make sure to re-book as soon as you can.
Q. How do I pay for classes?
Classes are paid for in advance through the booking system. If I book you for the class, you can pay either in cash once you come to class or via bank transfer. Please make sure to pay by the end of your first week in class.
What happens if a class is cancelled?
In the event of illness I will make every attempt to get the class covered by another leader. However if I need to cancel, I will EMAIL and TEXT the entire register so please ensure I have your up to date email address and contact number. I also update my Instagram page with any cancellation information. In case of cancellation on my side, I will endeavour to add an extra class at the end of the term. If this isn't possible, I will issue a partial refund/credit towards next term.
AND FINALLY….
Baby Sensory has been running in Redbridge and the surrounding boroughs for the last 15 years to great acclaim! We are delighted to welcome you to our award-winning classes. Looking forward to seeing you and baby!
Sara & Naomi
xx
