The Little Gym Bath is set to open at the Kingsmead Leisure Centre this Autumn offering developmental gymnastics classes for children aged 4 months – 12 years, as well as holiday camps and birthday parties.
The Little Gym uses gymnastics as a tool to develop not only your child’s physical skills, but their confidence, coordination, social skills and more, in a fun and nurturing environment. Classes deliver real skill growth through working with the children in small groups and using individualised instructions to help the children to progress at their own rate.
Its award-winning programme is written by child development experts and overseen by paediatric doctors and occupational therapists to bring you the best in the business.
The Little Gym Bath is owned by Fiona Putnam, mum of two to Oona and Rafferty, business coach and peer lead with the South London and St George’s Perinatal Mental Health Team. Having grown up in Stroud, Fiona is thrilled to be returning to the South West to spread her passion about early years development and to provide postnatal support to parents and carers.
Over the past five years, through her work as a business coach, Fiona has helped to develop many of the teams at the other The Little Gyms across the UK. She has seen her own children’s confidence flourish through the classes they attend in London, and knew that The Little Gym would be a perfect fit for her.
Fiona joins forces with school friend Amy Perkins, who owns The Little Gym of Harpenden. Amy is a former circus acrobat who started out as a gymnastics coach for The Little Gym in Chiswick, where her love for The Little Gym programme began. Amy has worked with many of the UK gyms throughout 20 years in The Little Gym network.
In December 2019 Amy took ownership of The Little Gym in Harpenden and now also works as the Director of the Curriculum for The Little Gym of Europe, bringing her passion for child development into the programme we teach.
“Here at The Little Gym we pride ourselves on being inclusive for all and having a warm and nurturing environment to grow skills both in and out of the gym,” said Fiona and Amy. “Instead of comparing children’s abilities to one another, The Little Gym focuses on each child’s individual progress and celebrates their achievements at their own pace. It is the perfect balance of fun for them and hidden learning for you!
“We believe every child has the right to learn gymnastics and succeed in their own goals, something we encourage with our team motto, ‘Not to be the best, but to try your best’. Above all, our classes, camps and birthday parties are super FUN! We can’t wait to meet all the local families and start your little one’s journey with us.”