HappyMOMents loves to provide new experiences for Moms and their little ones to share, play and learn together. We currently host baby massage classes and stay & play sessions but Moms feel that they would like some structured activities for the transition between these two groups. Babies and toddlers learn about the world through their 5 senses; touch, smell, sight, hearing & taste. Our fun sensory classes will provide opportunities for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual development, textures, social development, rhymes and sounds in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home. We will also use our unique combination of Makaton signing, rhymes and stories in our classes which will help to develop early speech and language skills to help Moms and their little ones communicate from birth. We would like to purchase the sensory play equipment needed, such as baby-grade fibre optic cabling, tumble boards, mirrors, art equipment and sound systems.

What we'll deliver:

• Sensory Classes for 0-6months
• Sensory Classes for 8weeks - 10months
• Sensory Classes for 10months-3years
• Sensory Classes at Local Children's Centres

Why it's a great idea:

Learning about your child's development through fun, interactive experiences together with trained staff means that the wellbeing of both the Mom and child are supported. The first 12 months of a child's development is critical as they are wired to learn and explore; sensory play will support this natural exploration and self-discovery as well as promoting a love of learning and critical thinking. HappyMOMents currently support Moms and children in Batley & Dewsbury in a variety of ways (see www.happymoments.org.uk for more details about what we do) and these sensory classes will increase the opportunities for social development for everyone involved. As we are all adjusting to life in a pandemic, we know that many Moms have missed out on these opportunities with their little ones. We want to address this so we can host our fun sensory classes online and then face to face when the time is right and safe to do so.

Steps to get it done:

• purchasing equipment for the classes
• detailed planning and staff training
• delivering classes!

According to the Good Level of Development (GLD) measure, children in Kirklees fall behind their peers, with 66.9% making GLD compared with 69.3% Nationally ( Kirklees 'Learning & skills annual report 2016'). 'School Readiness' is a real focus for Kirklees in preparing children with the right skills for learning when they start school Reception class; HappyMOMents is part of the School Readiness Committee with BBEST (our local Community Hub) and we work closely together to do whatever we can to give children across Batley & Dewsbury the best start in life. Our excellent relationships with local nurseries, schools and the Local Authority helps us to support children's early education. This has meant we have a real focus in embedding phonics and Makaton in our stay & play sessions (face to face and online) to help with speech and language development as well as reading. HappyMOMents supports families in the local area by working with local organisations & children's centres.