Yes, we offer two trial sessions for all new children. These sessions are available on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, however must be paid for in advance to enable us to ensure our numbers are compliant with safety guidelines. After acceptance of the child’s place in the class, payment for the remainder of the term is required. insurance is covered as part of your fees.
Can I stay with my child when s/he starts?
Parents/carers must accompany their child at all times. Our qualified coaches will guide you though the classes, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy accompanying your mini gymnast.
CLASS INFORMATION:
What should my child wear for their class?
Children can wear a club t-shirt, a regular t-shirt, shorts, leggings or tracksuit bottoms (not covering feet). We request that children do not wear skirts, jeans or clothing with dangling accessories, belts or loops, that may get caught in the apparatus. No shoes or socks are to be worn. Long hair is to be tied back, no jewellery or watches are to be worn and no chewing gum or food or drink (other than water) is to be consumed in the hall. Gymnasts requiring medical equipment e.g. EpiPen/inhaler etc. should also bring this with them.
Where can my child get changed?
Changing facilities are limited so we recommend coming dressed ready to participate, as much as it is possible. This applies for leaving also. Upon arrival coaches will instruct gymnasts and adults where to leave coats, shoes etc. but we request this is kept to an absolute minimum.
What happens if my child needs to toilet during their class?
Please take your child to the toilet before their lesson starts. In the event that your child does need the toilet during the class please let the lead coach know.
what happens if my child needs changing/feeding during their class?
No problem, there are baby changing facilities just outside the gymnastics hall and you are welcome to breast feed/feed using the seating around the edges of the gymnastics hall, however please be warned that your little one may be distracted! children will need their feed to settle before they join back in to ensure they are able to enjoy the class fully.
Where can I leave my child’s personal property?
We cannot take any responsibility for any personal property brought to the class. Please leave children’s coats and shoes neatly in the designated area. Please make sure you take any rubbish home with you. In the unusual event that a loss occurs it should be reported to the Lead Coach immediately. Lost property is collected at the end of the day and stored for one term only. we politely request that buggies are kept near the entrance to the building, rather than in the gymnastics hall to maximise space.
Is there water available?
We advise your child to bring a refillable bottle; although we request that no other food or drink is consumed in the hall.
Where can I park?
The community hub has its own car park for around 20 cars. If spaces are full you can use the residential roads locally. no parking restrictions apply.
Where should my child wait before the class starts?
We recommend you arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time of your child’s class. Please wait with your child outside the gymnastics hall until they are called in to register by the lead coach. Please encourage your child to go to the toilet before the class begins.
What should I do if have a query at the beginning or end of the session?
If possible, please communicate these via email on: info@firststepsgymnastics.co.uk to avoid congestion at drop off and collection. If your concern is urgent please wait until an appropriate time to speak to the lead coach.
Can I take photos of my child participating in the class?
photos may be taken on your own child. for safeguarding reasons we request that these are only shared on social media providing the explicit consent from all of the parents/carers in the class has been granted. photo consent for gymnasts must be provided upon booking. with your consent we may take photos of your children during classes or at small club events to promote the club on our website, club social media accounts and in communications. All film and photos of children will be published in line with our safeguarding policy.
Are you able to stream sessions or have viewing weeks?
At this time our governing body is advising against streaming classes due to child protection concerns and the use of secure networks, so we will not be doing this. we don’t hold specific ‘watching week’s’ however you are more than welcome to bring grandparents and other special spectators to class. Please speak to the lead coach in advance to advise of this so we can ensure adequate seating is available. We will aim to photograph elements of sessions and post them on our social media platforms (with parental consent). Instagram: @firststepsgymnasticsclub.
What should I do if I have additional questions or a complaint?
Please speak to the head coach at the beginning or the end of the class. Please do not interrupt the class, where possible. You can also contact first steps gymnastics via email or on the phone.
FEE INFORMATION:
When are fees due?
All fees are requested in advance for the term. If you fail to pay your fees by the start of the forthcoming term we will assume that you are not returning and allocate your space to the next person available on our waiting list.
Do all children have to purchase insurance?
insurance is included as part of your fees so no further payment is required for this.
How can I find out the term dates?
These are under the ‘term dates’ section of our website, are emailed to all parents regularly.
CANCELLATION:
What happens if we want to leave first steps Gymnastics?
We understand that circumstances change. If you are not returning, please inform us ASAP. We request a half terms paid notice if your child is going to leave, as this helps us manage our waiting lists.
What happens if a class is cancelled?
We will endeavour to run classes every single friday during term times (see term times dates for more information), however, in the event of rare/unforeseen circumstances (including but not limited; local lockdowns, to severe weather conditions, flooding, problems with the building etc.), we may have to cancel a session, and we regret we will not be able to offer a refund for that class. If a class has to be cancelled at the last minute, first steps Gymnastics will email parents and put the information on all social media platforms. If the cancellation is due to first steps Gymnastics an alternative session date will be offered.
What happens if my child is unwell and misses a class?
Please send us an email to keep us informed if your child is unwell or is not able to attend. If your child has had sickness and diarrhoea in the past 48 hours please don't bring your child to their class, to help us prevent spreading infection. We regret that we will not be able to offer a refund for that class, but wish your child a speedy recovery.
what happens if we have a holiday booked during term time?
Please send us an email to keep us informed if your child is going to be absent. We regret that we will not be able to offer a refund for that class, but hope you have a great time and practice some gymnastics with your little one on your vacation.
What happens if my child is unable to participate longer term due to illness or injury?
These cases will be reviewed on a case by case basis and refunds for the remainder of the term will be granted if appropriate and if recommended by a medical professional. This may result in your child having to re-join the waiting list.
