'Debs classes provide a wonderful environment for learning through music, movement and fun. Both of my girls enjoyed their time at MAD enormously and still sing the songs. The mixture of nursery rhymes, modern children's classics and pop songs is energetic and you will soon sing along, too. Apart from the fun, I am certain that the girl's learning benefited enormously from learning about rhythms and rhymes. Debs provides a friendly, engaging environment, where no child gets forced to join in with the activities, but my girls never sat still for long.'
Christina and the girls
"Having had some mixed experiences with mother and baby groups, I was a bit uncertain when I signed up for MAD, but both me and my (then) nine-month-old loved this class from the start. The sessions are lively and fast-paced so there's no time for baby to get bored or fractious. Each session starts with a "hello" song that welcomes each baby individually, then there's dancing (well, movement), singing, playing with musical instruments, baby signing, and the obligatory and ever-popular bubbles. Best of all for me, there's no pressure to make your little one take part in every activity, so if they're not keen on lying down/sitting still/being carried at any given moment, you can let them do their own thing. Plus there's time for all the babies to 'socialise' (gurgle and steal each others' maracas) and for the mums to have a chat. This class is a firm favourite with us and highly recommended."
Happy Mum
"My son and me have been going to Maggie's MAD academy classes for the last year and a half. They are fab! Maggie is so full of enthusiasm that you come out smiling, and tapping you toes well after the class. The classes are pitched at the right level for the corresponding age range. My son seems stimulated by the songs, and activities that take place. The songs are a variety of older well known tunes, and modern funky songs. Every session ends with turn on the musical instruments which I think the kids always seem to love. All in all, I can't rate these classes highly enough. Well worth the money!"
Penny
Thank you very much for the experience that you have given Grace and I at Mad Academy. We've been coming to your classes since Grace was 4 months old and she is 2 and a half now! She's enjoyed every single class. The classes always grab her attention and I've watched her get more and more confident. There is so much for her to learn at MAD - music, dancing, listening skills, social skills, ball skills to name but a few. It is by far the best "baby" class we have done and we've done a lot of them!
Jane and Grace
"My children attended the group over 3 months and had the best fun they've ever had at any group! Active, educational, fun for parent and child, my children were 3 (daughter) and 18 months (son) when we started, and the class appealed to both in so many ways. The instruments and songs were a favourite! The use of skill based toys i.e. beanbags, golf sticks, bouncy balls for hand eye coordination, and claves for beat competency, all excellent. I cannot praise this group highly enough. When we started my son didn't talk, and had started using miming actions to say yes, and referred to himself as another name, after 3 weeks, there were huge improvements, after 3 months it was such a joy to see how much he had developed his language and speech, and sang every word of the hello song with all the actions!! We would recommend (and have done many times),MAD ACADEMY, to every parent with a child of all abilities and ages between baby and preschool age! Absolutely fantastic work, and Pauline deserves recognition for her work as without an enthusiastic, warm welcoming leader there would be no group at all!"
Brooke and Frankie's Mummy
"Thank you so much for making Millie's birthday party so special. She had a brilliant time and so did all her little friends. We loved everything you had planned for her and was the perfect entertainment for what we wanted. You were so energetic and lively and interacted so well with all the children, they could not stopping talking about how much they loved there dance lesson when you had gone and Millie is still talking about her great party now!!"
Mum of Millie
"I just wanted to say thank you so much for doing such a great job at Evie's birthday party, she really enjoyed herself and so did all her friends, - and the adults too! We're really glad we had you and big Ralph there! Thanks also for the gifts, she really loved your wings at the Halloween party so they were perfect, and the gliders were great too."
Mum of Evie
My daughter started MAD Academy with Kate when she was 18 months old and being quite shy I wasn't sure if she would like it but Kate was amazing with her and made her feel so welcome and relaxed that it didn't take her long to come out of her shell and she absolutely loves all the singing and dancing now. Kate pays special attention to all the children and makes everyone feel at ease and all the children seem to adore her. I couldn't recommend her highly enough.
Nikki
I have been taking my (now) 4 year old to MAD classes every week since he was about 6 months old, I also bring my 2.5 yr old. Both of my children love these classes and look forward to attending each week. Kate has incredible energy and builds an instant rapport with the children. She really understands what activities each individual child seems to enjoy the most, and makes sure she draws everyone in. Kate's enthusiasm is infectious - you can't help but enjoy her sessions!
Nicola
"Flo has loved the class. It is well structured, encourages language and numeracy skills and is totally age appropriate. The variety of activities and music/songs has allowed Flo to develop her love of music. Lucy is an excellent teacher and Ralph the teddy bear is a great hit as are the stickers."
Flo's mum
We've really been enjoying MAD! It's energetic, fun and my daughter loves singing and dancing so its an ideal class for her. The songs are catchy and easy to learn - we especially love Max the Greyhound! It's a good introduction to music and performing and teaches the children self confidence.
Katy (Mum of Lizzie age 3)
Thank you for the MAD sessions we have had this term. I have watched my two children grow in confidence week by week. Fergus in particular has really enjoyed them. At the start he was reluctant to join in but your enthusiastic delivery and easy rapport has both encouraged and developed his confidence. Katy is always excited about coming to her MAD sessions and loves it when her t-shirt comes out of the cupboard. Both Katy and Fergus are looking forward to next term!
Sue (Mum of twins Katy and Fergus
"Just wanted to say how much Benjamin enjoyed the session today. Being dyspraxic and having poor bodily control in groups, we have struggled and given up in really structured "you must sit still and participate" environments, which is a shame as he loves music and has a good sense of rhythm. Benjamin also has had quite a few operations for kidney disease, and music is one of the only ways he can express himself or find comfort. Thank you for restoring our faith in the idea that every child can have fun and talent, whatever their ability or disability!"
Kerry, Benjamin's Mum
