"The children really look forward to Pauline coming in on a Friday Morning. The mix of abilities within the pre-school can sometimes be a challenge but Pauline has been able to engage and involve the majority of the children in the activities. Most noticeably their concentration and listening skills are much improved. Pauline's classes come highly recommended - they are well organised, informative and very, very energetic. Looking forward to the next term."
Clare, Manager Shanklin Pre-School
"Woodlands Children's Centre commissioned Debbie Mason of Music and Dance Academy (MAD) to run several terms of sessions at the Centre. The sessions were very well run; Debbie always turned up well before the start so was set up and ready. She provided some excellent resources to support the sessions. Whilst the focus of the sessions was to support children and parents/carers to engage in physical and musical activities together, Debbie ensured that the other areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage were threaded through the activities. For example the children played physical games using numbers, shapes and colours. Turn taking and sharing were encouraged. At the end of each course (6 weeks) we evaluated the sessions with the families who attended. Feedback was very positive. Parents enjoyed the sessions and reported that it gave them ideas to do at home with their child. Debbie is a great facilitator, she builds up a great relationship with the children and parents and has a lovely manner. She has a good grasp of the work of Children's Centres and her service fitted very well. We were very disappointed to have to stop the sessions when our funding was cut."
Woodlands Children's Centre
As you may be aware we have only just taken over this nursery, so having Jo coming in was all very new to our children. I couldn't fault Jo in her work and she has really brought some of our quieter children out of themselves, so that they know enjoy and look forward to these sessions. We have had great feedback from our parents, and one parent even stopped Jo before she came in today thanked her and said how much her child now enjoys music, and now has a great wiggle on him, which she again put down to Jo. Jo is a real asset to your team, and we are very lucky to have her.
Lorraine Green (Manager)
St Mark's Pre-School
"We have been particularly impressed with Debs response to our request for a ‘MAD’ group to be set up specifically for children with additional needs. This has proved to be very successful which I believe is entirely due to Debs’ flexibility in adapting her repertoire to meet the needs of the children attending. It is wonderful to see the children engaging in activities in their own individual ways and knowing that their parents feel at ease and relaxed during these sessions."
Liz Morley-Smith
Butterflies Centre Manager
"Sunflowers Children Centre loves MAD Academy. It is very popular with our families, and provides a great opportunity for social and physical development. All the children (and parents) really enjoy the sessions and keep coming back for more. Debs is full of energy and the range of activities makes the sessions vibrant and engaging but most of all great fun!"
Anna Graham (Centre Co-ordinator)
Sunflowers Children Centre
"Karen has been fantastic at the nursery and the children thoroughly enjoy her sessions. It has also been a good selling point for the nursery as many parents already know MAD Academy. We are extremely pleased with the sessions and Karen's flexibility each term. The children at Little Pickles all love and look forward to Karen coming for the MAD Academy sessions. With Karen's enthusiasm, energy and many props the children thoroughly enjoy learning new songs and actions in a fun and educational manner which is then linked into our planning and shared with parents and siblings at home. The children also love going home wit the new songs and their special stickers."
Helen (Manager)
Little Pickles Nursery
