Disability Gymnastics Welcome Pack — Basingstoke Gymnastics Club

New to BGC? Start with the general pack

This pack covers everything Disabilities-specific. For how the club works as a whole (communication, car park, events, codes & policies, fees admin) read the BGC General Welcome Pack.

Disabilities Coordinator

Welcome to Disability Gymnastics

Our Disabilities programme offers a safe, supportive, and joyful gymnastics experience for children and adults of all abilities.

Whether your child is taking their first steps into gymnastics, or you are an adult looking for structured activity and community, our dedicated coaches are here to help every participant thrive, at their own pace, in their own way.

AC

Disabilities Coordinator · view in staff directory →

Alex Campbell-Carter

Alex leads the Disabilities programme and is your primary contact for all session, placement, and programme queries. Our coaching team are BG registered, first aid trained, and experienced in supporting participants with a wide range of needs. alex.campbell@basingstokegym.co.uk

Our Disabilities programme runs on Sundays (children and young people, ages 4–17) and Thursdays (adults, 18+). Classes are split into different session types to best meet the needs of each group.

Session types & what to expect

Our Classes

Three distinct session types to meet the needs of different participants; find the description that matches your class below.

Sunday sessions – ages 4 to 17

Sunday · Open

Disabilities Open Class

A free-play session designed for children with complex needs. Participants are encouraged to explore the gym independently at their own pace, with coaches on hand to support. The gym is thoughtfully set up to accommodate a wide range of children.

This session is also a chance for parents and caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges, a supportive community as well as a gymnastics session.

Parents or caregivers must attend and remain on the gym floor throughout this session.

Sunday · Structured

Gymnastics & Movement Structured

A structured, circuit-based class building coordination, movement, and physical development. Sessions begin with a warm-up, then move through a planned circuit using a variety of gymnastics skills.

At the end of each session we award the Super Star Award to the participant who shows the best attitude, works exceptionally hard, or demonstrates real improvement.

We are working towards the Discover 1 and 2 badge award scheme, giving participants a progression pathway.

Parents are welcome to stay and watch or attend with their child. The session can be conducted independently if preferred.

Thursday sessions – adults 18+

Adult Disability Class · Thursdays 10:30am – 12:30pm

Our adult class focuses entirely on what participants can do. The session is structured as follows:

Warm-up

10 min light gymnastics warm-up + 5 min stretch on the large floor.

Structured circuit

~25 min circuit on the large floor, varied gymnastic skills, focusing on physical and mental benefits.

Tea break

A relaxing break with tea, coffee, squash, water, and biscuits. Time to chat and connect.

Free time

Independent exploration of the gym. Football goals available on the large floor area.

Wheelchair users are fully accommodated. All coaches are first aid trained and BG registered. Football goal posts are set up during free time for members who enjoy it.

What to look forward to

Events & Achievements

The Disabilities programme is built around celebration, achievement, and community. There is plenty to look forward to across the year.

Recognition & awards

End of every structured session

Super Star Award

Awarded each week to the participant who shows the best attitude, works exceptionally hard, or makes a real step forward. A meaningful recognition of effort over outcome.

Progressive badge scheme

Discover 1 & 2

We are working towards the Discover badge award scheme for Sunday structured participants, giving gymnasts goals to work towards and a tangible record of their progress.

Club events

July

Club Festival

Our flagship annual in-house event, first weekend in July. Open to all gymnasts across the club, a chance to perform and celebrate in the environment you know.

April

End of Year Show

Our annual themed production. A spectacular showcase bringing together gymnasts from every discipline across the club, a unique and memorable experience.

Coming soon

Local Competitions

We are working towards taking our Disabilities groups to local competitions, promoting disability gymnastics and giving participants a wider competitive experience.

Family Fun Events & Sleepovers

Throughout the year we run themed family fun events with stalls and activities. Club sleepovers are held for ages 8–16 with meals, themed activities, and an overnight stay in the gym.

Community & Fundraising

The Cartwheel Café, charity awareness days, and community fundraising events run throughout the year. All families and participants are welcome to get involved; ask at reception or email community.hub@basingstokegym.co.uk.

What to wear, what to bring

Attire & Equipment

Comfortable, practical clothing makes a real difference to safety and enjoyment.

What to wear

Fitted, comfortable clothing that allows free movement; fitted shorts and a t-shirt, leggings, or a gymnastics outfit. Coaches need to see movement clearly for safe support. Avoid baggy tops, jeans, or anything that restricts movement. Feet bare or in socks; no outdoor shoes on the gym floor.

Trampoline – socks required

Socks must be worn on our trampolines at all times. The trampoline bed has small holes and bare feet can catch; this rule is for your safety. Always pack socks, even if your child usually prefers bare feet elsewhere in the gym.

Always apply

• Comfortable, fitted clothing; coaches need to see movement clearly
• Socks for trampoline; required at all times
• Hair tied back; away from the face for all active sessions
• No jewellery; earrings, rings, bangles, bracelets (if earrings are healing and cannot be removed, micropause tape or a doctor's note is required)
• No outdoor shoes on the gym floor
• No baggy or loose clothing

Bring every session

• Water bottle (no glass)
• Socks for trampoline; always pack a pair
• Spare clothing; especially for younger participants
• Healthy snacks for younger children during longer sessions
• Adults: nothing extra; refreshments provided during the Thursday tea break

Wheelchair users are fully accommodated. Please let your coach know in advance if there is any equipment, mobility aid, or personal support requirement we can prepare for.

Keeping everyone safe & included

Rules & Expectations

Our sessions are designed to be safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for every participant. These guidelines help us achieve that for everyone in the room.

Attendance & punctuality

Please arrive on time. Consistent attendance helps participants settle into the routine and build confidence. If your participant will be absent, please let us know in advance so coaches can plan accordingly.

Parent & carer supervision – Open Class

A parent or carer must be present on the gym floor throughout the Open Class session at all times. This is a requirement, not optional. For the Structured session, parents are welcome to stay or step out, whichever works best for your child.

Parent & carer behaviour

Please be respectful and supportive in the gym. Avoid distracting participants during the structured circuit or warm-up. Positive encouragement is always welcome; please raise any concerns with the coach after the session.

Jewellery & clothing

All jewellery must be removed before each session. Socks are required on the trampoline at all times. Clothing must be fitted; loose items are a safety risk on apparatus.

Respect & inclusion

All participants, families, and coaches treat one another with respect. Any behaviour that makes another participant feel unwelcome or unsafe will be addressed by the coaching team. We are proud of the inclusive community we have built and ask everyone to protect it.

Welfare & individual needs

Please share any relevant information about your participant's needs, triggers, communication preferences, or health considerations with the coaching team. Early communication allows us to prepare properly.

Who to contact & how

Communication Channels

Use the right channel for each type of query. Coaches check messages between sessions; please don't expect instant replies during training hours.

Disabilities coaching team

Session queries, participant needs, class placement, absence notification. Your coach is your first point of contact for anything related to your participant's session.

info@basingstokegym.co.uk
01256 352858 (ask for Disabilities)

Welfare & concerns

Safeguarding or any concern to raise confidentially. The welfare team is independent from coaching and all communications are handled with full discretion.

welfare@basingstokegym.co.uk

Urgent – same day

Late arrivals, early collections, or time-sensitive matters during opening hours only. For concerns or issues, always use email, not social media or late-night messages.

01256 352858 (front desk)

General club enquiries

Membership, admissions, facilities; anything not session-specific. Front desk and member services can direct you to the right person.

info@basingstokegym.co.uk
01256 352858

Stay informed

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@basingstokegym) for club news, event updates, and session announcements. The club calendar at basingstokegym.co.uk shows all closure dates and events.

Costs & how to pay

Fees & Booking

A clear summary of how sessions are charged and what additional costs to expect.

Training fees

Collected monthly by Direct Debit. The first payment is a top-up covering the remaining sessions in the month you join. If you need to change or leave a class, one month's written notice is required.

Fee queries

For invoicing questions or to discuss a payment plan, contact our Finance Manager: karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk

Financial assistance is available; please get in touch before the payment due date.

Additional costs

British Gymnastics annual membership (required for all structured classes)Paid direct to BG

Club Festival entry (if applicable)~£6

Competition entry + £10 club admin fee per entry~£15–30

Any event entries or kit are invoiced separately via Xero. Our full Refund & Cancellation Policy is available on the website.

You've already agreed; this pack is just here to help

By booking your participant into the Disabilities programme through our online portal, you've agreed to the Parent Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

There's nothing to sign or return. This pack is here to help you settle in.

Disability Gymnastics