Where every gymnastics journey begins. Our preschool programme is one of the largest and most established in the region - trusted by local families for over 25 years. No pressure, no competition - just the joy of moving.
This pack covers everything Preschool-specific. For how the club works as a whole - communication, car park, events, codes & policies, fees admin - read the BGC General Welcome Pack.
Head of Preschool Gymnastics
From the moment a baby first explores our specialist apparatus to the day your child steps into Junior Gym independently, every session is designed to develop confidence, coordination and a love of movement at exactly the right pace.
Head of Preschool · view in staff directory →
Zanna leads the full preschool programme; your first point of contact for class placement, progression, and all programme matters. zanna.woods@basingstokegym.co.uk
Sessions & what to expect
A class for every stage - from your child's very first gym session as a baby through to independent, structured gymnastics at age four.
Pre-walking · Pay-as-you-go
A gentle, sensory introduction to movement for pre-walking babies. Soft surfaces, age-appropriate equipment, and a calm space to explore at their own pace. Adult and baby on the floor together. Drop-in, no booking needed.
Walking to 4yrs · Pay-as-you-go
An active drop-in session using the full preschool apparatus. Coaches set out stations across the room and children move between them at their own pace, with their grown-up alongside. Ideal as a first visit or a casual session.
18 months to 4yrs · Monthly
A structured 45-minute class introducing the fundamentals: rolling, jumping, balancing, and basic body shapes. More freedom to explore than Mini Gym, with music and plenty of movement. Carer stays throughout.
18 months to 4yrs · Monthly · Badges
The same fundamentals as Starter Gym in a more structured format, working through circuits across beam, bars, vault, and floor. Badges awarded each term. Carer stays throughout.
3–4yrs · Independent
A wider range of skills across four pieces of apparatus; floor, vault, bars, and beam. Children work more independently with coaches and take part in the annual Club Festival. British Gymnastics Rise Discover medals each term.
Dance Gym · Additional Needs
Preschool Dance Gym blends gymnastics with creative movement and music, and our Additional Needs class runs with smaller groups and specialist coaching in a calm, sensory-aware setting. Please speak to Julie before booking Additional Needs.
Starter Gym and Mini Gym: the carer stays with their child throughout the class. Junior Gym: children work with their coaches independently, and carers are welcome to stay and watch from reception via the TV screens.
Growing through the programme
Your preschool journey can begin as soon as your child can sit. Each stage is designed to meet children where they are and move them forward at the right pace.
Baby-specific apparatus. Coach on hand. Parent & baby explore together. Sensory exploration, spatial awareness, early balance.
Drop-in freeplay. Parent supervises. Full gym apparatus. Gross motor skills, confidence and enjoyment of movement.
First structured class. Carer stays. Freedom to explore within a coached session. Body shapes, rolling, jumping, and balance.
More structured circuits. Carer stays. Badges each term. Balance, rolling, vaulting, jumping, and bars work.
More independent. Medal scheme. Club Festival. Listening to coaches and building skills across four apparatus.
Class placement is reviewed each term. There is no pressure to move up at any particular speed - every child develops differently. If you have any questions about which class is right for your child, speak to Zanna.
Next step after preschool: recreation classes (after-school or weekend) once your child is in full-time school.
Celebrating progress
Preschool doesn't have competitions - but there are plenty of moments across the year to celebrate progress and enjoy being part of the BGC community.
Every term
Children are assessed during their regular classes and receive BG preschool badges (Starter Gym and Mini Gym) or Rise Discover medals (Junior Gym). Family and friends are invited to watch. Children who haven't quite reached the next level still receive a certificate and sticker for their progress.
Each term
At the end of each term - parents invited into the session to watch and join in for a £1 donation. A relaxed, celebratory session. Dates communicated by email at the start of each term.
First weekend in July
Junior Gym gymnasts take part in the annual in-house showcase - floor circuit, beam routine and trampette. Skills are taught within weekly classes throughout the term.
School summer holidays
Optional summer course running through the holidays. Pay-per-session, drop-in friendly.
What to wear, what to bring
Preschool is relaxed - but a few practical bits will make every session run smoothly.
• Comfortable, close-fitting sports clothing - leggings & fitted t-shirt or leotard
• Hair tied back & away from the face
• Bare feet in the gym (socks for trampoline if needed)
• No jewellery, no zips or hard fastenings
• Spare clothes in case of accidents (especially Baby Gym & Play Gym)
• A named water bottle
• A small snack for after the session
• Nappies / spare pants & wipes if relevant
• A change of clothes - gym floors can be dusty
• Patience and a sense of fun!
Costs & how to pay
Preschool fees vary by class type. Baby Gym and Play Gym are pay-as-you-go drop-ins; Starter Gym, Mini Gym, Junior Gym, and our specialist classes are monthly bookings.
Book online through CoursePro. New families: contact us first and we'll set up your account.
Starter Gym, Mini Gym, Junior Gym, and specialist class fees are collected monthly by Direct Debit. The first payment is a top-up covering the remaining sessions in the month you join.
Baby Gym and Play Gym are pay-as-you-go, paid online at the point of booking.
If you need to change or leave a termly class, one month's written notice is required. Our Refund & Cancellation Policy applies.
• British Gymnastics membership - annual fee, paid direct to BG (not all preschool classes require this - ask reception)
• Club kit - optional, available from NXT Sports
• Holiday camps & family events - booked separately
Email karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk - please get in touch before the payment due date. Financial assistance is available in confidence for families who need it.
Club Festival entry is charged separately and booked online as an event, not invoiced. Changes after the booking deadline may not be refundable; see our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
By booking your child into a preschool class 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 - if anything in our policies changes, we'll let you know.
Email Zanna W for class placement and programme questions, or get in touch with the club office for admin and bookings.