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 →
Julie has been coaching at BGC for over 29 years. She combines gymnastics structure with individual movement creativity - your first point of contact for class placement, progression, additional needs and all programme matters. julie.creelie@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.
Sitting to cruising · Pay-as-you-go
Open session on specialist baby apparatus with a babygym-qualified coach on hand. Babies explore crawling, balancing, climbing and jumping alongside other families. Adult & baby on floor. Book in advance online.
Walking to 4yrs · Pay-as-you-go
Free-play in our fully equipped gym under parental supervision. A relaxed, exploratory session using all preschool apparatus - ideal as a first visit or casual drop-in. Parent supervises throughout.
Walking to 4yrs · Term booking · Badges
Fully structured and coached gymnastics with adult assistance. 6-week rotating circuits covering beam, bars, vault, floor and adventure circuits. Hand apparatus included. Badges awarded each term.
Confident 3–4yrs · Independent
Children work independently with coaches. Same apparatus as Minigym plus the annual Club Festival. British Gymnastics Rise Discover medal scheme - medals presented at the end of each term. Adult stays in the building.
Adventurous 3–4yrs · Independent
Structured and coached parkour class blending gymnastics fundamentals with parkour skills. All gym apparatus plus additional parkour equipment. BG Rise Discover medals and a Parkour award scheme.
18m–4yrs · Adult accompanied
Coached class for children with additional needs - freeplay or structured depending on the child's capabilities. All preschool apparatus plus specialist equipment. Please speak to Julie before booking.
Juniorgym: one assisting adult is welcome on the floor. Additional adults must watch from reception via the TV screens. The adult on floor must actively help the child follow the circuit and stay on task.
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.
Adult assists. Structured 6-week circuits. Badges each term. Balance, rolling, vaulting, jumping and bars work.
Independent. Medal scheme. Club Festival. Listening to coaches without a parent on the floor, skill progression.
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 Julie.
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 (Minigym) or Rise Discover medals (Juniorgym/Parkour). 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
Juniorgym 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 Babygym & Playgym)
• 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. Babygym and Playgym are pay-as-you-go drop-ins; Minigym, Juniorgym and Junior Parkour are termly bookings.
Book online through CoursePro. New families: contact us first and we'll set up your account.
Termly fees are invoiced via Xero at the start of each term. Drop-in classes are paid online at the point of booking.
• 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.
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 Julie Creelie for class placement and programme questions, or get in touch with the club office for admin and bookings.