Tots Activities

Committing to early years physical development (EYPD) involves creating an environment and implementing strategies that support and promote the physical wellbeing of young children. We know that physical development during the early years is crucial for several reasons as it lays the foundation for overall wellbeing and future learning.

Physical development doesn’t just contribute to physical health but also plays a crucial role in cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Encouraging and supporting physical activities in the early years helps set the stage for a child’s overall wellbeing, relationship with activity and success in various aspects of life which is why we are so passionate about growing our Mini Mover and Tots Stay and Play programmes, and supporting the development of our future Stockport communities. You can read more about them below.

Mini Movers

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Mini Movers

Come and explore our popular preschool class, Mini Movers, designed for 0-5 year olds! The class is held at Brinnington Park Leisure Complex on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings during term time.

This program follows the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, offering a unique Award Scheme aligned with key stage 1 of the National Curriculum. Children progress through levels of movement and social skills, earning certificates and badges upon completion. The child-led play promotes development, and the first session is free for new participants.

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Stay and play

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Stay and play

Our stay and play sessions provide an opportunity to meet new people and to enjoy play activities in a safe, informal and friendly atmosphere. There will be opportunities to build, read, explore, play musical instruments, race vehicles and so much more! They aren’t just a social opportunity for the little ones either, adults will be able to meet other local families and chat over a brew! Classes are term time only, and pay as you go. The sessions will also help to support children’s transition to the Early Years Foundation Stage when they start pre-school, nursery or reception class.

Current timetable:

  • Mondays 1.30pm at Life Leisure Houldsworth Village
  • Tuesdays 1.30pm at Life Leisure Cheadle
  • Thursdays 1.30pm at Life Leisure Avondale
  • Thursday 1.30pm at Stockport Sports Village

All sessions are £2.00 per child and include hot drinks for the adults.

Baby Splash and Toddler Splash

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Baby Splash and Toddler Splash

Our Baby Splash and Toddler Splash sessions are designed for parents/guardians to spend time in the water to increase children’s water confidence in a structured, fun play setting. Baby Splash is suitable for infants aged 0-4 years*, and Toddler Splash is for preschool children aged 2-4 years.

Sessions are available on a pay-as-you-go basis, however to avoid disappointment we recommend booking online up to seven-days in advance. Activities focus on water movement, safe entry, underwater confidence, and basic swimming skills. Once confident, children can progress to our Swim Tots swimming lessons.

All Baby Splash and Toddler Splash bookings can either be made in advance online through your child’s account, or directly with a member of the reception team at your chosen Life Leisure pool.

*Babies can join in as soon as parents are comfortable to bring them to the pool (before vaccinations) but please consult your midwife/health visitor about the right time to start for you and your baby.

Timetable

Early years resources

Top tips for movement

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Top tips for movement

12 bean bag activities

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12 bean bag activities

A lot of fun can be had with a simple bean bag! Here’s 12 fun, family games you can try at home with bean bags.

Bean bag activities. 

Physical activity for early years

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Physical activity for early years

Active children are healthy, happy, school ready and sleep better. Children aged one to five should aim for at least 180 minutes of exercise per day. This can be in the form of messy play, swimming, sports and many more!

Physical activity guidelines.

Top tips for reading together

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Top tips for reading together

If you’re unsure on ways to share books with your little ones, Greater Manchester’s top tips provide suggestions and activity ideas to incorporate reading into their lives from a young age and develop a love of books.

Top ten tips for sharing books.

School readiness tips

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School readiness tips

It can be tricky to know how to start preparing your child for school. Gather Movement has created 12 simple ideas for helping to prepare your child to start reception.