Transforming toddler lives after lockdown

 

Twelve months in the life of a toddler is a very long time. They may have learnt to walk, say new words, found new ways to play or even become an older sibling. These huge milestones have mostly been happening behind closed doors and now experts are looking at what effects this could have had on development.

 

Lockdown little ones

The Babies in Lockdown report captured the experiences and issues faced by a range of parents. It seems to support the experts who have witnessed toddlers’ delays in speech and language as well as trouble sharing and being in groups. Some of the concerning feedback from parents included: “I worry about her development, the changes in her routine and the loss of family contact,” and “We imagined life as parents much differently than this. Our child has no relationships with other family members and no exposure to the outside world.”

 

The report highlighted that a big part of this was that many parents worried about the lack of interaction their children were getting with others the same age. Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been reaching out to families all through the lockdowns, running virtual classes and lots of fun events including bedtime stories and kitchen discos. Now the schools are delighted to be welcoming back students, including the very youngest Tots to enjoy building back the missed opportunities in relation to cognitive and social stimulation.

 

Toddler development

“Children develop quickly in the early years and their experiences can have a major impact on their future life chances,” explains Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and we will be supporting families to help them cope with any challenges as a result of this lost year.”

 

For new parents, missing out on vital interaction with other parents going through the same milestones has also been very isolating as Denise adds: “Parenting a young child can be very lonely and what is a lifesaver for many is the chance to meet other parents with similar age children to discuss any concerns or just to laugh about the funny little things toddlers say sometimes. Our Tots classes are just as important for parents and carers to give them routine and structure and a chance to connect with others.”

Razz Tots has been designed for ages two to three years old. The littles ones discover melody and movement through exciting journeys to the jungle, space, under the sea and much more. The classes have been designed to meet the Government’s National Early Years Guidance and includes imaginative play and crafts. There’s a social time at the end of each session for both the Tot and grown up and will give new parents the ideal opportunity to make new friends. Razzamataz is following all Government advice and measures to reopen safely.

 

What parents and carers say

Grandparent Sam has been taking her granddaughter Sophia to Razzamataz Dumfries and has been amazed with her progress. “It’s lovely to see how much Sophia has grown and developed in such a short space of time and to see  how she interacts with the other children. There is a new theme in each block and it doesn’t take long for Sophia to remember the songs and actions that go with them, which she then likes to replicate at home.”  

 

 

Flexible careers with children

Multi-award winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been busy recruiting new franchisees throughout the pandemic. They were also delighted to be named as Best Franchise in the WorkBuzz Best Franchise Awards, sponsored by Lloyds Bank.

Franchisees come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many are parents who enjoy the flexible and rewarding career path that Razzamataz offers. Previous experience running a theatre school or working in the performing arts is not necessary because the franchise model gives full training and support to every franchisee. With more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, Razzamataz has successful operating systems, excellent contacts and a well-respected brand.

 

Join our network

We are currently looking to launch more theatre schools across the UK and overseas. If you would like to find out more about our ambitious growth plans and be part of multi-award-winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools network, drop Charlotte a line from our friendly Head Office team to book on to one of our virtual Discovery Dens.

Current resale opportunity: High Wycombe, Berkshire

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07821122242