HARTBEEPS

GUEST BLOG BY NICOLA WICKS OF HARTBEEPS WEST MIDLANDS

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Another guest blogger tonight and I'm chuffed to bits to introduce you to the lovely Nicola Wicks of Hartbeeps West Midlands.  If you haven't heard of Hartbeeps, check them out!  In their own words, they provide award winning classes featuring music, puppets, laughter and fun for newborns, babies and toddlers.

I caught up with Nicola recently and she kindly agreed to take part in one of my Q&A sessions.  If tonight's blog has piqued your interest you'll find Nicola's contact details below.  Oh and spread the word! Her classes are free for new parents until baby is 8 weeks :)

When did you set up your business, ‘Hartbeeps’ and why did you decide to go into this line of work?

I bought the franchise when my son (who is now 5) was 10 months old.  His sister was born when he was 20 months and I started running a class programme when she was 6 months old!

What do you enjoy most about it?

Meeting parents and babies! I love to chat to people and genuinely want to to know how they are, what they are up to and I care about the people who walk through the door. I’ve seen babies grow into little people and then even met their younger siblings. It’s been an honour to be part of their growing up and I love bumping into people around Solihull!  hartbeeps4

Are qualifications required to run a Hartbeeps class?

No, just a passion for teaching, children and the Hartbeeps model. I have since completed a qualification in First Aid and I am in the process of completing an EYFS course online

Can you tell us a little more about what Hartbeeps does?

Hartbeeps classes are for babies from birth-4 years old. The classes are held in different venues throughout the week; each week is a different theme where we story tell through props, singing, signing, lights and lots of bonding. I also run a monthly class in The Royal Star and Garter Homes, Solihull where the residents come and watch, joining in the songs and actions. They love to watch the children play and conversations are often sparked between the elderly residents and young children; it is a joy to watch and one of the things I am missing about lockdown. Hartbeeps also runs a nursery programme in line with the EYFS programme. We provide entertainment for birthday parties catering for different ages and themes. I run seasonal baby raves 4 times a year which are a mix between free play with different learning/play zones and a class. These run for Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas and are a real success and social activity. Hartbeeps

What age ranges do your classes/events cover?

Classes are split into ability first; this is something that I loved about Hartbeeps as every child is different and develops at different rates regardless of their age. Bells - babies birth-sitting. Beeps - sitting/walking and Happy House - toddlers upwards (this class is also suitable to bring younger siblings to) hartbeeps 5

What are the benefits of a Hartbeeps class/event and why should parents consider it for their little one?

Hartbeeps HQ produce all the music, so you may think ‘oh I’ve heard that one before!’ but our songs have a little twist to them to make sure they are relevant. Classes are kept small to ensure that interaction between myself and each parent is something that can be achieved at each session, and that there is also time for the parents/grown ups to interact. I’m not one to tell you to be quiet!! Unless I’m trying to explain something!! Each class caters to the age/ability group and we incorporate massage, yoga, music, play and props within every session.

Are the classes/events suitable for all, including babies or children who may have a health condition?

Yes, classes can be adapted and where there is for example, a health condition, alternative moves/actions will be given.

Has anything funny happened during one of your classes that you can share?

In Beeps and Happy House we have a section each week where the children put on their ‘listening ears’. They are given wooden staves to tap together and then they have to listen to the sound and guess if they are able. When I very first started it was time to put our staves to our ears and listen. I asked the children ‘Whats the sounds you can hear?’ I was met with a very loud and well timed paarrrrpp from one of the babies!!! This story sticks with me and me and the mum laughs and reminisces with her 2nd child who now attends!

How can people contact you for further information?

I’m always available on Instagram: hartbeepswestmidlands_solihull and Facebook Hartbeeps West Midlands - Solihull & Henley in Arden. hartbeeps 3

Have you anything more to share with us today?

During lockdown I am offering Hartbeeps@Home classes straight to your home. These classes have now been running for 12 weeks, and I am continuing to support parents and children until the guidelines allow for face to face classes. Like face to face classes these are offered free to babies who are 8 weeks and under.