Small Business Awards 2021 17 Best Baby & Toddler Sensory Classes - UK Bringing magic to life, Glow Bambino have developed a unique sensory experience for babies and toddlers. Using a combination of immersive storytelling, sensory toys, and theatrical equipment, the winners of ‘Best Baby & Toddler Sensory Classes – UK’, provide a safe and exciting environment for babies and toddlers to engage and learn. Inspired by her own children and her knowledge of how children learn through play; founder Snow Hemmings saw a gap in the market. Using her previous experience of working with children and her qualifications in drama and theatre, and education in 2016 she created Glow Bambino – a sensory class for young children. The classes are developed to aid in early years development, whilst adding in the enchantment she felt other classes lacked. Glow Bambino provide an immersive, theatrical experience that sets it apart from its competitors. Each session is based around telling a story, and through using multiple techniques such as lights, sensory toys, theatre techniques, puppets, music, and rhythm, it creates a special experience. From the deep seas to outer space, there are new adventures to be had each week. Glow Bambino offers educational visits which can be tailored to suit both the parent’s and child’s needs and desires. Covering a multitude of themes, Glow Bambino can be used to host events and birthday celebrations, with one mother testifying that the adults were just as entertained as the babies. Predominantly consisting of mothers, the team understands first-hand the importance of creating a supportive environment for parents. Glow Bambino aims to help parents find new and interesting ways to connect with their baby, whether it’s through providing ideas for sensory play or teaching baby massage classes, there’s something for everyone - no matter what stage of the parenting journey they are at. After each class there is the opportunity to stay for coffee and cake, allowing parents to socialize in what can often be a lonely and isolating period. Glow Bambino have received feedback from its clientele stating that Glow Bambino offers the friendliest class, and that they feel it is a calm and relaxed environment. Further commenting that they never feel rushed to leave, and that it’s a great way to meet other parents and babies in a welcoming environment. Branch owners face six to eight weeks of training prior to delivering classes, and it is vital that each owner has previous experience working with or looking after children. It is important to Glow Bambino that all employees have a passion for childcare and a desire to be an active part of their community, as supporting each other is central to the business’ ethos. When recruiting new members, Glow Bambino undertakes a rigorous selection process. Every potential franchisee must participate in a one-to-one meeting, either by video link, phone call, or in person, with the overall aim being to discover if the interviewee has the same values as the company. Active within the community, Glow Bambino often give back, and have organised multiple fundraisers and charity events. In 2020, the team and the parents raised around £2,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and more recently the Ayr franchise raised £250 for a community hall providing shelter to victims of a major explosion that destroyed two homes and damaged several others. The COVID-19 outbreak proved to be a turbulent time for many, particularly small businesses that rely on their community for support. As Glow Bambino is made up of regional branches, the actions taken depended on the restrictions and recommendations of the individual Oct21566 areas. In response, Glow Bambino updated its Health & Safety policy and risk assessments, introducing additional cleaning, sanitising, and format changes. However, it has continued to operate, making sure to prioritise the safety of the attendees. Going forward, Glow Bambino plans to increase its services as it expands its branches across the UK. Glow Bambino is planning to further develop its inventory of sensory products and hope to produce a range that will be available for purchase. Aiming to continue its work within the local communities, Glow Bambino intends to create a charitable arm, which will make its classes available at a minimal cost – and in certain circumstances, for free. Glow Bambino push for accessibility, priding itself on its drive to create a diverse and friendly environment for everyone. Contact:
[email protected] Company: Glow Bambino Ltd Web Address: www.glowbambino.com Glow Bambino provide an immersive, theatrical experience that sets it apart from its competitors. Each session is based around telling a story, and through using multiple techniques such as lights, sensory toys, theatre techniques, puppets, music, and rhythm, it creates a special experience.