Durham

Contact: Susan Donkin
Tel: 07748 115950
email: susan.donkin@leaps-and-bounds.co.uk

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Leaps and Bounds (Durham) team consists of Susan Donkin, Sonia Nicholson and Heather McDonnell – all Experienced and Passionate Instructors and Mothers.

Our aim is to deliver Fast, Fun, Physical Development sessions to Pre School/Reception age Children in our area. We work specifically to enhance Concentration, Coordination and Agility as well as having lots of Fun, many laughs and creating strong bonds with the children, growing their self esteem and confidence for the future.

Parents, nurseries and schools, can be confident that the Leaps and Bounds Programme is a structured plan of progressive lessons in line with Early Years Foundation Stage. The Programme underpins the framework of the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage (Q.C.A., DCSF) and Birth to 3 matters (SureStart). Designed by TUMBLE TOTS UK, the UK’s leading provider of Physical Activity with 40 years of experience, the Programme was awarded a kitemark in 2006 by Professional Development Board of Physical Education and now runs throughout the country with huge success in child development.

Using Objective cards, Stickers, Certificates and Individual Written Assessments we work hand in hand with parents and nurseries ensuring we understand the individual child’s development thus encouraging them to progress to the next level.

If as a nursery or school, you feel the Leaps and Bounds Programme would benefit your children, parents and staff whilst enhancing the profile of your site and would like either to discuss or request a free information pack, with a copy of our nationwaide Leap Ahead magazine, please contact Susan 07748115950.

We are proud to have many Testimonials to share.The following are some of the many given kindly to Leaps and Bounds Durham by many of those locally involved in the Programme. To view more and/or request a LEAP AHEAD free magazine please email susan.donkin@leaps-and-bounds.co.uk for a copy.

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Clever Clogs Nursery Group, Belmont, Durham (4 years working with the Leaps and Bounds Team) has tripled in size after buying two new North East nurseries following a £500k investment. .

As part of this move, Andrea is implementing Leaps and Bounds programmes into both new nurseries. Andrea said "The benefits seen over the last 3 years implementing the Leaps and Bounds programme are that the children absolutely love the class whilst developing so many skills essential to early development. We can see our children's developmental in areas such as confidence, knowledge and understanding; physical literacy and physical movement skills move on so much, that we now feel that Leaps and Bounds is a "must" for all of our nurseries. We have further plans in the future to expand the group further and Leaps and Bounds is an essential part of those plans. As a mother of 3 young children myself, I also know that parents love the programme too, and see it as one of the reasons why they choose Clever Clogs over other nurseries". Andrea Townsley Proprietor. Rated Outstanding

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Louisa Nursery Stanley

"We all look forward to Sonia and her Leaps and Bounds sessions, not just the children! The improvements in such a short space of time is already obvious-self esteem, well-being and confidence has grown especially those children who we would not expect to have joined in! It has supported us in our practice and are we are reassured to know we are on the right lines and modelling the different skills correctly and safely. It has also given us new PE ideas. Sonia is a great and communicates well with both children and adults. All the children want to sit nexxt to her and hold her hand! We cant wait for the next set of challenges".

Caroline Bradley Senior Nursery Nurse Louisa Nursery

"Hi Susan, Just sending some feedback for Sonia, Leaps and Bounds Instructor at Stanley [Louisa centre], sessions. My son has loved his 2 courses taken in association with his nursery. He has looked forward to them every week. I would like to thank Sonia for her commitment to the children."

Thanks, Pauline Renwick-Parent 3/4 group

Busy Bears Nursery Durham (3 years working with the Leaps and Bounds Team) originally choose Leaps and Bounds to ensure the Physical Development aspect of our children’s learning was being fully maximised, however since embarking on the project I have learnt that it is so much more..... physical development, holistic development, concentration etc and above all else, the children have fun. “Yes!!!!….. its Wednesday mummy…. Leaps and Bounds Day” Benjamin Aged 3

Emma Graham Proprietor. Rated Outstanding Ofsted 2011 (2010 Nursery Manager of the Year (Nursery World) 2009/North East Female Young Entrepreneur 2009)

It was lovely to meet the Leaps and Bounds Team at Busy Bears Nursery, Durham last week. Just a small note to say a big thank you for running these sessions in the nursery and we believe her physical development has truly come up in leaps and bounds thanks to your structured programme. She used to take great pride in demonstrating her skills learnt from each session when she returned home on Wednesdays. She is now ever so ready to take new challenges with jumping, landing, balancing etc that sure catches the eyes when we take her to different places/play areas etc. The course sure has made her more confident in many skills at a very early age. As medics involved in care of children we have already recommended this programme to folks we have met and will continue to do so as we believe it encourages children as young as 2 to get involved in physical activities which certainly will have a huge impact in their lifestyle when they grow up. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing her future sessions.

Big thumbs up -Well done and keep up the good work...

Subhan and Dagny Christudas, parents of L-,2 yrs, Busy Bears Nursery, Durham summer 2010

"I just wanted to thank Susan, for her hard work and dedication to ensuring every session is an enjoyable and educational experience for the children. For me, Leaps and Bounds helps give children a positive attitude to learning. By developing a fun, educational and positive attitude to exercise L&B provides young children with the tools needed to enjoy living a healthy lifestyle. In society today these skills are essential which is why I firmly believe L&B provides excellent value for money. As a parent you always want the best for your child which is why my daughter is now on her 3rd course of L&B. The most noticeable change has been her confidence level. She is more independent and willing to attempt new challenges. She has developed a sense of pride in her achievements and takes delight in showing me what she can do. I firmly believe that the skills and confidence provided by Susan during the class will benefit my daughter throughout her life."Michelle Hailes – Chloe’s mum Busy Bears Nursery Bearpark Durham

Castle View Nursery, Chester Le Street

"We are into our fourth year with the Leaps and Bounds Programme. I have to say that the progress our children have made has been fabulous. From the first session the children have and lots of fun and enjoyment. They have gained many skills through Leaps and Bounds, Susan knows each child by name and how each one has developed their own skills since starting the programme. Even the children who have not participated in this first block know Susan and know it is Leaps and Bounds day. The children love participating and love to collect their achievement stickers at the end of the sessions. Noticeable improvements have been made to their confidence, spatial awareness, verbal and movement memory skills helping them to become more logical thinkers. Parents have remarked on their own children's progress and have been amazed at how confident they have become since starting Leaps and Bounds."Nursery Manager. OUTSTANDING OFSTED 2010

“Our son, Archie, has enjoyed Leaps and Bounds enormously. He is always very excited to tell us what he’s done, proudly announcing I can roll etc. and we have noticed a real development in his agility and coordination. Many, many thanks.” 2011 Parent. Castle View Nursery. Chester le Street

Lambton Primary School Washington Tyne and Wear

"We have worked with Susan, Instructor, for 3 years now for both out Toddler and whole of Nursery Department. The Programme fulfills many of the EYFS objectives including Physical, Social, Mathematical and Comunication enhancements. A recent visit by HM Inspectors noted how impressed they were with Susans engagement of the children, language used and the childrens ability to follow her instructions. Susan is enthusiastic and constantly enhancing sessions with music and props. She liaises with staff to fit the current teaching themes and insists that staff participation is "non negotiable !". The children love Leaps and Bounds and the squeals of excitement coming from the hall during the weekly sessions proves its value to me"

Sue Bell Head Teacher Ofsted Rated Outstanding 2008/2009 http://www.lambtonprimary.co.uk/

I am thrilled with the way Lewis has progressed over the course of weeks with Susan. He is like a changed little boy, more alert and focused. He loves the classes and looks forward to seeing Susan every week. Thanks for your Leaps and Bounds Programme.Lewis’s Gran at Lambton Primary School Playgroup, Washington Outstanding Ofsted 2008

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"We chose Leaps and Bounds 2 years ago, to provide a physical development programme to enhance our current nursery curriculum and to give the children extra time focusing on physical activity but realize the Programme is so much more. The structure of the leaps and bounds programme helps the children develop at their own pace and to reach their own potential through the challenges they are faced with. Our children are always excited to take part and eagerly look for our instructor Alison out of the window on the day of our sessions. All the children feel a massive sense of achievement at the end of each session when everyone gets a sticker and a round of applause. The parents have commented how their children go home and tell them all about what they have been doing in the sessions and are very happy that their children are enjoying it so much. We look forward to continuing the Leaps and Bounds Programme in our nursery.

Tracey, Nursery Manager – WESTOE VILLAGE KINDERGARTEN. South Tyneside

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^Some^{other schools and nurseries in our
region, having enjoyed and still enjoying Leaps and Bounds:}

LOUISA NURSERY, Stanley

SEASCAPE PRIMARY SCHOOL, Peterlee

LAMBTON PRIMARY SCHOOL, Washington

NEW WORLD NURSERY, Washington.

RIVERSIDE CHILDRENS CENTRE, Sunderland

SIBLINGS NURSERY, Sunderland.

BIDDICK HALL and WHITELEAS CHILDRENS CENTRE, South Tyneside

BEDE CHILDRENS CENTRE, South Tyneside

CLEADON KINDERGARTEN, Sunderland (JUST LEARNING GROUP)

ASHFIELD NURSERY GROUP, South Tyneside

MULBERRY NURSERY GROUP, Gateshead

WATERVIEW PARK NURSERY, Washington

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