Durham
Contact: Susan DonkinTel: 07748 115950
email: susan.donkin@leaps-and-bounds.co.uk
Hi everyone. My name is Susan Donkin and I am responsible for Leaps and Bounds within the Durham/Sunderland/South Tyneside areas and would be delighted to discuss the Programme with interested Parents, Nurseries and Schools.
A very big thank you to all the Nurseries and Parents who have taken the time to send in the following Testimonials:
"We chose Leaps and Bounds to provide a physical development programme to enhance our current nursery curriculum and to give the children extra time focusing on physical activity. 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 to use Leaps and Bounds in our nursery.
Tracey HallwayNursery Manager Westoe Village Kindergarten, South Tyneside 2010
BUSY BEARS NURSERY, Bearpark, Durham. www.busybearsdurham.co.uk
"Thanks Susan for the success of Leaps & Bounds at Busy Bears. The children love the activity and it brings good variety to their daily routine. Their progress from start to end of the programme is excellent and the children do look forward to the weekly event. Staff are pleased to see how the children progress and improve weekly, and parents in turn are delighted that their children are both enjoying and learning at the same time. A great activity !
Emma Graham, Proprietor. Nursery Manger of the Year 2009 - Nursery World
Hi Susan,
It was lovely to meet you at the 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 after the summer break..
A 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
"My daughter Millie loves Leaps & Bounds, we as parents have noticed how her confidence, balancing, catching and general motor skills have improved in such a short space of time. Millie can't wait for the class each week and we would recommend it to all parents. It's certainly Millie's favourite activity and I hope that many more schools and educational practices offer Leaps and Bounds as it's such a popular and important way to learn in a fun way.
Mr & Mrs Oliver, Parents of Millie 3/4 group Busy Bears Durham
"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
Michelle, Chloe, plus Gran and Grandad recently had a wonderful holiday curtesy of Boltholes, Family Friendly Holidays. They entered and won this wonderful prize after entering the competition in "Leap Ahead" the newsletter by Leaps and Bounds.
CLEVER CLOGS NURSERY, Belmont,Durham (www.cclogs.com)
"Our children have a fabulous time at the Leaps and Bounds classes. They are on the 2nd year of classes now and they absolutely love it. They have all developed their physical skills really well and we are delighted with the impact that the classes have on them. Parents are keen for the children to continue with the programme as they can see how much their children get out of them. We would highly recommend Leaps and Bounds classes"
Andrea Townsley ,Proprietor.2007
"The children here can’t wait for Susan to come through the door every Wednesday. She is simply part of our team and the children love her. They get so excited about what they have done and love each and every class. We have seen them all develop so much and the classes really do make a difference to their physical development and their confidence."
Andrea Townsley Proprietor 2010
CASTLE VIEW NURSERY, Chester le Street
"We are now into our third year of Leaps and Bounds. 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 Leaps and Bounds know Susan, who always attends our open days and talks to all children and parents. The children love participating and love to collect their achievement stickers at the end of the sessions. Parents have remarked on their own children's progress and have been amazed at how confident they have become since starting Leaps and Bounds."
Vikki Greggs Nursery Manager CASTLE VIEW. CHESTER LE STREET
RIVERSIDE CHILDRENS CENTRE, SOUTH TYNESIDE
“The children have thoroughly enjoyed every session with our Instructor- Alison (Instructor in South Tyneside.) She is wonderful with them, enthusiastic and patient. It has been a pleasure having Leaps and Bounds in our centre and we look forward to welcoming Alison back with open arms very soon.”
Gillian Tate and staff at RIVERSIDE CHILDRENS CENTRE SOUTH TYNESIDE.2010
LAMBTON PRIMARY SCHOOL WASHINGTON
"We have just finished the first year and are looking forward to our second year of Leaps and Bounds and feel the Programme is wonderfully presented by Susan. Its format and delivery makes it excellent fun for the children and covers the areas of development required and builds and reinforces previously learned skills."
Mrs Holder Nursery Department
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 Grandmother- Lambton Primary School Playgroup, Washington
Since Nathan has attended Susan’s Leaps and Bounds classes he has started listening, copying actions and amazingly joining in the songs. Thanks so much Susan
Kathy-Nathan’s Grandmother - Lambton Primary School Playgroup, Washington
Some other Pre-School sites enjoying the Leaps and Bounds Programme include
BEDE CHILDRENS CENTRE,South Tyneside
MULBERRY NURSERY GROUP, Gateshead
CLEADON KINDERGARTEN, South Tyneside
RIVERSIDE CHILDRENS CENTRE. South Tyneside
NEW WORLD NURSERY, Washington
ASHFIELD NURSERY (Hospital site) South Tyneside
SIBLINGS NURSERY, Sunderland
TARA STEPHENSON, Manager at Nursery in Washington
WESTOE VILLAGE KINDERGARTEN, South Tyneside
BIDDICK AND WHITEHILLS CENTRE, South Tyneside
More Pre-School sites in our region will soon share the Leaps and Bounds Programme
Confidence Building, Coordination, Concentration and most importantly FUN
