Baby Sensory
Baby Sensory South Reading runs weekly sessions at Brookside Church, Brookside Close, Gipsy Lane, Reading RG6 7HG, for babies aged 0–13 months. There are Thursday and Friday classes, term time only — with Thursdays split into two age-banded slots so each group gets a session calibrated to that stage of development.
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About this class
Baby Sensory South Reading holds its weekly sessions inside Brookside Church on Gipsy Lane in the RG6 area. Three slots run each week during term time: Thursdays at 11:00–12:00 for ages from birth to 13 months, Thursdays at 12:30–13:30 for ages from birth to 13 months, and Fridays at 11:00–12:00 covering the full 0–13 month range. The age-banded Thursday slots mean the session content can be pitched closer to where each group actually is developmentally — the programme structure is different for a young baby just starting to engage visually compared with one approaching their first birthday.
Every session follows a detailed lesson plan covering what babies see, hear, touch, smell, and feel. Activities move through creative play, massage, movement, tummy time, and texture exploration, with original and traditional songs woven throughout to build early speech and language awareness. There is also sensory signing — a way for parents and babies to begin communicating from very early on. The sensory area is arranged to match the distance at which a baby focuses on objects, and the decibel levels of instruments have been measured to ensure they are not too loud for young ears. Sessions close by mimicking the sounds of the womb, which settles babies after an hour of stimulation.
The programme was devised by Dr Lin Day — whose research into early child development spans more than four decades — as a parenting programme rather than a straightforward baby class. The practical ideas introduced each week are designed to be repeated at home, so parents gradually build a library of activities to draw on between sessions. Beyond the developmental content, the class gives parents a regular reason to get out, connect with other families at the same stage of life, and feel less isolated during an intense first year.
Classes are priced at £42.50 per term block. To enquire or book, contact the South Reading team on 07855324495 or at southreading@babysensory.co.uk.
When it runs
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Common questions
Which age groups do the sessions at Brookside Church cover?
The Thursday 11:00–12:00 slot is for ages from birth to 13 months; the Thursday 12:30–13:30 slot is for ages from birth to 13 months; and the Friday 11:00–12:00 session is open to the full 0–13 month range. There is also a Hello Baby programme aimed specifically at newborns from birth to 3 months, which includes an observation component to help parents identify their baby's sensitivities and needs, as well as techniques including baby massage, reflexology, yoga, sensory integration, and containment. Ask the South Reading team whether Hello Baby runs alongside the regular term timetable.
Do classes run year-round?
No — all sessions at this venue run term time only. If you are planning to join mid-term, contact the South Reading team to check availability and when the next block begins.
How much does a term block cost?
Classes are priced at £42.50 per term block. Contact Baby Sensory South Reading on 07855324495 or at southreading@babysensory.co.uk to confirm current term dates, availability, and how to book.
What happens during a session?
Each session follows a structured lesson plan that moves through music and signing, movement, massage, tummy time, visual play, and textured sensory materials. Every session opens with the signature song 'Say Hello to the Sun' and closes with womb-sound relaxation. Parents are welcome to feed or cuddle their baby at any point during the session. The activities are introduced in practical ways so they can be repeated at home during the week.
Is the programme just for babies, or for parents too?
Both. Baby Sensory was designed as a parenting programme — the point is to give parents practical knowledge, ideas, and confidence they can take home, not just to occupy the baby for an hour. Research studies conducted in Baby Sensory classes in association with the University of Manchester (2013) and the University of Leeds (2014) examined the positive effect on baby development, bonding, and parent wellbeing.
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