Baby Sensory
Baby Sensory classes for babies aged 0–13 months run every Wednesday at The Venue, Wyaston Road, Ashbourne (DE6 1NB), led by Marie Madej of Baby Sensory Central Derbyshire. Booking is essential — reserve a place through the online timetable or contact Marie on 07989 443734 or derbyshire@babysensory.co.uk.
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About this class
Every Wednesday at The Venue on Wyaston Road, Ashbourne, Marie Madej runs Baby Sensory sessions for ages from birth to 13 months. The programme divides into two developmental stages — birth to six months and seven to thirteen months — so activities are pitched to where your baby actually is rather than a single-size approach.
Marie came to the role through the programme itself. She first brought her eldest to Baby Sensory at six months old and later, after redundancy, trained as a class leader. That journey from parent to practitioner is shared by many Baby Sensory leaders across the country, who are described by the programme as highly trained and continually upskilling.
A typical session covers creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual activities, textures, scents, and music — including sensory signing activities to help you and your baby start communicating from birth. Sessions follow a play-rest-play rhythm that mirrors how young babies naturally engage: a burst of activity, a pause to absorb it, then on to the next thing. Each class includes Bonding Time, Expert Tips, and an Exploratory Play Area. Every session closes with sounds that mimic the womb to help settle babies. The music is original, composed for the programme by Dr Lin Day, and instruments are checked against safe decibel levels for young ears.
If you have a newborn under three months, the Hello Baby strand sits alongside the main programme. It covers three specific areas: observing your newborn's behavioural cues, a colic and comfort workshop, and a baby massage session.
Baby Sensory Central Derbyshire covers Ashbourne, Belper, Matlock, and Ripley. During any class, you are welcome to feed or cuddle your baby — no need to step out. Booking is essential; places are reserved through the online timetable on the Baby Sensory Central Derbyshire website.
When it runs
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Common questions
What ages are the Wednesday classes at Ashbourne for?
Baby Sensory at The Venue is for ages from birth to 13 months. The programme has two stages — birth to six months and seven to thirteen months — so activities match your baby's current developmental stage. Babies from birth to three months can also join through the Hello Baby strand, a dedicated sub-programme designed specifically for newborns.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is essential. Places must be reserved through the Baby Sensory Central Derbyshire online timetable. You can also contact Marie directly on 07989 443734 or at derbyshire@babysensory.co.uk.
What happens in a session?
Sessions cover creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual activities, textures, scents, and music — including original songs composed for the programme and sensory signing activities. Everything follows a play-rest-play rhythm that reflects how young babies naturally move between engagement and rest. Each class includes Bonding Time, Expert Tips, and an Exploratory Play Area. Every session ends with sounds that mimic the womb to help settle babies. The programme has 40 core lesson plans plus 28 seasonal and special-event plans.
Can I feed my baby during the class?
Yes. You are welcome to feed or cuddle your baby at any point during the session — there is no expectation to pause or leave.
Who leads the Wednesday class?
Classes are led by Marie Madej, who runs Baby Sensory sessions across the Central Derbyshire area, covering Ashbourne, Belper, Matlock, and Ripley. Marie first came to Baby Sensory as a parent — she brought her eldest child along at six months old — and later trained as a class leader.
What is Hello Baby?
Hello Baby is a sub-programme for newborns from birth to three months. It comprises three distinct strands: Hello Baby Observation, which helps parents read their baby's behavioural cues and understand their needs; Hello Baby Crying, Colic and Comfort Workshops, covering the main causes of colic and comfort techniques; and Hello Baby Massage, which introduces baby massage, reflexology, yoga, sensory integration, and containment. Contact Marie to find out which of these are currently running in Ashbourne.
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