A West Lothian multi-sensory class for babies and toddlers is growing fast after its new owner shocked her family by leaving her safe career in teaching to become a business owner.
Hartbeeps already has many classes throughout the county. But now due to popular demand, next month it’s adding even more.
Founded in 2003, award-winning Hartbeeps has the fastest-growing and most innovative early years classes in the UK, offering fun multi-sensory music and play sessions for babies and pre-school children.
The new owner is 37-year-old Fiona Duncan and she explained how she made the dramatic move from primary teaching to running a business.
“It looks like a midlife crisis, doesn’t it,” she laughed, “but the reality is a bit different.
“I’d been taking my two girls to Hartbeeps while I was teaching and loved the clever way it put children at the heart of their adventures. And I loved the welcoming atmosphere at the classes too.
“After ten years, the previous owner Diane was looking to move on, and I thought: what a wonderful opportunity! So I took a deep breath, decided to go for it and resigned from my post as a principal teacher in primary education.
“At the time it seemed very scary but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Hartbeeps are the original musical storytellers and creators of multi-sensory play for babies and young children, with over twenty years’ experience.
“Hartbeeps classes are the perfect places to watch little ones develop and learn in a fun and interactive way – from Teddy Bears Picnics, into the jungle or dabbling in a duck pond!”
After studying, Fiona is now a fully certified baby yoga and baby massage instructor allowing her to bring these features to her classes.
“I firmly believe Hartbeeps is a wonderful concept. We’re passionate imaginators and we know curiousity is the key to long-lasting development for children in their early years.”
Currently the timetable includes classes Monday to Friday in Linlithgow, Bathgate, Broxburn and East Whitburn.
Baby Bells classes are for new babies to sitting, Baby Beeps classes take little ones through sitting to standing and Happy House takes in toddlers to nursery years.
New classes are now being added on Wednesday afternoons at Linlithgow Bowling Club. This will include Baby Bells and Happy House classes.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 07983 565953.
Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here.