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Apr 2021

Last Updated: 28/04/2021

Community

'Unbelievable' demand for Harrogate baby classes after lockdown

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 28 Apr, 2021

After months away, baby and toddler classes were finally able to resume on April 12. A number of local companies have said they have had to start new classes and hire more staff to deal with the high levels of demand.

Harrogate baby and toddler groups have been inundated with parents eager to book classes. Some have had to employ more staff and start new classes to meet demand.

A number of local companies have said since April 12th when lockdown partially eased, demand has been "unbelievable".

For many new parents these classes give them the opportunity to socialise with other new parents as well as getting their babies interacting with others.

For some the wait for a space may be a little longer with one Harrogate company saying their waiting list has over 100 names on it.

Emily Savage runs Hartbeeps in the Harrogate district, she said:

"The demand is huge right now. With social distancing I'm running at 65% capacity levels against pre-covid so that is limiting spaces too. Parents not being able to go out as much means they all want to come to classes for social interaction."

Emily holds classes at Calcutt Village Hall, Harrogate Gymnastics on Hornbeam park and Pannal Village Hall. She has introduced new weekend classes for parents that are now back at work.

Natalie Ramsey who owns Baby Sensory Harrogate has seen a similar level of demand. She has has to employ a class assistant to help with the covid cleaning in between classes.

She said:

"The demand has been massive. Parents are just desperate for a bit of social interaction. I'm looking at opening more classes in Harrogate, I asked on facebook last night and the response was massive. I'm just looking ahead to 21st June for a bit of normality but I'm not holding my breath."

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The Little Gym in Harrogate holds about 44 classes each week but still has people asking for more. Owner, Kate Henebury, said:

"It's been unbelievable. We are adding more classes left, right and centre to meet demand particularly the new parent classes. We're also busy recruiting for more staff to meet the demand because it is so huge. It's just nice to be open again."

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'Unbelievable' demand for Harrogate baby classes after lockdown

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