Dandy Development

Let's get our little ones talking.

These first sounds are really important. They build confidence, establish success with language and lay the foundations for full words. They also catch attention, are exciting and are developmentally appropriate and motivating, so little ones are much more likely to have a go themselves. These sounds do count as first words, they might not be what we have in mind, but they are most definitely first words.

So, when you have a little bit of play time with your little one, use these sounds lots and be animated and over-the-top when you use them. This builds confidence and encourages little ones to give them a try.

We learn lots of tips and techniques like this in Dandy so that you have the knowledge and confidence to support your little one's speech development. Get yourself booked into the autumn term now so that you can give your little one the best support in their development.

We’re not needing umbrellas at the moment but you NEED Dandinos!

Specifically designed for little ones 6w-6m, Dandinos is a unique bonding opportunity full of warmth, sensory stimulation, a curriculum of baby sign, music and beautiful fun...
🌈 bright, engaging, top quality resources
☀️ friendly, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
🌍 research driven content
⭐️ light shows, glowing resources and classes in the dark
💐 themed seasonal classes
☔️ special baby spa session every term
🎶 wide range of nursery rhymes and unique Dandy songs
🧸 age appropriate toys, instruments and equipment
🤩 handmade, unique streamer canopies
👶 small and intimate classes
🫧 bubbles galore!
Bookings for Dandy's autumn term are now open. Dandinos is in Barford on Tuesdays at 11am and in Leamington on Thursdays at 9.55am You do not want your little one to miss out the Dandy experience - book now.

Still reflecting on our beautiful holiday. A very different family dynamic this year, with our independent 19 year old daughter having finished her first year at uni and our high-energy 17 year old son still wanting all-of-the-fun!

It’s all so different to the family holidays when you have little ones. We stayed at the fabulous resort the whole holiday and everything we all wanted was right on sight so the ‘kids’ were pretty self sufficient. Don’t get me wrong, hubby and I love time to ourselves and appreciated not having to watch them all the time, it’s just a big adjustment!

We went to the waterpark every morning, did archery, table tennis and played Pool, swam, pedalo’ed, played a lot of Uno (Teams and Liar are our favourite versions) and enjoyed the drinks (my daughter is my cocktail partner!) Hubby and I went to the gym or ran most days, we went whilst the teenagers slept in a bit!

The meals were precious time together, phones off and full on chat chat chat which we love. I don’t know how many more family holidays we have left now. Both the kids have long term partners, so this year may have been the last but I hope not!

I have been taking some time off with these beautiful people, I’ve loved d dry moment, family time is so special and will tell you all about it when my feet touch the ground!

If you’ve been trying to get in contact, please bear with me, I will get back too very soon!

The all important sign - 'Mummy'!

We are learn the signs for mummy, daddy in Dandinos and In Stage 1 we add in siblings and Grandparents . We learn the sign for 'love' and 'family' too. You cannot bet the feeling when your little one tell you they love you before they can even speak.

These lovely signs are for the whole family to use and signing is most effective when the whole family is involved. So make sure everyone in your family is using this sign right from the start!

Yes - 25 signs! And Hallie isn't even 18 months yet!

The impact this has on life is unfathomable unless you can actually see it in action. No frustration, just clear communication because Hallie can say what she needs, what she wants and what excites her. Her speech is developing rapidly and is boosted daily by the success she has already had with language.

It really is a credit to mum and Hallie's family because this shows signing is used consistently and embedded in everyday routines. I'm super proud of you Hallie, so your family must be overspilling with it! No pressure at all on little brother!! Keep up the good work 💕

Yep, Im going to say the H word in July! Halloween is coming - there's no

Dandy's next term is the autumn one which is chocker block full of fun with both Halloween and Christmas (sorry, didn't warn you I was going to say that too!) You DO NOT want to miss these gorgeous Dandy themes, they are literally a joy!

Make sure you have booked your autumn term place. It is already filling up. Please check the website for all the venues and details. Get it booked in now for guaranteed fun later!

Baby sign brings advantages from the moment you start signing: increased eye contact, more quality interactions and quicker understanding.

More benefits flood in once little ones start signing: reduced frustration, deepened bond and increased confidence are just a few.

Not only that, the benefits last too: the positives that signing brings are long lasting and can still be seen at 8 years old. What an incredible advantage to give your little one.

The 'Black and White' Dandinos theme is such a wonderful way to start the term.

We use high contrast pattern cards to boost brain development, using both sides of the brain at once. We learn about visual development and the different stages little ones grow through.

Dandy's black dance scarves explore touch and we have lots of fun with games that encourage eye contact and high quality face to face time. All of this is before we sit back, relax and enjoy Dandy's stunning black and white canopy parachute. The bold contrasts are easy for little ones to watch and means they can track the gentle movement.

Dandy's beautiful black, white and red baskets allow little ones to explore with different shapes, sounds and textures. This special time, with soft accompanying music, allows you and your little one to discover together at your own pace.

Finishing with instruments and rattles to engage the sense of hearing, lay the foundations for understanding rhythm and just enjoy music and singing, Dandinos really does have everything.

Layered on top of all this is baby sign, intrinsically linked to everything we do and part of our routines so that you can use it in the same way at home.

Dandinos is in Barford on Tuesdays at 11am and in Leamington on Thursdays at 9.55am. Autumn places are bookable via the Dandy Development website. I can't wait to share the Dandinos fun with you.

I was so blessed to get so many end of term thank-you cards with messages like this.

When people take the time to write it really does means so much. I strive to make Dandy as wonderful as I can and, yes I love it, but it is hard work!

I'm missing you all already and can't wait to see you all in the autumn.