“We gently rock the little ones while we hum and sing”
This group is for grown-ups with little ones aged 0-5. Come and sing folk music together in Circle, learn songs to bond with your child, meet real friends and nourish your body with hot tea/coffee and homemade cake.
When: Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am
Where: Harehills Lane Baptist Church (Side Entrance), 13 Hilton Place, Leeds LS8 4HE
Cost: £11.50 per adult per session paid in a block. Includes tea/coffee and cake for the adults and snacks for the children. £2 extra for a 2nd child.
What happens in the session?
This is a real, genuine and safer space to ‘come as you are’. We always start with tea/coffee and cake and a chance to chat with others. After 10 minutes or so, I lead us in some calming breathwork and a grounding vocal warm-up, followed by a one-word check in.
Held by the Circle, we then sing beautiful folk tunes together for around 20 minutes, to nourish ourselves while the children soak up the music. Then we have a pause to check in with our children, and finish the session with about 15 minutes of parent-child bonding, learning simple songs which you can sing to your child at home when bathing, changing or lulling them to sleep.
The session is informal; you can feel comfortable to feed or change your baby mid-session if you need to. I limit numbers to a maximum of 12 adults so that the children aren´t overwhelmed, and so I can support everyone, but there are still enough voices so we make a good sound and can harmonise.
What our parents say…
We absolutely love coming to Singing Circle. The space Caitlin creates is calming, fun and relaxed for the adults and the children – such a difference to some of the more ‘in your face’ and overwhelming baby classes we have been to. I have a lovely time singing some great songs, while my toddler and baby soak up the music and roll around happily on the rug with percussion instruments and books. Perfect!
We love attending this group, it’s a lovely community and singing is great for mental health!
Caitlin’s singing group has been a joy to be a part of. It’s lovely to have a class that is for both me and my baby, we both love it and find it very relaxing. The songs are so special and I find myself singing them all the time, a nice break from the usual nursery rhymes. I’d recommend this class to anyone! Thanks Caitlin
Information about the venue
Harehills Lane Baptist Church is accessible for wheelchair users and there are baby changing facilities. When you get to the church, come in through the side entrance on Hilton Place. There is plenty of free on street parking available. Cycle racks are also available immediately outside the side entrance should you wish to cycle.
The 91 bus from Kirkstall, Headingley, Meanwood and central Chapel Allerton stops just outside the church on Harehills Lane. Or if you are coming from Leeds City Centre, you can get bus numbers 12 or 13 to Harehills Post Office followed by a short 5 minute walk up to the church.
Accessibility and inclusivity in Ringató Family Circle
We believe that music is for everybody. In contrast to Ringató Baby Circle, our Family Circle is open to all – mums, dads, grandparents, aunties, uncles, child minders, etc. We welcome asylum seekers and refugees, non-English speakers, LGBT and queer families, and foster and adoptive families, with care-experienced children. Please get in touch if you have any feedback for us about how we can improve our accessibility and inclusivity – we really want you to feel welcome and comfortable here.
You can also apply for a FREE or subsidised place if you meet our criteria. A friend or support worker can fill in the form for you if you are struggling, or you can email us and ask us to help you with the form as well.
FAQs
Can I join Ringató Family Circle if I have a new-born or pre-crawling baby?
Yes – this is a busier session than Ringató Baby Circle, but little babies are more than welcome. I suggest bringing a sling for your baby so that you you can move around comfortably, and so that your baby can feel your breathing and hear your voice – their favourite sound in the world. There are also chairs, blankets and mats if you prefer to lay them down, or you are welcome to bring your car seat or pram.
Can I come with 2 children?
Yes – your children aged 0-5 can come for free and many mums, including me, bring our two children with us (first child free, £2 extra for a 2nd child). My personal motto for this session is ‘Let’s find the beauty in the chaos!’ It’s a win if we can do some singing for us, while keeping our children safe and happy.
As your children grow, surrounding them in a musical environment where they can see you enjoying singing and making a beautiful sound, will inspire them to want to make music too. Your toddler or pre-schooler will experience the session in a completely different way to your baby, but both are learning so much and taking it all in.
Important information about booking
By booking any of the courses below, you confirm you have read and agreed to our Refund Policy.
Music at Heart 