Baby and toddler music classes celebrate 21st birthday

From the moment they start life in the womb, babies are reassured by their mum's heartbeat.

Businesswoman Frances Donkin has encouraged generations of children to build on this natural sense of pulse and nurture their development in fun-filled percussion sessions.

The mum-of-two is celebrating 21 years of delivering music classes to babies and toddlers across Cheshire.

Frances is passionate about learning and has inspired thousands of children to nurture a lifelong love of music and singing.

Babies and toddlers wore fancy dress costumes at a series of birthday parties to mark the milestone anniversary which coincided with World Music Day.

"Music is a really good tool to help children learn and develop," said Frances, who runs almost 100 weekly sessions with a team of tutors as part of her Rhythm Time franchise business.

Seven-month-old Ettie Booth enjoys tapping a pan

"It helps them to build up confidence, improve concentration and social skills and nurtures their ability to talk."

Little ones have fun playing drums, plastic bells, cymbals, maracas and rhythm sticks.

"Children learn from each other as much as from a teacher," said Frances, who teaches more than 850 children every week. "They watch other children participate and copy."

Studies have shown that music inspires all areas of child development, including intellectual, social, emotional, language and literacy skills.

10-month-old Frankie Bentley

"Music is a universal language," said Frances. "Every child responds to music. Their eyes are bright and completely focussed. You can see them tap or rock as they feel the pulse.

"Children can learn to walk much quicker and their basic motor skills come on much faster.

"They are able to bounce a ball and cut with scissors much quicker if they have a sense of pulse."

Music helps the body and mind work together and strengthens memory skills.

Rosie Minshull, aged two

"We have received incredible feedback from parents, " said Frances. "When children go home, they can see them interacting and communicating much better.

"They notice a big difference in their children's development. It is magical."

Exploring percussion sounds, developing listening skills and a musical ear has helped many children concentrate better when they start school.

Teddy Keating kisses the Rhythm Time mascot called Rat-a-tat

"It's all about confidence," said Frances. "It's great for them to have the opportunity to learn so many skills before they go to school.

"Even simple things like learning to share, follow instructions and pass things between a group of children.

"It's an absolute honour to introduce our programme to babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and watch them develop end be part of their early years.

"I am extremely proud and very excited to share the wonderful benefits of early music making with more little ones."