A visit to a 'Baby Song' group in South Wales

The warmth of the welcome in the Williamstown Salvation Army Hall was in stark contrast to the freezing rain that was falling that day in the Rhondda valley. The mums and grandparents greeted one other enthusiastically, and the children were equally excited to see each other. The quiet background music and circle of cushions on the floor invited us all to join in.

The session began with a gentle welcome song whose lilting melody hinted at the Scandinavian roots of this material. Each child and adult, including myself, was welcomed, by name, by Daisy the puppet. Some gave a shy wave in return, whilst others greeted Daisy with a hug and a kiss like a long-lost friend!

There then followed 30 minutes of songs and rhymes - some familiar, some with a new twist, and a few brand new. All the words were projected on the wall, so that there was no excuse for anyone not singing! A mirror and a chiffon scarf were taken round to each child in turn to make this a multi-sensory experience. These individually affirming activities made the children squirm with delight.

Building a sense of community

My favourite part of the morning was dancing the 'Baby Samba' from the Boom Chicka Boom CD. This is an excuse for hugging and physical contact between the parent and their child - a key part of Baby Song. All too soon it was time to sing 'goodbye' to each other, put away the cushions, get out the toys and enjoy a coffee and a chat - also a key part of the programme, which aims to build a sense of community.

Looking around the room at the animated conversations in progress, I certainly felt that the group has achieved this aim. One mum told me: "The mother and toddler group here is so busy; every seat is full. This group is much smaller and quieter. I only knew one person when I started, but now I feel as if I have known them all for ages."

Queuing up

Baby Song in Williamstown was started in January 2009. Despite a tricky start due to the snow, it has been a real success. Major Denise Wise, who runs the sessions in 10-week blocks on a Monday, enrols a maximum of 15 families each time so that good relationships can be developed.

At the end of the 10 weeks most of the mums are queuing to sign up for the next term. With free use of the church hall, she is able to keep costs low and charges only £5 per 10 weeks to cover the refreshments. She explained that she felt it was important that cost should not exclude any family from joining.

Denise first encountered Baby Song whilst in Germany with her own children. She then set up a group in Bristol, which over the next six years grew to become three sessions - one for the babies and two for the toddlers. The group in Williamstown is currently a mixture of babies and toddlers up to 18 months old. With the enthusiasm of the mums to continue attending (everyone I spoke to described it as 'lovely'), it is likely that this ministry too will grow with the children!

Fiona Burt

Last Updated 23 February 2010