Bendy, Giggly, Clever and Strong
Connect chats to Cara Stratford, Tatty Bumpkin teacher

“Let me introduce you to a friend of mine called Tatty Bumpkin. She lives on Wobble Farm and welcomes every day dancing to her special ‘Bendy, Giggly, Clever and Strong’ song. Then she sets out on a magical adventure through the Giggle Tree meeting animals, helicopters, sausage rolls and more…”

As a Tatty Bumpkin teacher, Cara runs multi-sensory movement classes for children aged 18 months to 6 years in East Devon. Following the birth of her daughter almost two years ago she was looking for a new career. Being well qualified and having worked in childcare for ten years in addition to having gained fitness instructor credentials, Tatty Bumpkin offered Cara the chance to make good use of her skills as well as plan her working hours to fit in with the needs of her family.

Tatty Bumpkin is a natural children’s lifestyle company which provides a unique training programme aimed at helping mums get back to work, capturing their innate imagination, experience and enthusiasm. There is also a range of organic and Fair Trade clothes and toys under the brand. The Tatty Bumpkin children’s sessions, created by paediatric physiotherapists, educationalists, yoga teachers and musicians, enable young children to explore their physicality, expand their confidence and excite their minds.

A unique aspect is the focus on the amazing Tatty Bumpkin doll (voted no 1 eco toy by The Independent). Tatty demonstrates yoga inspired poses and leads the children into an adventure woven through storytelling, movement, props, games and music. The 45 minute sessions are structured to be non-competitive and ensure all abilities are able to participate and, unusually, work well with a mixed age range. Tatty Bumpkin actively encourages adults to join in and it is wonderful way for children and adults to learn together. And, what better way for children to learn about healthy active lifestyles, than to see those closest to them doing it for real?

On a physical level Tatty Bumpkin is stimulating, active and fun, aiding energy levels, contentment and sleep. The exercises help with natural flexibility, work on core stability and muscle tone as well as balance and co-ordination. Importantly, each session ends with relaxation to music to help children develop inner calm as well as assimilate what they have done during the class. On an emotional and psychological level classes help adults and children communicate, interact and play as they participate together. The storytelling and songs stimulate children’s vocabulary and speech. The stories often have a strong (but subtle) theme that can deal with issues pertinent to children in a fun way.

Cara thoroughly enjoys teaching Tatty Bumpkin sessions, watching the children (and adults) grow in confidence, physical skills and imagination. Most of the adventure stories are written by Cara to incorporate appropriate poses, props and songs and are practiced beforehand. An activity that is shared by Cara with her daughter Edie Mai who can often be found in a dog, tree or butterfly pose!

Cara visits pre-schools and nurseries to offer one off as well as regular sessions for parent and toddler groups. She also runs Tatty Bumpkin children’s parties for which the story can be written especially for the birthday child and friends.

A fundamental message of Tatty Bumpkin is growing up with a healthy lifestyle, encouraging children to use their natural creative abilities to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. Most importantly, it’s great fun. Find out more… Tel: 01395 223497 or email carastratford@tattybumpkin.com visit www.tattybumpkin.com.