A TEACHER has swapped school for dance classes after launching a new music class for babies.
Ann Parker, of Ramsden Heath, has started Hartbeeps, which uses puppets, music and dance to engage and educate toddlers.
The mother of three is now hoping that her new classes will be a hit around the county.
She said: "I heard about the classes from a friend who had taken along her little boy.
"Everything I believe in as an early years teacher is what Hartbeeps is all about, and so after falling in love with the classes, I'm so excited to be bringing them to Essex."
The classes, which are 45 minutes long, incorporate music and song to help youngsters learn.
The sessions are held at the Emmanuel Church, Billericay on Tuesdays and the Knights Way Centre, Brentwood on Thursdays.
Mrs Parker, 47, said: "I wanted a job that fitted around my family so I decided to set up the classes.
"The classes, which involve both parents and children, consist of music and play-based activities where children can use their imagination to explore different environments created by original music and sound effects."
She added: "If only Hartbeeps had been around when my children were young.
"There are three different classes at different times each week depending on age, so we run, six months to sitting, sitting to toddler and toddler to four.
"The feedback we've received has been great and we're having winter wonderland-themed classes this week for Christmas, which is lovely."
Mrs Parker has plans to expand the classes further with schoolchildren's sessions and pre-natal classes.
For more information or to book, contact Ann on ann@hartbeeps.com or 07875 141913. The first sessions are free.
Further information about Hartbeeps can be found by visiting www.hartbeeps.com
