About West End Wigglers

Our Story

A Baby and Toddler group with a difference.

Incorporating movement, sensory play and story telling with music from musicals, TV, film and stage, as well as the old classics.

Hi! I’m Jo, and I am the creator and main class leader for West End Wigglers.

I grew up in Burgess Hill and after many years living and performing in London have returned to the area to raise my two beautiful (and slightly sassy) young girls.

West End Wigglers was born from a brainwave I had many years ago about incorporating my love of Musical Theatre into a baby/toddler group setting. It wasn’t until I had children of my own and after attending many baby groups with my first born, listening to the same nursery rhymes every week, that I realised there was definitely space for this idea.

Don’t get me wrong, I still know importance of those well loved, well known songs and rhymes. They are still very much used in my classes. However, I wanted to create something a little different. Something a parent or carer attending the class might also enjoy too!

After many a sleepless night and not much time for yourself, I appreciated the importance of trying to carve out a little ‘me time’ in those early years of parenting and having something to enjoy yourself alongside your children.

I finally took the bull by the horns in June 2021 during the second year of lockdown and after my second child had been born. Due to Covid, she hadn’t been to a single baby class and had barely met another child her age.

As there wasn’t much in the way of groups running, despite rules relaxing and allowing them to resume, I took the opportunity to start my own.

I started with two groups of limited numbers, which quickly turned to three as interest grew. By the summer, three groups had turned to four, and two more groups started in Burgess Hill.

By Jan 2022 a third venue was added, meaning in the first year of Wigglers running we have expanded to eight groups running between Haywards Heath, Hassocks and Burgess Hill as well as incorporating other events into our calendar, such as birthday parties, festive concerts at Easter and Christmas and even something just for the adults with singalong cocktail nights.

We have great plans to keep growing West End Wigglers and providing something for everyone to enjoy, child and adult alike.

- Jo Loxton -

OUR MISSION

Our Philosophy

At West End Wigglers, we believe in the profound importance of nurturing the musical souls of our youngest members, babies and toddlers alike. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that music is not just a collection of sounds; it is a universal language that can shape a child’s development in countless ways. Here is our manifesto, outlining our aspirations and commitments:

1. Every Child Is Musical: We firmly believe that every child is born with an innate sense of music. Our mission is to foster and amplify this natural musicality by providing a welcoming space for exploration.

2. Inclusivity and Diversity: Our group is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. We celebrate diversity and promote an environment where every child and caregiver feels valued and respected.

3. Connection Through Music: Music is a powerful medium for forging bonds between caregivers and their little ones. We encourage active participation, ensuring that our sessions become a shared musical journey.

4. Creative Expression: We cherish the moments when children express themselves through music. We encourage improvisation, movement, and experimentation, allowing young minds to explore their creativity.

5. Developmental Milestones: Our music group supports holistic development. We create activities that stimulate cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth, all while having fun.

6. Joyful Learning: Our sessions are designed to be engaging and enjoyable. We believe that learning is most effective when it’s fun, and we aim to instill a lifelong love of music in every child.

7. Lifelong Appreciation: Beyond early childhood, we hope to lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of music. We believe that a strong musical start can lead to a lifelong passion.

8. Community Building: We are more than just a music group; we are a community. We encourage caregivers to connect, share experiences, and build supportive relationships.

9. Adaptability: We understand that every child is unique. Our sessions are flexible and responsive to the needs and interests of the group, ensuring that every child can benefit.

10. Continued Exploration: Our journey doesn’t end with the toddler years. We offer pathways for older children to continue their musical exploration, nurturing a love for music throughout childhood.