Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at a Holiday Camp and how do I book?

Balance & Beam Holiday Camps take place during school holidays and can be purchased as a full or half-day. Camps are themed and qualified coaches supervise all activities. Healthy snacks are provided. Please visit our Camps page to see what we do and how to book.

Do I have to stay whilst my child is in Holiday Camp?

Nope, just drop off your little ones and go. Please remember to pick them up at the end of the session, though 🙂. We’ll have your number if we need to contact you during the day. To find out more and to book, please our Camps page.

Do I have to be a member to book a Holiday Camp?

No. Balance & Beam Holiday Camps are open to members and non-members. To find out more and to book, please visit our Camps page.

How big are Balance & Beam classes?

Balance & Beam classes are kept small with a ratio of 7:1 per coach. The maximum class size is 24 in the independent Pre-school and Primary School classes and 15 in Parent & Child classes. Some mid-week classes may be smaller depending on the day you choose to participate.

How long are Balance & Beam classes?

Parent & Child classes last 45 minutes and all classes from 3 years up last for one hour.


How frequently are Balance & Beam classes?

Balance & Beam classes run seven days per week.

How often can my child come to a class?

Children attend their chosen class once a week on a scheduled day and time. If you need to switch days due to shift patterns, holidays or sickness, we offer a cancellation/make-up policy so that you never miss a class.

What is the difference between a Programme and a Class?

A Programme is the group of classes your child belongs to, i.e. Parent & Child (4 months to walking), Pre School (3 – 6 years) or Primary School (6 to 12 years). A Class is the specific age-appropriate session they attend, i.e. Caterpillars or Speedy Spiders.

Do I have to stay whilst my child is in class?

For younger children (3-4 years), we recommend you stay in case of toilet trips, but if you have a confident child who won’t miss you, feel free to pop out. Just let us know and ensure you leave a contact number if we need to call you. For Parent & Child classes, you will be in the gym with the child… just saying 😊

Your classes are only up to age 12. What happens once my child reaches this age?

Sadly, 12 years is the age limit. Still, we hope your child has had a positive experience with the Balance & Beam Team and has gained the confidence to move on to other activities, whether team sports in or out of school or further gymnastics classes. Gymnastics is the single best physical grounding tool you can give to your child to help with balance and co-ordination – most other physical activities require this as a base.

I think my child is struggling – what can I do?

Speak to a member of the Balance & Beam Team. We want your child to be happy and have fun in their classes and we are here to help in any way we can. The more we get to know you and your child, the better we can understand their needs.

I think my child is too advanced for their class – what can I do?

Speak to a senior member of the Balance & Beam Team. Classes are kept age-appropriate to target motor skill development and mental agility during the correct phase of those all-important developmental years. When we feel your child is ready to move on to the next class, we will discuss the options with you. There may be reasons why we haven’t moved them, but the Team will always discuss these reasons with you.

What happens to my class if it falls on a Bank Holiday?

If your class falls on a Bank Holiday when regular classes run, you will be entitled to a make-up credit. The credit will show in your Member Dashboard. If the Bank Holiday falls during Christmas, the gym will be closed and no make-up credit will be required. A full list of our closures during some school holidays is available online.

What happens if my child misses a class?

If your child cannot attend a class due to holidays or sickness, you need to log into your Member Dashboard by 9:30 am on the day of your class to be entitled to a make-up credit. Once logged in, cancel the class and choose a suitable date for your make-up session. If you cancel after this time, unfortunately we will be unable to offer you a make-up class.

Why can’t I cancel my class and receive a make-up credit if I cancel after 9.30am?

Balance & Beam work hard to ensure all classes run smoothly and that each session has the appropriate coach-to-children ratio. Staff rotas are structured according to the number of children booked into a class to avoid any disruption and ensure each child gets the support they need.

Who will be teaching my child in class?

Balance & Beam have an incredible Team of coaches who love teaching your little ones. Head to the 'Meet the team' page to see who’s who.

Is there anywhere to get a drink?

Yes, we have a great coffee machine that offers a variety of hot drinks. Payment is required by debit or credit card or contactless Apple, Google or Samsung Pay, etc.

What clothing does my child have to wear during a class?

Your child will need to enter the gym barefoot and wear comfortable clothing that they can easily move in. Jeans, tights and restrictive clothing are not allowed.

Can I enrol more than one child if they are different ages?

Sure thing. Classes are available from 4 months to 12 years, so head to the classes page and review the timetable. From there, you can book a free trial.

Can I bring my other children if they aren’t enrolled in a Programme?

Yes, of course. We have a large lobby viewing area where you must always supervise your children. Our party room is available as a quiet room for carrying out school homework or eating snacks, but you will still need to supervise your children.

Can I work whilst I wait in the lobby area?

Yes, of course. If you need to catch up on your work, please feel free to use your laptop whilst on site and access our free Wi-Fi. Plug sockets can be found at various points throughout the lobby.

I’ve read about a parent viewing area – what is this?

Balance & Beam has a large lobby area where parents can sit and watch their child in the gym through the large windows. If you attend a Parent & Child class as two parents, one of you will be in the gym with your child and the other can sit and watch your activities from the viewing area.

Do you have a water machine?

A water machine with paper cups is available in the lobby. However, we recommend you bring your own named water bottle with you. Alternatively, purchase a fun Balance & Beam water bottle from the reception desk. 

Can I take a drink into the gym?

You can bring drinks into the gym, BUT only in a named water bottle. Cups are not allowed in the gym; we recommend water, not juice or fizzy drinks.


What is the Member Dashboard?

The Member Dashboard is where you access your personal account and see upcoming classes, reminders and payment information. You can sign in by clicking here if you're already a member.

How do I become a member?

If you want to join a Programme, please create an account to sign up for classes. Head over to our timetable and select the appropriate class for your child. At this point, you can arrange a free trial class or enrol your child immediately. 

When are you open?

Balance & Beam is open seven days a week. Monday to Friday, we’re open from 9.00 am until late, Saturdays from 8.30 am – 5.00 pm and Sundays from 8.30 am – 6.00 pm for classes and Parties. The gym is closed on all Bank Holiday days and for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.

Are you open during school holidays?

Balance & Beam classes run throughout the year and during some school holidays. Please check your local council school term time and refer to the Balance & Beam annual calendar. 

Easter break opening hours are usually from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday
Throughout August, opening hours are 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday
Balance & Beam is closed for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period

Where do I park?

Free parking is available on the Waterworld car park when you enter your correct vehicle registration into our tablet at reception.

Is car parking free?

Free parking is available on the Waterworld car park when you enter your correct vehicle registration into our tablet at reception.

What happens if I get a parking ticket from Waterworld?

You will need to appeal your parking ticket online. There’s nothing we can do if you have not entered your vehicle registration into the reception tablet at the time of your class. A reminder during all classes is given to help you remember. 

What happens at a Balance & Beam Party and how do I book?

Balance & Beam Parties are available for boys and girls of all ages (up to 8 years) and groups of up to 28 children. There are three party packages to choose from that include music, games, obstacle courses and laughter. Trained Party Hosts lead each party group to meet the unique needs of each child. Your Party Hosts will also set up the room and clear away the mess, so all you need to do is turn up and relax. Please head over to our Parties page to see what we do and how to book.

Can I book a party if I don’t attend classes?

You certainly can. Balance & Beam parties are open to members and non-members. Please learn more and book by visiting our Parties page.

How much do classes cost?

Balance & Beam classes cost £65 per month. For more information, visit our pricing page.

How do I pay for classes?

All monthly class payments are taken by direct debit.

Do you offer a sibling discount?

Sibling discounts are available for the third child enrolling.


What is the annual Family Membership fee?

The Balance & Beam Family Membership is an annual fee that covers the entire family whilst attending classes at the gym for insurance, car park and make-up credit fees.  Members will also receive exclusive discounts on Parties and Holiday Camps. For more details, please visit the pricing page.

What is continuous enrolment?

The Balance & Beam continuous enrolment eliminates the need for term-time re-enrolment. It ensures your child can join a Programme of weekly classes at any time throughout the year if space allows. We ask for an initial two month settling in period to let children get used to our classes and structure.


How do I cancel my membership?

If you wish to leave a Balance & Beam Programme, you must give us at least one month’s written notice. Please refer to our full terms and conditions.

What happens in a Trial Class?

Trials sessions occur during regular classes so you and your child can experience physical activities and wellbeing exercises suitable for their age, skills and ability. You will see the safe environment our purpose-built gym has to offer, get a feel for our culture and meet the Team.

Do I have to book a Trial Class?

It’s up to you. If you want to see what happens during a class and how they are run, it would be beneficial to visit the timetable and choose a day and time to experience a suitable class. Alternatively, if you’ve heard great things about Balance & Beam, you can sign up immediately by heading to the classes page and choosing an appropriate class. If the class is full, you may need to select another day.

I’ve booked a trial class, but now I can’t attend – what do I do?

If you can’t attend your trial session, please inform the Team by calling 01782 214452.