To request a refund of a baby sensory class

[FTM1993]

I paid a lump sum of £60 for 5 sensory classes, an hour long. The same teacher runs the classes in three different areas. I chose the class that is only a ten minute walk from my house. A week before the class started the teacher rang me and said that nobody else had signed up for my class, and in fact she only had one person signed up at each of her three classes so wanted to combine the classes, and these would take place in the venue that is a 15 min drive from mine. I was a bit disappointed but decided it was fine as DS is 4 months old and I haven't yet done any classes, and need to make some Mum friends to be honest so was quite looking forward to it. Went to the class today and there was only one other mother and baby there. The teacher was very uninspiring and we spent 15 minutes massaging one leg! ONE LEG!! My DS understandably started to get bored and fussy despite my efforts with the 'emergency' toys I had brought along in his nappy bag. When he started fussing she seemed shocked and said that we would skip the tummy time exercises because my DS was getting tetchy. So the class finished half an hour early and she said that we can use the time to explore the sensory toys in the corners of the room. Which were basically some toys on mats. I just feel a bit cheated, like I had seen photos of sensory classes where there's lights and bubbles and a bit more of an atmosphere. Am I within my rights to request my money back? I have never been to anything like this before so maybe I just need to lower my expectations...

Yes i would request a refund. I did baby sensory with my youngest daughter and whilst it was covid guidelines we still managed to chat to each other and there was lots of music, sensory items, lights etc it was a lovely experience and used to tire my daughter out. Venue was a short walk so she would always fall asleep in pram so i had a little break when got home too!

This sounds absolutely pants. I do a weekly baby sensory class with my five month old and they’re really engaging. There is a 20 minute play break in the middle of the hour where they can explore the toys or feed but the first and last 20 mins are all singing, all dancing, lights, bubbles, bells, pompoms, mirrors, puppets etc….. Definitely email asking fir a refund and find something better!

Thank you, do you mind sharing which company you go with if it's a national one?

A baby sensory class isn't the same as a sensory room, which is, I think, what you have in mind (bubble tubes, blue & purple lighting, soft floor cushions, fibreoptic lights etc)

I think what you experienced fits with a baby sensory class, but I wouldn't pay for it for a 4 month old baby. The point of classes when they're that young is about you getting out of the house and speaking to people, making friends.

I'd see if there were any playgrounds or stay and play sessions nearby. They type run at churches that cost 50p and you get a cuppa and a biscuit and a comfy chair in the baby corner!

I'd ask for your money back, but i wouldn't hold my breath

I disagree, every baby sensory class I’ve been to has been singing, bubbles, lights, lots of visual aids from the teacher and big covers to sit under with lights and other things under it. They’re usually excellent and full classes where we are. I’d be very disappointed with the set up OP described.

This is what you need op…
https://www.babysensory.com

ive done baby sensory with both my babies and it’s the highlight of my week at the moment with DS2. Lights singing bubbles with a play break in the middle with lots of toys and chatting.

The only problem is certainly in my location they are always full and you might have to go on the waitlist for a while until a place becomes available.

Yeah that sounds rubbish, I did baby sensory with my youngest and it was really lovely

Yes ask for a refund. I've been to baby music class and my friend had a baby sensiry class. Lots going on, a bag full of goodies to take home, loads of people there some I'm still mates with now.
Sounds like she has a reputation for running crap classes so probably doesn't get much business

Omg 15 mins on one leg? Even an adult would find that weird. Babies dont have the attebtion span for that.

The sensory class i went to had i think about 4 different activities plus a 15 minute free time to play. Then the ending goodbye song.

Yes ask for a refund there needs to be more for a baby to be engaged. If she is endimg the class early because the baby isnt engaged she needs to add more

I'd highly recommend hartbeeps if you have one near you, their classes are incredible ❤️

The other person probably won't turn up next time and it will just be you and the woman!!!

Someone else has linked it too but the one we go to is…..

https://www.babysensory.com/

….I’m based in North Essex but they have them all over.

I second Hartbeeps being great. Sorry you have had a bad experience. If you don’t plan on going back it won’t harm to ask for a refund.

Oh god 😱 I hadn't thought of that!!!

100% ask. I signed up for baby reflexology when my second was a baby sole purpose to meet other mums. The teacher didn’t tell me until I arrived no one else had signed up was rubbish and awkward

I don’t know what one you used but Bloom baby sensory classes were really good when I went last year. Obviously it depends on the group leader, but mine was lovely and still keeps in touch.

I did the baby sensory posted above and hartbeeps. Both good and nothing like that!

I also vote for the official baby sensory classes. There are franchises in most areas. I take my 5month old to classes and we love them- music, lights, bubbles, playtime and truly covers all senses- our teacher is very enthusiastic and it’s been great for meeting other mums.

Would definitely try and get a refund for the ones you booked- sorry you ended up with a disappointing time.

Sounds like you did baby massage rather than sensory. It's totally normal to spend 15 minutes on one leg in baby massage. I've done a few baby massage courses and you usually do 30-45 minutes per session and each would be focused on a different body part so legs, arms, back, belly and all together. 15 minutes per leg overall with 15 minutes to talk/play with toys sounds like a reasonable baby massage class to me.

Not sure baby massage and baby sensory go together though as they're very different experiences. I'd expect lights, singing, dancing and music and baby sensory and lots of stimulation.

I've done hartbeeps, baby sensory, local community classes, private groups amongst other nationwide activities as well and it sounds poorly organised and you'd be well within your rights to get w refund for the other sessions.

Another vote for Hartbeeps. My toddler has been going since she was about 2 months old and we’re obviously in the older classes now but we both still love it!

Not the point but most libraries do free baby and toddler singing/music sessions weekly which are not much different to baby sensory. If you can find a local play group in a hall or church it will be a couple of quid and you will have a much better chance of making mum friends.

I do do a paid class with my DD but my small piece of advice from baby/toddler years is that parents have much less time to interact and mingle in formal classes. (unless going with people they already know)

Try not to put too much thought into it and good luck with finding your mum friends.

That does sound rubbish OP and I'd ask for a refund. Might depend on her T&Cs whether she'll give you one but it is worth asking. I'd also ask around about local classes and which ones are good. I did baby sensory (baby sensory.co.uk) twice three years apart with different teachers and in different venues and had totally different experiences both times despite the equipment, songs and routines being the same. First was awful - the leader wasn't very warm or engaging and none of the other Mums were chatty or welcoming. Second time the leader was excellent - friendly, engaging and really created a warm and welcoming environment. I also went to Hartbeeps though and enjoyed it the most - I had a brilliant, warm and welcoming leader and also preferred the content which was really silly and fun.

I disagree, I’ve been to a few different sensory classes with my kids and they all have had all those things.

OP - aI’d recommend Hartbeeps.

You can ask but this doesn't sound like the most professional/popular business so no doubt she won't have it let alone hand it back over

Totally get why you were disappointed, that does sound pants. I've been to a few and tend to try and do PAYG to start with before signing for several weeks just so I can get a feel for it. Some I have returned and some I have not - due to them being crap.

Another vote for Hartbeeps, but also "Bloom" are really good!