Caron Wild November 2007

I started at Jo Jingles, Forty Green, in September 2001, when my eldest son was 16 months old. Jake has Down's syndrome and I wanted to find a music group that would actively welcome him. Music is so important for all children, but especially children with disabilities. I phoned and tried a few others before I found Jo Jingles. Sadly some were not keen on having a child with a disability in their group. Val, however, was very positive from the start which meant a lot to me and so I decided to take Jake along to one of her classes. I have never looked back!

It was very inclusive for Jake, he loved all the songs and playing the instruments and Val didn't treat him any differently to the other children which was very important for both Jake and myself. By the time he was in the 3-5year group, he was there every week at the front of the class alongside Val copying her. Val used to comment that he was trying for her job! He just loved it.

I have since had three other children who have all attended and loved Jo Jingles. My youngest two still go every week. Jake sometimes attends a class if there is an inset day at school and he still remembers it. I will be very sad to leave Jo Jingles when my youngest starts school in two years time. It has been such a big part of my children's and my life for so long.

Wendy Harbour September 2007

My twin girls loved every minute of the sessions with Val. She was always bright and cheerful and knew her songs very well. Each session was structured with different themes, which the girls spoke about after each visit. The girls love their T-shirts and even wear them in bed!!! What I liked most about Val was that she ensured that there was some discipline so all children benefited from the sessions and used as many senses as possible, with as many instruments as possible. The girls have moved to pre-school this year but loved Jo Jingles. We would recommend this to any parent and child.

Marie Hayes MA (Educational Management) B.Ed (Hons)

It has been a pleasure to watch my son grow up with Jo Jingles music classes and parties, and I have enjoyed every minute just as much as he has. The limited numbers of the classes mean we’ve both made friends and it has been a delight to observe the development of all his vital skills. I would be happy to recommend Jo Jingles to any parent or carer.

Jen Marshall October 2007

My son Tom has gone to Jo Jingles with Val since he was 6 months old and has always enjoyed the classes but initially was relatively shy and reluctant to become fully involved in the classes. Over the last year (he is now nearly 3) he has really come out of his shell and completely participates – from singing the songs to walking round the room with the other children pretending to be a butterfly. We also often hear him singing nursery rhymes in the morning soon after he wakes up (his favourite currently is Incy Wincy Spider!). I would really recommend Jo Jingles classes and my new baby will be starting her classes soon!

Dawn Bennell October 2007

Having three daughters with a wide age range, I have been attending Val’s Jo Jingles classes at Forty Green since 1995 – that’s 12 years!

All three girls have got so much from these happy, friendly classes. The youngest one, Felicity (21 months) can’t wait to go each week and we have some lovely keepsakes such as the colouring-in of musical notes and instruments that Val gave as ”homework” for the older two, Frances and Fiona. In fact, both of my two elder girls have gone on to enjoy learning music more formally, with both playing the piano and one playing the guitar.

In addition to gaining an appreciation of music at an early age, Jo Jingles is great in helping very young children to socialise with others of similar age whilst being involved in a fun activity.

Finally, I have to say how great the Jo Jingles CD’s are: whenever we embark on a long car journey we play the CD’s – they are a real lifesaver and help the journey to pass much more quickly!! Thanks for all you have done over the years Val – keep up the good work!