A new children's music and movement franchise has arrived in Altrincham with the launch of Popcat's Music Time.
The award-winning classes, designed specifically for children aged 0-5, offer parents and little ones a unique blend of education and entertainment right in the historic setting of Altrincham Town Hall
Matt Griffiths, a former teacher with 20 years' experience in education, is bringing the franchise to the WA14 area after falling in love with the concept as a parent himself.
When Matt took his 21-month-old daughter Dotty to a Popcat's class in Northwich, he was so impressed by the educational value and sheer fun that he decided to launch his own franchise in his home town.
The franchise, which started 11 years ago and now operates across 20 locations, has been carefully crafted by qualified teachers to target all seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
Free taster sessions are now available at the town hall and other venues across Altrincham, Hale and Bowdon. We caught up with Matt to find out more.
ALTRINCHAM TODAY: What exactly is Popcat's Music Time?
MATT: It's a music and movement class for children aged 0-5 that combines education with enormous amounts of fun. Every 60-minute session includes singing, dancing, nursery rhymes, puppets, musical instruments, parachutes, bubbles, lights and storytelling. It's all about social and physical development - children learn routines, experience literacy and numeracy concepts, and develop their expressive arts through imagination and creativity.
AT: What makes it different from other children's classes?
MATT: The biggest difference is our pay-as-you-go system. Unlike most children's classes where you pay termly or monthly upfront, with Popcat's you just turn up to the classes you want - there's no need to book and no commitment. You're not tied down if your child is ill or you're going on holiday. It's £7 per child and £3 for additional siblings, with babies under six months always free.
AT: What's your background and why Altrincham?
MATT: I've been in education for 20 years, teaching and working in safeguarding, but I'd become disillusioned with all the red tape and paperwork. This gives me the chance to get back to the core love of working with children. I'm also a passionate musician - I play guitar, piano and ukulele - so this combines my two passions perfectly. Altrincham is where I grew up and I went to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. I still have family and friends here, and we even have a family business, Village Carpets on Regent Street, so I know the area well.
AT: Where will classes be held?
MATT: We're starting with four sessions a week across different venues to make it accessible for everyone. Mondays at Altrincham Town Hall - it's a stunning room with beautiful stained glass windows right in the town centre. Wednesdays at the Jubilee Centre in Bowdon, Thursdays at St Luke's Church in Bowdon, and Fridays at Hale Chapel Hall opposite Asda. I wanted to spread around the area so people could walk rather than worry about parking in Altrincham town centre.
AT: What should parents expect at the free taster sessions?
MATT: They're 30-minute sessions giving families a real taste of what we offer. You'll see all the elements - the bubbles, lights, musical instruments, puppets and movement activities. Even the tiny babies benefit enormously from the stimulation and bonding time with parents. Giving parents and grandparents the opportunity to socialise with friends old and new, over a free hot drink, is an important part of creating an environment that cares for the little people and the big ones.
AT: What are your hopes for the launch of Popcat's?
MATT: I want to create something special for families in this area. The classes really help children's confidence and socialising skills - I saw that transformation in my own daughter. It's about creating memories and having fun together while supporting crucial early development.
For more information, contact Matt on 07783 925 247 or visit popcats.co.uk.
