An Alsager woman and mother-of-two is hitting all the right notes with babies, children and their parents and carers.

Gemma Crookes from Richard Woodcock Way was crowned franchisee of the year with national company, Rhythm Time in May.

The innovative businesswoman beat stiff competition from other Rhythm Time franchises all over England and Scotland and Wales to win the coveted title.  

(Photo: Gemma Crookes)

Now the 42-year-old who runs Rhythm Time South Cheshire, is set to strike all the right chords with Alsager Nub News readers too.

The bubbly businesswoman, who adores children, is the latest sponsor to get on board with our community on-line news site.

"I love every second of my day with Rhythm Time. It's the best thing I've ever done," says Gemma, a trained nursery nurse with years of experience under her belt.

(Photo: Alsager Nub News)

"It gives me so much pleasure to see the babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers gain in confidence through music and develop though our classes.

"It's great for all their cognitive skills as well as socialisation. It does make such a difference and it helps parents and carers meet friends and bond with others too."

Gemma has seen the benefits of Rhythm Time, which uses music and instruments to develop a child's co-ordination, creativity, confidence, speech, listening with her own children.

Gemma receiving her franchisee of the year award. (Photo: Gemma Crookes)

"I took my youngest, Charlie, to Rhythm Time and you can see the difference. He now plays the piano and is so confident," said Gemma.

"It's definitely had an impact on his development. His speech developed faster." says Gemma who always wanted to work with children.

She worked for the South Cheshire branch and when the chance came up to take over the franchise, Gemma jumped at it.

"Seeing babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers so happy at our classes makes me so happy," says Gemma who employs three other teachers.

Gemma receiving her franchisee of the year award. (Photo: Gemma Crookes)

Classes are kept small to around 17 and are designed to fit the needs of everyone, including shift workers.

A variety of instruments are used from tambourines to rhythm sticks, pom poms alongside traditional nursery rhymes and Rhythm Time's own produced music.

Classes run daily across South Cheshire from Alsager and Sandbach to Holmes Chapel, Congleton, Shavington and Nantwich.

In Alsager, Wednesday classes run at Alsager Community Church in Lawton Road while in Sandbach they take place on Tuesdays at Wesley Church Community Centre in Wesley Avenue.

The branch also holds classes in nursery schools and a retirement home where residents watch as the children go through their paces.

"We make sure everyone feels welcome and are wheelchair friendly. We use a variety of musical terminology through play.

"It's an inclusive experience and we also do birthday parties and summer holiday classes."

Further information about Rhythm Time South Cheshire is available on their website here or by emailing Gemma at [email protected] or calling her on 07511 208160.