• musical games
• singing
• percussion instruments
• nursery rhymes
• action songs
• movement
• and more !

Benefits of pre-school music activities

A typical class

A typical Rondo session comprises some 15 items, including:

Classes are progressive - for example we may learn a new song one week, then add a verse the next.

Parent/carer/childminder remains with their toddler during a class. Incidentally, whilst most children come with their Mums, these classes are also particularly popular with grandparents and fathers. If you are a grandmother, grandfather or father wanting to spend some quality time with your grandchild/child, you will be most welcome.

Average class size this year has been 6.

How to get the most from a class

Catchy songs, musical games, instruments and fun are the basic ingredients of the sessions. However, while some children will throw themselves into every activity from the word "go", others are more selective. Parents/carers who encourage the children with sensitivity and at the same time enter into the activities themselves with enthusiasm, find that their children gain the maximum benefit from the sessions.

You can view and print from here the Welcome note I hand out to all new joiners (includes Spring and Summer timetable and prices).

For under 5s

These classes are for children from about 18 months old to Reception Class age (please call though if your child is a bit younger but you still think they'll benefit - 15 or 16 month olds may be suitable for example). For Reception age onwards, Mary teaches musicianship classes at The Latymer Saturday Music Centre www.tlsmc.co.uk on Saturday mornings.

Led by Mary McNeill, an experienced, well-qualified and enthusiastic Music Teacher

Mary McNeill has taught music and been an Advisory Teacher for music over many years. She has worked in many schools in Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex and North London, and taught all age groups from preschool to 6th form.

Mary is currently Head of The Latymer Saturday Music Centre www.tlsmc.co.uk (at The Latymer School www.latymer.co.uk, Edmonton, North London) where she teaches musicianship classes to children from Reception to Year 6. Mary also gives private piano and theory lessons.

Complies with Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (which superseded the National Curriculum Foundation Stage in September 2008) sets out 6 areas of learning for preschool children:

Wednesdays (in term time)

Class times are:-

2:00-2:45 (older 2s to 4 yrs)

2:55-3:25 (15 months to younger 2s)

Enquiries and newcomers are always welcome. If interested please call 020 8360 5790, on any day, to discuss which class would be most suitable. The number and times of classes may change according to demand, in particular morning class/es may be introduced. So if you would like a class at a particular time, just ask.

For printable Spring and Summer timetable (including prices and welcome note) please click here.

FREE trial session

Any newcomer mother / parent / grandparent / carer / childminder is invited to attend a FREE 'taster' class with their toddler, to see if they like a group and want to join. (Babies or younger brothers/sisters who are too young to participate can sit in on ANY class, not just their taster, for free too.)

If you wish to continue after your taster, you don't need to decide or pay anything until the end of the next session you attend.

In Bush Hill Park, easy to access from all parts of Enfield - see map

 St Stephen's Church Hall
 Park Avenue
 Bush Hill Park
 Enfield
 North London
 Middlesex
 EN1 2BA

There is ample parking in the Church Hall car park, and buses 329, 629 and W8 stop right outside. The following journey planner may help anyone coming from for example Barnet, Brimsdown, Chase Side, Cheshunt, Cockfosters, Crews Hill, Edmonton, Enfield Highway, Enfield Lock, Freezywater, Gordon Hill, Grange Park, Hadley Wood, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Oakwood, Palmers Green, Ponders End, Potters Bar, Southbury, Southgate, Turkey Street, Winchmore Hill, or anyone in EN1, N13 or N21.

Classes take place in the Birthday Room - go through door at far end of left hand side of Church Hall (shown as black in photograph, though since re-painted dark brown), then the Birthday Room is ahead of you.

Other Children's Activities at
St Stephen's
Church Hall

Are you looking for a variety of things to do, all in the same place, for under 5s as well as older youngsters ? There are other events / activities / playgroups for young children at St Stephen's Church Hall too - a children's nursery, Irish dancing, a mother and toddler group and gym classes. (Note, these are all quite separate from Rondo Music Groups, please contact the relevant person below for more information on any of these groups.)

Park Avenue Pre-school (Ofsted registered) provides good quality education for 2 to 5 year olds in the care of qualified staff (see Ofsted Report) . Children learn through play in a safe and stimulating environment - activities include arts, crafts, reading, writing and much more. Classes run each weekday morning, as well as on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. For further information please call Joanna Petrou 07860 727 938.

The Deegan Academy of Irish Dancing has classes on Tuesdays at 4:30pm for 3 year olds and above. Please call Mrs June Way or Mrs Martina Way/Hills if interested on 01763 260 273, or mobiles 07931 659 469 / 07813 707 514. Or just turn up ! They also run at other venues in North London - Palmers Green, Edmonton and Waltham Abbey, just call for details.

Mother and Toddler Group at St Stephen's Church runs in the Small Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays (including sometimes during school holidays) from 9:30am - 12:00pm. Why not join the fun activities with sit and ride toys, messy table, slides, trampoline, baby corner and circle time. Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits are available. For further details please call Irene 020 8360 5567.

Little Steps Gym provides classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for babies (6 - 18 months), toddlers (18 months to 3 years), kids (3 years - 5 years) and children aged 4 years 9 months to 7 years old. Further activities include drop-in classes (mother and baby only) and gym parties - call Sue Ali 020 8482 1485 or see www.stepsgym.com/enfield.htm for full details.

Other Activities

* Thomas School of Dancing (for adults)

Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing are provided by the Thomas School of Dancing, catering for beginners to advanced. They meet on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The tea dance (each Monday) includes Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing. The social dance includes Ballroom, Latin, Sequence and a little Line dancing. Private tuition is available, as well as tuition for medals when required. For details please phone Bill and Margaret Thomas 020 8360 2261.

* Hall Hire

If you may be interested in hiring one of the rooms or halls for an event or activity then please call the Lettings Secretary, Mrs Margaret Thomas, on 020 8360 7538.

Resource links which may help with your childcare

For local childminders click here

For nurseries / classes in and around Bush Hill Park click here

For pre-school playgroups near Enfield Town click here

ESTABLISHED 1993 and still going strong !

Website last updated 18 July 2010

Please call Mary on 020 8360 5790, any day, if you want to attend a free 'taster' session or have any other questions.