Tees Business Issue 40 | Page 130

Why families really matter at David Lloyd Teesside
LEISURE
Rewarding job – David Lloyd Teesside family / creche supervisor Chloe Sives Jackson .

CHILD ’ S PLAY

Why families really matter at David Lloyd Teesside

If you attend David Lloyd Teesside for a workout or class , there ’ ll be kids ’ activities running too . That ’ s because fitting in with families is one of the club ’ s top priorities as members juggle their busy lives .

Each David Lloyd club has a range of exclusive children ’ s activities and facilities , open seven days week , including a creche , DL Kids classes and a programme of progressive tennis and swimming stars sessions .
Where possible , they take place at times complementary to adult classes – meaning parents can enjoy some me time while their children have fun and learn new skills .
And for David Lloyd Teesside ’ s family / creche supervisor Chloe Sives Jackson , seeing children leave with big smiles on their faces is the ultimate indicator of a job well done by her and her eight-strong team .
Chloe joined the Thornaby-based club ’ s staff four-and-a-half years ago after graduating in childhood studies at Leeds Beckett University .
It ’ s gone so well , she ’ s now a “ master trainer ” for DL Kids clubs across the UK .
Indeed , when she chatted to Tees Business , she was about to return to Leeds to train staff members from around the country “ about all things DL Kids ”.
And when you chat to Chloe , her enthusiasm for what goes on at the club , and how it fits in with family lifestyles , shines through .
She told Tees Business : “ It is a very family-orientated club . A lot of time is spent planning an action-packed timetable for our mini members .
“ Whenever we host evening group exercise classes or introduce new offerings , we always ensure there ’ s a dedicated DL Kids session available .
“ This allows parents to comfortably bring their children along before heading to their own workout or class , knowing there ’ s a convenient and engaging option for their little ones .”
The DL Creche is for children aged three months to four years and is open six days a week , 9.30am to 11.30am .
Then , it ’ s time for DL Kids – classes for children aged three-to-10 including sport squad , where they try different sports such as rugby , football and Olympic-style sports , scooter squad , action squad – with a focus on team games – and even a Lego squad .
And with tennis and swimming lessons , kids have been known to start as complete novices but go right through to playing or swimming in competitive matches and tournaments . Mini member Maddie Peverell , for example , has recently been competing in tennis competitions across the country .
But for Chloe , ensuring the children have a good time is paramount .
She said : “ We offer a range of dynamic classes designed to promote both physical and mental wellbeing , creating a foundation for healthy , active lifestyles .
“ In addition , we host a variety of familyfriendly events , including birthday parties ,
For more , visit davidlloyd . co . uk / clubs / Teesside
PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH WORDS : DAVE ROBSON
swimming galas , tennis tournaments , pizzamaking workshops and cinema clubs , all contributing to a warm , welcoming family environment .
“ Our team excels at ensuring every child leaves with a smile , going above and beyond to make each experience memorable and enjoyable .
“ But it ’ s also about getting kids socialising with other children . It helps their communication and social skills – some are a little bit nervous at first but then they really come out of their shells .”
Chloe won the “ Team Member of the Year ” title last year , earning her a trip to Dubai with winners from the UK ’ s other David Lloyd clubs .
But one of her truly happy places is in the well-equipped creche – ensuring members ’ kids get the best possible introduction to a healthy and happy lifestyle .
Chloe said : “ I ’ ve had the privilege of caring for some members from just 12 weeks old – watching them then transition into our DL Kids classes at age three , where they begin exploring new skills , whether it ’ s mastering the hockey stick or kicking a football .
“ From there , they continue to thrive and advance through our carefully designed programmes , each step building on their growth and development .
“ It ’ s a really rewarding job because you ’ re supporting children through their development and it ’ s lovely to help them on that journey .”
130 | Tees Business