Education through play!
Our mission is to develop children’s essential ‘Skills for Life’ and to create a positive association with physical activity at an early age, helping little ones grow up healthy and happy.
Our Story
Tumble Tots was established in 1979 by Bill Cosgrave, a British Gymnastics coach and expert in both child development and gymnastics. Driven by a vision to create a programme that supports young children’s physical, cognitive, and social development, Bill devised an engaging series of classes designed to help children build confidence, improve balance, and develop coordination – all while having fun. This simple yet innovative concept sparked a nationwide movement, and Tumble Tots has since grown into the UK’s leading provider of structured physical play for children aged 6 months to 7 years.
Over the years, Tumble Tots has earned a reputation for delivering enriching, research-backed experiences that contribute meaningfully to early childhood development. With a proven, progressive curriculum led by trained experts, our programme is now recognised as a vital part of early years education. Our mission remains clear: to help children develop the skills they need to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love of physical activity.
Today, Tumble Tots represents far more than just a series of classes – it’s a community for children and their families. Our franchise network stretches across the UK, with over 170 centres delivering engaging physical development activities to thousands of children each week. We are proud of our commitment to quality, child safety, and developmental excellence, ensuring that every Tumble Tots session is both educational and enjoyable.
Tumble Tots is founded, offering the UK’s first structured physical play classes for young children.
Expansion begins, with centres opening nationwide.
Recognised by child development experts and educators for our pioneering approach to early learning and physical development.
Launch of Tumble Tots Online, giving families resources to continue learning and play at home.
Introduction of new age-specific programmes to further support children's physical and social development.
Winner of the prestigious “Best National Pre-school Activity” award.
Tumble Tots celebrates 40 years of inspiring families across the UK, with over 2 million children having participated.
Franchise network expands, creating new opportunities for passionate individuals to join our mission.
Tumble Tots Wirral won the national 'Most Loved Sport or Physical Activity' award at the What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards.
Tumble Tots is named twice in the Top 100 Children’s Activity Providers by @clubhubuk.
What’s next for Tumble Tots? Watch this space...
Our Franchisees
Our network of 45 franchisees run classes in 180 centres across the UK and are fully committed to the values of our programme.
With the support of head office, they strive to provide excellent customer service ensuring that you and your little one have the best possible experience.
We are always looking to expand our franchise network, so if you want to develop your skills for life then Tumble Tots is the franchise for you!
How it works
6 Months - Walking
Perfect for babies who can sit up unaided, these sessions introduce gentle movement and sensory experiences:
- Soft mats & tummy time zones
- Sensory-rich play: textures, sounds, and lights
- Encourages crawling, rolling, and early motor skills
- Strong parent-child bonding moments
Walking - 2 Years
Ideal for toddlers on the move, these classes build coordination and confidence through:
- Providing opportunities for Tumble Tots to move more freely
- Continuing to develop their movement memory
- Encouraging early language development
- Introducing the rules of play and reinforcing learning through repetition
2 to 3 Years
This class introduces a more structured environment, with continued support from parents or carers.
- Engage with more challenging equipment
- Further confidence in physical, social and cognitive development
- Encouraged to take risks
- Build upon listening and reacting skills
3 Years to School
Our preschool programme prepares children for school and supports more independent activity. Children will:
- Be encouraged to build confidence in independent learning
- Learn to listen to and follow a sequence of instructions
- Be supported in making their own decisions
- Be challenged to develop and apply their movement memory
Gymbobs
Gymbobs is the final stage of the Tumble Tots journey, offering school-age children exciting physical challenges that build confidence, coordination, and lasting movement skills. Children will also:
- Develop an understanding of teamwork
- Improve their ability to recall and follow instructions
- Learn to collaborate with peers
- Be encouraged to contribute their own ideas
Reviews
Tumble Tots has been great for Lily, she is hyper-mobile and as such has difficulty with her balance, etc. but the change since she started has been tremendous.
My son and I love Tumble Tots! Having attended Tumble Tots in the early 90’s myself, I knew how fun the classes would be.
My son loves Tumble Tots and always gets excited when I get his t-shirt out. They have fantastic activities and a brilliant team of teachers.
What’s happening
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Right Start Online: New in May
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Easter Savings – 20% OFF
With Easter just around the corner why not consider giving your little one of our amazing toys instead of a chocolate egg this year. We’ve just added lots of new toys which would make an ideal Easter gift including a beautiful Peter Rabbit Stitching Kit, a fun Five...
Our awards and partners
Tumble Tots are proud to be recognised by prestigious industry awards and trusted by leading partners in early childhood development, ensuring we provide top-quality programmes that help your child grow socially, physically, and cognitively.
