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  "description": "Balance & Beam, a children’s educational gym based in Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating 20 years of supporting positive child development after welcoming more than 250,000 children through its doors since opening in 2006.",
  "path": "/stoke-on-trent-childrens-gym-celebrates-20-years-after-supporting-more-than-a-quarter-of-a-million-children-in-staffordshire/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-15T09:25:08.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "https://www.justgiving.com/page/balance-and-beam-bch",
    "https://www.balanceandbeam.co.uk/"
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  "textContent": "Founded by Yvonne Shuttleworth, the educational gym has spent the last two\ndecades helping children build confidence, co-ordination, social skills and healthy\nhabits through movement, learning and structured play, while continually evolving to meet the changing needs of children and parents alike.\n\nBalance & Beam has become a familiar part of childhood for generations of Staffordshire families, with former members now bringing their own children to\nclasses.\n\nOne of those former members is Stephen Clarkson, who now brings his own\nchildren, Finley and Oscar, to sessions at Balance & Beam.\n\nStephen said: “Gymnastics at Balance & Beam was a pivotal part of my childhood,\nteaching me discipline, confidence and resilience all whilst having fun. The thrill of\nperfecting new skills whilst being in a class full of my friends created memories I’ve kept to this day.”\n\n“Now, as a parent myself, I decided to bring my own children to Balance & Beam\nbecause I wanted them to experience the same joy and growth that I did. It’s a place where they can develop strength, coordination and self-esteem in a supportive environment, whilst learning important life lessons and having fun.”\n\nThe lasting impact of Balance & Beam can also be seen within its own team, with\nfive current staff members first attending sessions there as children themselves, including Bella, Macy, Bekah, Freya and Libbie.\n\nAssistant Coach Libbie first attended Balance & Beam when she was four years old\nand now helps inspire the next generation of children in the gym. She said:\n\n“When I first started at Balance & Beam, I was so shy that I had to be\ncarried into my first session. Coming to classes helped me build confidence, develop physical skills and make friendships that stayed with me as I grew up.”\n\n“Years later, I came back to volunteer before becoming part of the coaching team\nbecause I wanted to help inspire children in the same way the coaches inspired me.”\n\nFounder Yvonne Shuttleworth said she has seen huge changes in children over the\nlast 20 years, particularly around attention spans, confidence and screen use. She said:\n\n> “What a difference 20 years makes. Many children today are surrounded by constant digital distraction and we’re seeing the impact that can have on focus, confidence and social development.”\n\n> “When we talk about paying attention, what we’re really talking about is the ability to sit, focus and listen, skills that are essential for children to be able to learn and develop throughout their lives.”\n\nWith many parents increasingly concerned about screen time, focus and confidence in young children, Balance & Beam believes its classes are more important than ever. Through structured, coach-led activities, the team helps children develop essential life skills including listening, concentration, co-ordination, confidence and social interaction, all within a fun, active and supportive environment.\n\nTwenty years after opening its doors, Balance & Beam continues to welcome hundreds of children every week and is currently at its highest-ever membership levels, reflecting growing demand from Staffordshire families for structured, active and educational children’s activities.\n\nRecently, the team has expanded its offering to support more local families, including growing demand for SEN sessions and newer programmes such as Baby Yoga & Massage.\n\nFounder Yvonne said:\n\n> “We are constantly evolving our sessions to meet the changing needs of children today and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, develop and most importantly have fun.”\n\n> “Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of children grow in confidence, build friendships and achieve things they never thought possible. That’s what makes Balance & Beam so special.”\n\nAs part of their anniversary celebrations, the team is also raising money for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital through a special anniversary charity t-shirt initiative, with 50% of sales donated to the charity.\n\nTo donate to Balance & Beam’s fundraiser for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital: https://www.justgiving.com/page/balance-and-beam-bch\n\nTo find out more: https://www.balanceandbeam.co.uk/\n\nBalance & Beam, a children’s educational gym based in Stoke-on-Trent\n\n####  Enjoyed this story?\n\nThe Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.\n\nEvery contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.\n\nExplore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent.\n\nSupport independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal**** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.",
  "title": "Stoke-on-Trent children’s gym celebrates 20 years after supporting more than a quarter of a million children in Staffordshire",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-15T09:25:09.041Z"
}