AN EDUCATIONAL group helping tots across Bromsgrove and Redditch develop their sign language skills is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Mum-of-two Marie Dutton, from Bromsgrove, uses signing, singing and musical instruments at her Sign and Rhyme classes to support each child’s language development and early interaction skills.

She said: “The focus has remained the same since I launched Sign and Rhyme - to make the most of a baby’s natural ability to communicate; to encourage and support their language development; and to strengthen the bond between a parent and child – all within a fun and playful environment.

“It’s been lovely seeing families return over the years with their second – and sometimes third – child and still enjoying what Sign and Rhyme offers.

“I want to thank everyone for their support over the last 10 years.”

The classes act as a way to help babies communicate before they develop their skills to talk, allowing them to let parents know when they are hungry, thirsty, or in pain.

Weekly groups currently run at St Peter’s Church Hall in Bromsgrove on Fridays at 11.15am to noon, and The Redi Centre in Redditch on Thursdays from 9.45am to 10.30am. Sessions cost £3.50 each, with a five-week course costing £35.

The weekly informal sessions in Redditch and Bromsgrove are for children birth to four years and the five-week baby signing course is for babies aged six to 13 months.

For more information contact Marie on 07710 217466, or e-mail marie@signandrhyme.co.uk.