Gymnastic Classes in East London: Gymlab Parents FAQs

Starting gymnastics is an exciting step for your child, and naturally, you will have questions. This FAQ page is designed for new parents exploring children’s gymnastics classes in East London, covering everything from safety and class structure to logistics across all our gyms.

Gymlab operates across Stratford and Islington, with holiday camps running exclusively in Stratford. Across all locations, families can expect the same high-quality, child-led experience rooted in holistic development.

  • Children can join Gymlab from the age of 3 up to 12 years.

    • Ages 3 to 5 attend age-appropriate sessions designed around exploration and movement

    • Older children progress through structured skill development at their own pace

    For holiday camps in Stratford:

    • Ages 3 to 5 attend half-day sessions only

    • Full-day camps are available for ages 5+

    This age structure ensures children feel confident, safe, and supported from their very first session.

  • We offer gymnastics classes across all our East London gyms:

    • Stratford

    • Islington

    All locations deliver consistent coaching, structure, and quality.

    Important:

    • Holiday camps run at Stratford only

    • Islington offers weekday classes

    You can explore more on our Locations page.

  • Gymlab operates a simple monthly membership:

    • £55 per month for weekly classes

    • Pro-rata pricing if you join mid-month

    • 2.5% sibling discount available

    Holiday camps in Stratford are booked separately via ClassForKids and include:

    • £57 per day

    • £260 per full week

    • Optional early drop-off from 8 am

    • Late pick-up available until 6 pm

    Standard camp hours run from 9 am to 4 pm, helping families balance childcare with work and holiday schedules more easily.

  • All bookings are managed online through ClassForKids.

    You can:

    • Book a trial (subject to availability)

    • Join a waiting list

    • Secure a long-term membership

    Due to high demand, some locations may operate waiting lists. Many families choose to join the waiting list in advance to secure a future space when availability opens up. 

  • Yes, safety is a top priority across all Gymlab locations.

    • All coaches are DBS checked

    • Multiple team members are paediatric first-aid trained

    • Coaches hold gymnastics or relevant movement qualifications

    • Sessions follow structured safety protocols

    Gymlab uses a calm, guided approach where the environment and coaching style support safe behaviour naturally, rather than relying on strict discipline.

  • Parents are welcome to stay during the trial session only

    • After this, sessions run without parent attendance for safeguarding and focus

    However, families are invited to attend:

    • Christmas and Summer shows, where children demonstrate their progress

    This balance supports independence while keeping parents involved in key moments.

  • To keep sessions safe and comfortable:

    Clothing:

    • Shorts or leggings

    • Fitted t-shirt

    • No dresses or loose clothing

    Footwear:

    • Barefoot or grippy socks only

    Bring:

    • Water bottle

    Avoid unnecessary items to keep the space focused and organised.

  • All Gymlab locations are chosen for accessibility within East London.

    • Local street parking is typically available near venues

    • Locations are well-connected via public transport

    • Stratford, in particular, offers strong transport links for camp drop-offs

    We recommend arriving 5 to 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and settling in.

  • Each session is structured but flexible, allowing children to progress naturally.

    A typical class includes:

    • Warm-up and mobility exercises

    • Skill-based gymnastics stations

    • Independent exploration

    • Group activities for teamwork

    • A calm closing period

    Children are never forced to perform. Progress happens through confidence, repetition, and choice, not pressure.

  • No, classes are suitable for:

    • Complete beginners

    • Children with prior gymnastics experience

    Sessions are designed so every child can:

    • Start at their own level

    • Build confidence gradually

    • Progress without comparison

    This inclusive approach is a key reason many families stay for years.


  • Gymlab takes a child-led, education-informed approach.

    Key differences include:

    • Focus on holistic development, not just physical skills

    • Montessori-inspired teaching methods

    • Calm, respectful coaching style

    • No performance pressure or judgement

    • Strong emphasis on independence and confidence

    Parents often highlight the long-term impact:

    “Your contribution to our son’s development is priceless” ~ Roxana

    “The focus on children’s inner and physical strength is what sets Gymlab apart” ~ Yael

  • Yes, Gymlab runs gymnastics holiday camps in Stratford only.

    In 2025, camps ran during:

    • February half-term

    • Easter holidays

    • May half-term

    • Two weeks in the Summer

    Camps focus on:

    • High-quality gymnastics

    • Movement and play

    • Child-led progression

    Children particularly enjoy:

    • Gymnastics sessions as the highlight

    • Airtracks, monkey bars, and soft play

    • Water games during Summer

    Many families return camp after camp, with Gymlab often becoming the only camp children want to attend.

  • Every child is different.

    Some settle immediately, others take a few sessions.

    Common early behaviours include:

    • Observing before joining

    • Staying close initially

    • Gradually exploring

    With consistent sessions and a calm environment, most children build confidence naturally within a few weeks.

  • Yes, Gymlab maintains consistency across all gyms.

    This includes:

    • Coaching standards

    • Class structure

    • Equipment quality

    • Safety procedures

    • Overall experience

    This consistency means families can move between Stratford and Islington, subject to availability, without disruption.

Still Have Questions? 

We are here to help.

Ready to get started? Book a trial or join the waiting list today and discover gymnastics in East London with Gymlab.