Cranelings: active play sessions for nurseries
Ages 2–5 · Non-contact · Martial-arts inspired
Fun, structured, non-contact movement sessions, inspired by martial arts and delivered at your nursery by Sifu Alan Bagley and his coaches from a martial arts club in Halesowen.
Cranelings is all about balance, movement, listening and confidence. There’s no sparring and no contact. Children stomp, tiptoe, balance, jump and land, throw and catch, and copy simple “crane” patterns, with martial arts values such as listening, respect and “stop and freeze” woven through every game, including our own “Coach says” listening game.
How a visit works
Each visit is two 30-minute sessions, back to back:
Fledglings (ages 2–3)
A hello circle and Crane Breathing, an animal story walk, simple balance and ball skills, a parachute or bubbles game, then a calm-down and a sticker.
Cranelings (ages 3–5)
A move-and-freeze warm-up, a skill block (balance, jumping and landing, kicking and striking pads, throwing and catching, simple crane “forms”), a turn-taking team challenge, then a calm-down and the “crane power” word of the week.
A nursery practitioner stays with each group. Each term follows a themed programme, such as Crane Training Camp, Jungle Animals, Star Cranes, Under the Sea and Super Cranes, ending with the Crane Olympics and a certificate celebration.
Linked to the EYFS
- Physical development: balance, running and stopping, jumping, crossing the midline, ball skills, spatial awareness, and gripping beanbags, scarves and small balls.
- Personal, social and emotional development: taking turns, following simple rules, confidence, respect, and calming-down routines such as Crane Breathing and “Coach says” freeze games.
- Communication and language: listening, following one- to three-step instructions, new words such as over, under and balance, plus songs and stories.
The EYFS links for each term are written out for you, ready for your planning.
What your nursery gets
- A planned programme for each term, with the EYFS links written out.
- All the equipment, brought by your coach, so there’s no extra work for your staff.
- Short group progress notes, weekly stickers and end-of-term certificates.
- A parent take-home sheet each half term, with games to play at home.
- All the paperwork in one pack: your coach’s DBS, their own insurance certificate, first aid, safeguarding policy and risk assessment.
About Sifu Alan
- Coaching martial arts in Halesowen since 2013.
- Previously ran lunchtime school sports through his Active Future franchise.
- Level 2 Coaches Certificate through the BCCMA.
- Enhanced DBS check, on the Update Service.
- First aid trained, with his own insurance cover.
Every Cranelings coach is DBS checked and first aid trained, and holds their own insurance cover. We’ll send you each coach’s certificates before their first visit.
Your first session is free
Try a first visit with no obligation, so you and the children can see what Cranelings is like. After that, visits are weekly and booked by the term. Prices are on request, and we’ll send you a quote to suit your setting.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe for very young children?
Yes. The sessions are completely non-contact, with no sparring. It’s play-based movement, balance and listening games, with a nursery practitioner present throughout.
What do we need to provide?
Just a clear space and a member of staff with each group. Your coach brings all the equipment, plans, stickers, certificates and parent sheets.
How many children can take part?
Up to about 10–12 in the younger group and 12–15 in the preschool group.
Can we take photos?
Yes, if your nursery staff take them on nursery devices, under your own photo policy.
How much does it cost?
The first session is free. After that, we’ll give you a quote on request.
Can we see the paperwork first?
Of course. We’re happy to send your coach’s DBS, their own insurance certificate, first aid certificate, our safeguarding policy and the risk assessment before the first visit.
Get in touch
To book your free first session or ask for a quote, call or text Sifu Alan on 07821 126 685, or fill in the short form below and Sifu Alan will get back to you.