For many parents, the first 10 minutes are the bit they worry about most.
Not the singing.
Not the dancing.
Not the drama.
The first 10 minutes.
Questions like:
Will my child be okay?
Will they know what to do?
Will anyone notice them?
Do I have to leave immediately?
Those are completely normal concerns.
So rather than talking about a whole three-hour session, I thought I’d show you exactly what usually happens in those first few minutes.
When You Arrive
The first thing that happens is simple.
You get greeted.
Usually by me, Simon, Lorraine, Julie or Robert.
You’re not left standing in a busy hall wondering where to go or who to speak to.
We’ll introduce ourselves, welcome your child and make sure you know what’s happening next.
For many children, that alone takes away a lot of the uncertainty.
Meeting A Welcome Ambassador
One of the first people your child will meet is their Welcome Ambassador.
This is an existing Theatretrain student whose job is to help new children settle in.
Their role is simple:
- Welcome them.
- Walk with them.
- Work with them.
- Watch for them.
They’ll introduce your child to other students, help them find the right room and make sure they’re never left wondering what to do next.
It’s amazing how much difference this can make.
The Bit Parents Often Imagine Wrong
I think one of the biggest misconceptions parents have is that their child will be standing on their own.
Looking around.
Not knowing anybody.
Not knowing where to go.
In reality, that’s rarely what happens.
From the moment they arrive, there are adults and students helping them find their feet.
Nobody is expected to figure everything out for themselves.
A Real Example
We recently had a ten-year-old boy come along for a taster session.
He was nervous because he didn’t know whether there would be any other boys in the group.
Like many children, he was worrying about something long before he’d actually walked through the door.
We introduced him to his Welcome Ambassador.
Within a few minutes he was chatting away with some of the other boys.
By the time classes started, the thing he’d been worrying about wasn’t really a concern anymore.
That happens surprisingly often.
Children spend far longer worrying about something than they spend actually experiencing it.
Do Parents Have To Leave Immediately?
No.
Some parents choose to stay in our reception area for a little while.
Others head off and come back at the end of the session.
It’s entirely up to you.
There isn’t a member of staff standing there ushering parents out of the building.
We understand that trying something new can be a big step for both children and parents.
Once Classes Start
When everything is ready, children head off to their first class with their Welcome Ambassador.
By this point, they’ve already:
- met some people
- seen where they’re going
- had a chance to settle in
- started to understand how things work
Once the session is underway, members of the leadership team check in with new students throughout the morning.
We’re always keeping an eye on how they’re getting on.
Not in a dramatic way.
Just making sure everything is okay.
What If My Child Is Nervous?
That’s something we see every term.
Children can:
- watch first
- take their time
- stay close to a teacher
- spend a little longer with their Welcome Ambassador
There’s no expectation that they walk in and instantly feel confident.
Children settle at different speeds.
And that’s okay.
What The First 10 Minutes Are Really About
If I had to sum up the first 10 minutes in one sentence, it would be this:
The first 10 minutes are all about helping children feel comfortable in a new environment. Once they’re comfortable, then they can shine.
It’s not a test.
Nobody is assessing them.
Nobody is expecting them to prove themselves.
We’re simply helping them settle, find their feet and feel like they belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child is upset?
That’s okay. We work with nervous children every term and will support them at their own pace.
What if they don't know anyone?
Most new students don’t. That’s exactly why we have our Welcome Ambassador system.
Do parents have to leave straight away?
No. You’re welcome to stay in the reception area if that feels more comfortable.
What if they don't join in immediately?
That’s perfectly normal. Some children like to watch first before they take part.
Will somebody notice if my child is struggling?
Absolutely. Members of the leadership team check on new students throughout the session to make sure they’re settling in well.
If You're Feeling Unsure
Most parents feel a little nervous before a first taster session.
That’s completely normal.
But what I often hear afterwards is:
“I worried far more than they did.”
Once children know where they are, who they’re with and what to expect, things often feel much simpler than they imagined.
And that’s exactly what those first 10 minutes are designed to do
