Here are some examples of the positive feedback received from schools, universities and individuals attending training sessions.

Storytelling Performance and Workshops

From Helen Avey, Head of Highbury Infant School, Hertfordshire.

‘Just to thank you for such a super day. I heard each class buzzing as they came out of the hall.’

From Jude Goulding, teacher at St Francis Primary School, Bourneville;

‘Just to let you know that the feedback from teachers re: your sessions was very positive. The teachers were particularly impressed by your ability to engage the children for long periods, through active involvement as well as excellent storytelling. Thank you. ‘

From staff and pupils at James Allen’s Prep School in Dulwich, London;

‘Thanks so much for your fantastic storytelling sessions last week. Everybody here, staff and girls, thoroughly enjoyed your stories.’ -Nicola Jones, Librarian

‘I really loved those amazing stories, they were extremely funny. The song you taught us was very beautiful and really fun to sing. It went well with the drumming’. -Emily

‘That was fun. See you again next year!’ -Lily Rose

‘I loved your performance of stories, they were wonderful and funny. They were the right type of stories for us. Maybe when we are older we might go into a school and tell some of your fantastic stories!’ – Darcey

‘I wanted to listen to loads more folk stories but we ran out of time. I loved it when you played the drum, you did it so confidently.’ -Olivia

‘I told my favourite story to my sister and she loved it! Please come back next year!’ -Pheobe

‘I really liked your drum and singing and your stories were great. It would be a pleasure to have you every day.’ -Carolina

From the pupils of Penwortham Primary School, South West London;

‘It was fantastic!’ -Thomas

‘It was brilliant because there was nice stories, nice songs and excellent actions.’ -Guleed

‘I think Gemma was really good at the telling stories, they were fun.’ -Dexter

‘I thought she was a very good storyteller because she did different voices and told jokes.’ -Amina

‘I thought it was great how she let everyone join in.’ -Katimi

From the pupils of Oak Lodge Primary School, Kent

‘Thank you for the great stories, they were funny and interesting’. -Amy

‘I liked it when you did the call and response.’ -Alex

‘Thanks for the stories, I think the Gods would be very impressed!’ -Meridian

‘Thanks you for telling us those brilliant stories.’ -India

From the pupils of Springfield Primary School in Rowley Regis, West Midlands;

‘I loved that story, I wish she could stay forever.’

‘We liked the instruments to make the animal noises.’

‘I like the way she changed her voice.’

‘I liked it because she got us to join in.’

Training

From Suzanne Pink, teacher at Dulwich Hamlet Primary School in South East London after attending a storytelling training session;

‘I really enjoyed the way the session built up gradually, ending with telling a story to the group- the thought of doing that before the session would have been really scary! Gemma really put me at ease with her friendliness, I liked the way she picked up on details which worked well in our storytelling that we might not realise we were doing. ‘

From Cathy Bagot, Early Years Consultant for Sure Start re training day with students on Early Years degree at Preston University;

‘Gemma came to work  for a day with our Year Two Foundation Stage students. The feedback was excellent, the students were very enthusiastic and have already discussed the impact her session has had on their practice back in their settings. Her session was very practical as we requested, she shared many good practical ideas and brought some lovely resources and musical instruments - it was just what we needed! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gemma and we hope to use her again in Lancashire for workshops and further sessions on our degree course.’