UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / May 19, 2026 / Families in Frome can now take part in Reading Fairy classes, a programme for young children that focuses on early language, storytelling and simple phonics through play.

Aimed at children aged one to five, the sessions bring together songs, picture books, puppets and sound-based activities. The classes help children get used to how books work and to build confidence with words and sounds over time, without any pressure to “learn” in a formal way. Parents stay for the sessions too, so they can see what’s being done and try it again at home.

The new class offering is led by local mum, Luci Ducker-French, who has spent the past 20 years working in early years education. She has taught in Reception classrooms, managed a nursery and led early years provision at a prep school in South London. After moving back to the area with her family, she began looking for a way to stay connected to that work, but on slightly different terms.

“I wasn’t ready to leave early years behind,” she said. “But I did want something that worked better around family life. Reading Fairy felt right because it reflects how I’ve always approached teaching - it’s thoughtful and structured but still gives children space to enjoy it.”

She first came across Reading Fairy as a parent, attending classes with her eldest daughter. That experience stayed with her. “I remember how much my daughter enjoyed it, but also how useful it was for me to see simple ways to support her at home,” she said. 

The classes offer something steady and consistent for families with younger children. Rather than a one-off activity, Reading Fairy is designed to be attended over time, with children gradually becoming more familiar with sounds, stories and books.

“There’s a lot of noise around what children ‘should’ be doing before school,” Ducker-French said. “What I’ve seen, again and again, is that confidence comes first. If a child feels comfortable with books, if they enjoy listening and joining in, the rest follows more easily.”

Alongside weekly sessions, she hopes to work with local nurseries and build connections with families across the area.

“I’d like it to feel local and familiar,” she said. “Somewhere people come back to each week, where children recognise the stories and start to join in, and parents feel they’re doing something useful without it becoming another pressure.”

Classes take place at Canoe Club, Market Yard on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.40am. 

For more information and to book, visit https://www.readingfairy.com/frome.