Early Years Programme

Capoeira Stories and Movement

A weekly music, movement and storytelling programme for early years settings. Delivered by experienced coaches. Directly linked to the EYFS framework.

Book a free showcase → See how it works ↓

What is Capoeira Stories and Movement?

Martial arts, acrobatics, music and story

Capoeira Stories and Movement is a weekly early years programme that brings together music, rhythm, movement and storytelling through the art of Capoeira. Born from Afro-Brazilian culture, Capoeira weaves together martial arts, acrobatics, dance and live percussion into one uniquely joyful practice.

Every session begins with a story. Whether it is the magical Amazon Rainforest, a Brazilian carnival or a journey through the savanna, the narrative draws children in immediately and gives the movement a purpose they can feel. No prior experience is needed from staff or children.

Child at drum
Child doing bridge Children in circle Children with ribbons

The programme

Two sessions, two age groups

We offer two consecutive 45-minute sessions per visit, designed specifically for each age group. Both run back to back on the same morning or afternoon, making us efficient to host and consistent to deliver.

Young children in class

Session 1

The Explorers

2 to 3 year olds

For our youngest group, everything is led by story, sound and surprise. Sessions are wacky, warm and full of energy. Children learn through play, repetition and the joy of being part of something together.

  • 5 min Arrival ritual. The berimbau sound signals the start. Children gather in a circle.
  • 10 min Story and character. Ginga the Monkey in the Amazon Rainforest. Children copy. Lots of silliness.
  • 15 min Movement exploration. Animal walks, rolling, balancing, jumping. Berimbau sets the pace.
  • 10 min Partner play. Simple mirroring games supporting social development milestones.
  • 5 min Goodbye ritual. Same closing song each week. Children talk about it at home.
Coach with children

Session 2

The Movers

3 to 5 year olds

Our older group can follow sequences, take turns reliably and begin to understand the game-based nature of Capoeira. Sessions open with the same story warmup, then build into more structured movement work.

  • 5 min Story warmup. The Amazon Rainforest. Children at this age are just as captivated.
  • 10 min The Ginga. The foundational Capoeira movement. Becomes second nature over the term.
  • 15 min Moves and sequences. Kicks, dodges and acrobatic shapes, taught progressively.
  • 10 min The mini roda. Two children play in the centre while others clap and sing. Thrilling.
  • 5 min Cool down. Breathing, stretching and sharing. Supports language development.

Curriculum

EYFS links and milestones

Capoeira Stories and Movement is designed with the EYFS framework at its core. Here are the five areas we directly and credibly support.

🏃

Physical Development

Gross motor skills, coordination, balance, spatial awareness and body control. Moving in different ways, stopping safely and negotiating space are addressed every session.

🎵

Expressive Arts and Design

Music, rhythm, movement to music and creating movement in response to sound. The berimbau and call and response songs directly address expressive arts milestones.

💬

Communication and Language

Call and response, listening for cues, following instructions within play. Repetitive story phrases and movement games directly support language development.

🤝

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Turn taking, playing alongside others, managing feelings through movement and building confidence. Partner games and circle activities address this directly.

🌎

Understanding the World

Brazilian culture, music from another part of the world and instruments children have never seen. Genuine cultural breadth delivered through story and play.

⭐

Key milestones supported

  • ✓ Moving with confidence and coordination
  • ✓ Moving to music and exploring rhythm
  • ✓ Playing alongside and with others
  • ✓ Responding to simple instructions within play
  • ✓ Building confidence and self-expression
  • ✓ Curiosity about the wider world

Getting started

Three simple steps

We make it as easy as possible for your setting to get started. No paperwork required to begin.

1

Get in touch

Drop us an email or call and we will arrange a time to talk through the programme and answer any questions.

2

Free staff showcase

We come to you for a free 20 to 25 minute showcase. Your team experiences the programme first hand before committing to anything.

3

Launch next term

We agree a start date, billed termly in advance. We handle all equipment and planning. You just need a hall and a member of staff on site.

What people say

Heard from parents and practitioners

★★★★★

"As an Early Years Practitioner, I have seen a lot of movement programmes come through nursery settings. What Rui delivers is genuinely different. The way he reads a room full of under 5s, adapts his energy and keeps every child engaged is a rare skill. The EYFS links are natural rather than forced. I would not hesitate to recommend this programme to any early years setting."

Ashanti

Early Years Practitioner

★★★★★

"It is a real art to create classes that keep children as young as 2 years old engaged, entertained and learning for nearly an hour. Coach Rui is a wonder, and my children aged 4 and 2 adore the classes and are improving their mobility, knowledge and skills every week. I could not recommend the children's classes more highly."

Uzo

Parent, The Limes Centre, Chigwell

★★★★★

"Really fun instructor who is clearly made to teach kids. Mine settled immediately, love the classes, look forward to it all week and keep practising at home. Acrobatics, music, instruments, Portuguese language, dance and martial art all at the same time. Such a complete experience."

Amandine

Parent, Capoeira Club Essex

Pricing

Simple and transparent

Sessions run weekly during term time. All equipment is provided. No additional costs to your setting. Pricing may vary by location and setting size . Get in touch to discuss.

Single session

£120

Per group, per session. Billed termly in advance.

  • One age group
  • 45 minutes per session
  • All equipment provided
  • Weekly, term time only
Get in touch
Recommended

Back to back

£200

Both age groups, same visit. You save £40.

  • Both age groups
  • 90 minutes total
  • All equipment provided
  • Weekly, term time only
Get in touch

Questions

Things settings ask us

We just need your largest indoor play space or activity room. We bring all equipment including instruments and any props needed. No preparation is required from your team.
For our 2 to 3 year old group we recommend a maximum of 12 to 15 children per session. For 3 to 5 year olds up to 20 works well. Your setting's own EYFS staff ratios apply throughout and a member of your team must be present at all times, which also means the right adult to child ratio is always maintained.
No. We handle all delivery. You just need a member of staff on site for safeguarding purposes. Your team can observe or take a well-earned break.
Your setting's own EYFS staff ratios apply at all times. A member of your team must be present throughout every session. All our coaches hold enhanced DBS certificates, have completed safeguarding training and are covered by full public liability insurance. We are happy to provide all documentation before the first session.
Yes. All coaches hold current enhanced DBS certificates, full public liability insurance, first aid training and have completed safeguarding training. We can provide all documentation on request.
Our coaching team ensures consistent delivery throughout the term. In the rare event of any change to your regular coach, a qualified cover coach is provided so sessions are never missed.
We are ready to launch next term. Get in touch and we will agree a start date that works for your setting. The quickest way to get started is to book a free staff showcase first.
We currently serve Essex, East London, Central London, North London and Croydon. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, just drop us an email and we will confirm straight away.

The simplest next step

A free staff showcase

We come to you, your team experiences the programme first hand, and you decide from there. No commitment, no paperwork. Just 20 minutes that will speak for itself.

Email us to book → Call 07823 333962
Book a free showcase →