Market Focus Love
to learn T
his year GCSE exam results soared to a record high with almost a quarter of qualifications graded at an A or above. Figures show that three times as many pupils now gain the top
grades compared with 1988 when the exams were first introduced. With an increasing pressure on students to attain high grades and competition for university places fierce, many parents are encouraging their children to learn important skills from a young age, in order to give them a head start before they get to high school. As a result, education franchises geared towards pre-school and primary school children are becoming increasingly popular. Freddie St George is the managing director of Raring2go, a publishing franchise business that produces local magazines and websites, listing classes, clubs and organisations for children and their families. He says: “We have seen a steady rise in the number of educational franchises advertising their classes and activities in our 60-plus editions of Raring2go across the country and on our
Education franchises are in demand from a huge market of parents who want to get involved with their child’s learning to ensure they are better prepared for the future. Alexis Thompson reports
local websites too. What is clear is that there is a great and growing demand from parents for quality preparatory clubs, classes and activities for their children. Parents want their children to be as prepared for Early Years Foundation stage at primary school as early as possible, and these businesses – which offer a wide and varied selection of clubs, classes and physical activities – have a very important role to play.” Here three franchisees explain how they are helping children to develop new skills.
“There is a great and growing demand from parents for quality preparatory clubs, classes and activities for their children. Parents want their children to be prepared for school”
Why did JumpingClay appeal to you? I first discovered the franchise at a craft fair a year before I joined and was inspired by the clay product it was using to teach kids. Jumping clay is a unique, jasmine-scented polymer clay composed of non-toxic water, which is mess- free and when rolled into a ball it bounces. It can be used to create all sorts of fun things, from models, fridge magnets and key chains. I decided to purchase the clay and then organised workshops at my local church, where I was a church leader so children could use it. They all absolutely loved it and their sense of achievement when they created something new was immense. I looked on the website and noticed an opportunity to become a franchisee – I’d always enjoyed working with children and had previously run my own business, so it seemed like a great opportunity.
How easy was it to set up the franchise? It was really easy. With JumpingClay you have two options, you can work from home and visit places such as schools and community centres where you run your workshops. Or alternatively you can run your own academy, which is what I decided to do. My academy in County Down, Northern Ireland, has proved a phenomenal success and we are growing week by week.
JumpingClay
Barbara Symington, 33, joined JumpingClay in December 2004 after discovering the franchise at a craft fair. She explains how 3D learning through the use of clay can help children.
December/January 2012 |
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