Market Focus
What new skills are the children learning by using clay?
At the academy I run a six-week programme, which involves workshops and classes helping children to develop their skills through the use of clay. It basically teaches them the art of 3D learning, where they can see their work materialise into an exciting new creation. The classes also teach them how to concentrate and focus on a task, as well as develop the confidence to be creative. The parents are always amazed when I tell them that their child has created the models. Parents are also able to join the classes and help their children, which I think is far more productive for them as it helps them to understand how their child is developing and learning.
What have you gained by taking on a franchise? To see the children develop, in terms of their confidence and skills, is incredibly rewarding. It doesn’t feel as though I’m going to work when I go to the academy because I enjoy it so much, and it’s great to see the children, families and people of all ages get stuck in.
Tumble Tots
After being made redundant Nick Wolfe, 46, wanted something that was going to offer him more flexibility. He now runs a successful Tumble Tots franchise in Kent, organising classes that help to develop children’s agility, balance and co-ordination.
Did you face any challenges in the beginning? To be honest it was all relatively straightforward. I had a meeting with the managing director, and he advised me to go along to another franchise to get a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the business. I was still very interested and then from there it was all quite straightforward, I leased the equipment and a venue, and then did a bit of marketing to promote the opening of the business. However, a Tumble Tots had been in the area before so people were aware of the brand.
What happens during the classes? I run a few programmes at my centre, these include Gymbabes and Gymbobs. The Gymbabes programme is for the youngest children, aged from 6 months to when they can start walking. The classes include parent involvement and they help to stimulate and encourage babies to use all their senses, gently and without pressure. We use brightly coloured equipment to help children learn how to play, explore and crawl. The Gymbobs programme is aimed at children aged five to seven, and introduces them to more demanding skills, such as climbing and co-ordination. They also learn about teamwork and how to play without the equipment.
What’s the best part about running your own franchise?
Basically you get out of it what you put in. You’re responsible for how well you do, and I like the fact that I’m the one in control of this. It’s very rewarding to see the children’s confidence soar as their ability to do new things develops. It’s also always great to hear the positive feedback from the parents and I love the fact that the children enjoy it so much.
Jabberjacks
Why did you decide to become a franchisee? I was made redundant from my job at Vodafone and it was then that I seriously started to consider going into franchising. With my next job I wanted the freedom and flexibility that running my own business would bring with it, but I also wanted a business model that was safe and structured. I’d heard about Tumble Tots through having two children of my own and, although they’d never attended any of the classes, I knew it was something that children would enjoy. After a bit more research into the company, I decided to go for it and, with the help of my partner, Donna, I set up the franchise.
Christine Mendonidis, 42, runs three Jabberjacks franchises. With her background in teaching and drama, she explains how children who attend her classes benefit from Jabberjacks’ multi- sensory learning programme.
Why did you decide to join Jabberjacks? I enjoy teaching, drama and puppets, and was keen to get involved with a ‘pre-school’ programme that included all of these elements. As a mum of young children I had the experience of attending a number of specialty toddler classes, yet once I was introduced to Jabberjacks I was completely sold on the concept and equipment. I believe whole-heartedly that it is the best class experience for pre-school children and their parents or carers. I officially became a franchisee in the summer of 2008 and held my first class in September that year.
What happens in a Jabberjacks class? A Jabberjacks class typically runs for 45 minutes and always include our ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ songs, which the children learn through regular attendance. A term typically runs over 10 weeks and each session follows a similar format to create familiarity through repetition, with a variety of puppets and props introduced each week to maintain the children’s attention. The sessions are bright and colourful and include time for concentration, interaction and physical play.
What new skills do the children learn? Our classes are part of a multi-sensory prorgamme, which help pre-school children to develop physical and social skills, as well as their confidence and knowledge. Through storytelling, song and rhyme the children develop their listening skills as well as verbal and non-verbal communication. The use of puppets helps children develop their knowledge of animals and the environment, as well as teaching them numbers, colours and shapes. The physical activities we undertake help them to develop their co-ordination and motor skills.
What are the challenges of working with children?
I have had quite an extensive experience in teaching and training adults in the corporate sector but I had never taught or worked with young children. Having children myself has helped, however rather than finding working with children challenging, I have found it to be very gratifying. I have always found the children to be very generous in their enthusiasm and have also been most touched by the many positive comments and compliments I have received from teachers, parents and carers.
Will these skills help children to progress academically? Young children are very receptive to learning and Jabberjacks is a multi-sensory learning programme. The more active and receptive to learning the brain is encouraged to be, the greater the opportunity for further development.n
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Businessfranchise.com | December/January 2012
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