Starting a Children’s Services Franchise

For many people, the attraction of starting their own business is having the opportunity to do something they really love. And if what you love is working with youngsters and helping them develop, then a children's services franchise could be for you.

The job is ideal for mothers who are used to dealing with very young children. The working hours for children’s services franchises are often flexible enough to fit around your own family life. Startup costs are relatively low.

Children’s services franchises typically run fun and educational programmes for babies and toddlers. A good example is Jo Jingles, which provides singing and music classes for pre-school children. An overview of the Jo Jingles setup will give you a good indication of what’s involved in children’s services franchising.

The aim of Jo Jingles is to stimulate interest and enjoyment of music and movement with a series of varied and educational programmes, involving percussion, movement and dancing, action songs, nursery rhymes and educational fun themes.

The classes are run mainly during school term time in hired halls, sports centres, etc. Children are encouraged to develop language skills and imagination, improve physical co-ordination, gain confidence and independence, interact with other children and gain social skills.

Jo Jingles franchisees are provided with class programmes, as well as equipment such as percussion instruments, music books and CDs recorded exclusively for Jo Jingles by well-known presenters from BBC’s children’s programmes. A local website is also included, and franchisees also receive advertising, marketing and promotional support. Head office sends out regular updates on regional and national promotional and advertising activities and manages a national PR campaign to support the brand.

There is also an ongoing training programme for franchisees. There’s at least one week’s comprehensive training before starting classes. Visits to other franchisees are encouraged, and there is additional in-class training.

The training course covers: everything franchisees need to know about Jo Jingles, advice on managing a business, accounts, advertising and PR, and class programmes. Franchisees receive detailed training manuals along with access to online practical training.

The initial training is followed up with further regular training meetings. A local mentor is appointed, providing ongoing support and business ideas for franchisees.

In addition to regional training and business days, there is an annual company conference at least once a year held near the Jo Jingles Head Office in Buckinghamshire.

A Jo Jingles franchise costs from £5,500 to £9,000, plus VAT, depending on the size of the territory.

There are currently over 90 Jo Jingles franchises, run by people from a variety of backgrounds. A company spokesperson commented: “Our current franchisees include an ex-paediatric nurse, a former nursery supervisor, a former OFSTED Inspector for nurseries and playgroups, two semi-professional singers, two dance teachers (already running their own dance schools), a former City solicitor, an MBA qualified ex-IT Consultant, ex-college lecturer, a music agent and a number of ex-school teachers.”

If you’re interested in starting a children’s services franchise, research the market thoroughly and find the format that appeals to you the most. Find out exactly what you’ll receive for your money in terms of training, support, marketing and equipment.

For more information on Jo Jingles, visit: http://www.jojingles.com