|
This page contains answers to common questions asked about
the Musical Playtime franchise.
|
- What is a franchise?
- What is the Musical Playtime franchise?
- Why are Musical Playtime classes so
successful?
- What does the franchise package consist of?
- Is training included?
- What is not included?
- What qualities do I need?
- Can I take my baby or toddler with me?
- What are the costs?
- What income can I expect?
- What are Musical Playtime parties?
- Can I come to see a session of Musical Playtime?
- What do I need to do first?
- What is the next step?
“A franchise is the granting of a license by one person (the franchisor) to another (the
franchisee), which entitles the franchisee to trade under the trade mark/trade
name of the franchisor and to make use of an entire package, comprising all
the elements necessary to establish a previously untrained person in the
business and to run it with continued assistance on a predetermined basis” (British Franchise Association).
|
Firstly, let me introduce myself. I am a qualified school music teacher with an interest in
child development and helping adults spend quality time with their children. Musical Playtime developed from a need to carry on
working when my eldest children were at school and I had another baby. At
first this seemed impossible. However, I found myself making up little songs
while I changed his nappy and seeing the delight on his face gave me the idea
of classes for babies. Twenty years on I now run classes in
Fetcham, Bookham and Cobham in Surrey, and still enjoy seeing the children's faces light up and
the adults having fun with them. The franchise is ideal for mum's with young
children who want a rewarding
part-time job. Some of our franchisees have run classes successfully for over
8 years having children during this time and others have returned to full-time
employment once their children were at school.
|
 | Learning the child's way through musical play |
| Variety of activities so something to appeal to every
child |
| Fast moving so the children don't have time to get bored |
| Different styles of music to educate and stimulate |
| Attention is held with the addition of props and play
equipment |
| Adults have a good time too! |
|
The franchise package consists of a manual of everything you need to know
to run the franchise and includes lesson
plans for 36 weeks divided into 3 terms. These are then repeated each
year. The music is in sequential order on 18 CDs (2 sessions on each) making
it easy to run the classes. Also included are books with the
words of the songs, professional CDs and tapes and some original recordings (including the song for Musical
Playtime!).
|
Yes, training is included although you will be expected to pay for accommodation
if you stay overnight.
|
You will be expected to purchase your own equipment to run the classes.
Outlets for purchasing equipment are available from me.
Advertising will also be up to you although a template to help you will be
included in the franchise package.
|
You don’t have to be a musician, although this can be
helpful sometimes, but you do need to be able to sing in tune. You must be
fairly energetic in order to get all the adults up off the floor and joining
in. A cheerful disposition is also important because the classes are supposed
to be fun so you need to be able to act at times even if you have had a bad
day!
|
Yes. I
started the classes when my little boy was 8 months old and he came at least
once a week until he was nearly 5 years old. He always loved it and never once
complained. I would advise you not to take your child more than twice a
week; you can increase the number of sessions you do when they start nursery
or playgroup later on.
|
The initial cost of the franchise is £3500. The initial outlay includes the franchise
package and training. Depending on how much equipment you already have equipment costs
should be less than £300 for a class of 20 children. You can recoup costs
of the initial outlay after the first year by running only two classes one
morning a week (see income below). You can claim tax relief for capital
expenses (e.g. equipment).
For ongoing expenses there is a monthly franchise fee of
£15 for the first
year and £25 thereafter. For this you will be entitled to help and support
via e-mail, phone and website. You are encouraged to take out a personal
liability insurance policy (~£80) per annum and the hire of halls will cost
approximately £20 per morning depending on where you live. You will need to budget for car and petrol
expenses and for the cost of advertising.
|
You can expect an average annual income of £4320 based on 36 weeks, 2
sessions per week (one morning) for 20 children per session at £3 each.
This figure will be multiplied by the number of classes/mornings you are able
to take. I currently charge £4 per session but live in a relatively
wealthy area. The intention is that Musical Playtime is affordable to all and
the amount charged will vary depending on where you live.
|
These are for children 5 years and under as an optional add-on to the
franchise to enable you to earn some money while you are building up the
business. To see a photograph of a Musical Playtime party click
here. The cost is an extra £25 per month. However, you should be able to
charge at least £60 per party for one hours entertainment.
|
Yes, you are welcome to come and see a session of Musical Playtime at anytime.
Please use the Feedback page to let me know when you would like to come and I
will be in contact.
|
Find out the numbers of babies and toddlers in your area
from toddler groups and nurseries; if there are plenty of young children then
you should have no trouble getting started. Find out if any halls are
available to hire in the mornings and whether they have adequate access and
parking, then decide on times and days. You may like to place some notices
around to see what kind of response you are likely to have if you decide to go
ahead.
|
If you feel you want to go ahead then get in touch and we will discuss the
franchise agreement and training arrangements. If you come a long distance
it will be possible to combine an observation session with training on
the same day.
|
|
