Want to teach the stars of tomorrow?
STARTING your own children’s services business can bring more than simply financial gains.
‘it’s rewarding watching children developing their confidence to perform on stage,’ says James aconley, a business partner with Pauline Quirke academy ( PQa), who is running three performing arts schools in Yorkshire.
James, 22, the youngest PQa principal, says: ‘i studied theatre at university and always wanted to teach performing arts.
‘ But i had no business experience at all, so when i discovered that PQa were looking for people to set up academies, i was interested.
‘ PQa prioritises talent and attitude over fees for helping partners get started, so i could afford to set up the business fast.
‘i now have seven freelance teachers who deliver classes to 200 children each week.’
PQa’s creative director adam Davenport says: ‘We look for people with a passion for performing arts, creative knowledge, drive, ambition and people skills.
‘They should be organised, strong leaders, preferably with teaching experience.’
PQa charges no investment fees for new starters who fit its requirements, and invests up to £15,000 in launching new academies.
Keri spokes and wife Lyn were fitness- industry professionals but now they run a swimtime swimming school franchise teaching swimming to more than 1,100 children weekly.
Keri, 45, says: ‘ starting a swimming school with a franchise seemed easier than doing it ourselves, and now we enjoy seeing children achieve every day.’
Lyn says: ‘ One little boy was so terrified of water that he screamed even when on the side of the pool.
‘But our teacher, Lisa, got him splashing happily in the water within three weeks. he now has certificates for his swimming progress.’
You don’t need to be a swimming teacher to be a swimtime franchisee as you employ teachers to deliver the lessons.
swimtime co- founder Barry Price says: ‘ Our franchisees must prioritise great customer service, and have the energy, drive and commitment to follow our tried and tested business model.’
investment costs £18,000.