MAD Academy has been entertaining and developing preschool children with its unique blend of funky music and specially choreographed dance and movement since 2004. Our weekly classes are energetic, exciting and stimulating musical experiences designed to allow children to explore and have fun with a whole range of music. Great emphasis is placed on movement and age-appropriate dances have been specifically choreographed to develop both gross and fine motor skills. All the music has been specially arranged and produced to make the songs fun and engaging. As well as singing and dancing, children get to further develop their skills through listening and musical games, sensory stimulation, developmental props and instruments.

Classes are very active however they are also structured to combine quieter, more static elements, to give a good balance. They last 35 and 45 minutes, dependent on age, and are always attended by a parent or carer, allowing quality one-to-one time with their child as they explore the magic of music and dance. The result is a resounding hit with both children and parents, who frequently sign up for classes term after term. 

In 2004, MAD Academy opened its doors for the first time offering pre-school children a new kind of weekly class. It was founded by Helen Harrington in response to a demand for active, energetic classes that combined music with dance and movement.

Helen has an extensive musical background, as well as a long and successful career in marketing. Prior to starting MAD Academy, Helen was managing UK sales and marketing teams at BBC Worldwide, with responsibility for such well loved brands as the Tweenies and the Teletubbies.

After the birth of her first child Helen decided the time was right to build her own business, and she spotted the perfect gap in the market when looking for music and movement classes to take her son to. Over the next year, she collaborated with experts in dance and child development to come up with the concept, then came a period of intensive market research, before developing materials and running trial classes.

Finally, MAD Academy bounced onto the scene in Reading, Berkshire in 2004, and hasn’t looked back! Since then the company has expanded rapidly. It has more than doubled its turn-over year on year, and is currently running 143 classes every week in over 7 counties across the UK.

Some careers are all about the 9-5 treadmill – the endless meetings, minutes and memos. MAD Academy is all about non-stop music, mayhem and mirth - making children smile and adults laugh! But a fun rewarding career is not all that a MAD Academy Franchise can bring you. Starting your own MAD Academy business also offers you:

• A highly motivating career
• The opportunity to be your own boss
• Great financial rewards
• Totally flexible hours, with term-time working an option
• Job satisfaction - see the children’s delight in attending your classes!
• Local working – no more commuting as classes can be run close to home anywhere in the UK.
• An expandable business – you can employ agents too!

“At the end of the day when I’ve finished bringing laughter and joy to everyone else’s children, I am still there at the school gate ready to pick up my own children and share some laughter with them.” Emma Lelliot, franchisee Maidenhead. 

Being a franchisee means you always have the advantage of MAD Academy expertise, support and reputation behind you. Nikki Carr has been running classes now for nearly 2 years. “I really loved the professionalism and ethos of MAD Academy. Everything they did, from the letters and the conversations, to the presentation and training, was so professional and of such a high standard. I could see why MAD Academy had such a strong brand.”

When you join the team you can enjoy the following benefits to ensure your business goes from strength to strength:

• A tried and tested successful business concept
• A strong, recognizable and well respected brand
• A complete package of class and business materials
• A full range of professionally developed marketing tools
• Comprehensive, on-going training
• A Head Office team providing expertise and full support every day!

Trish Nawacki was the first MAD Academy franchisee and she has seen her business grow steadily since she started in 2004. She now has so many classes she employs 4 agents to run them with her. “The biggest benefit is the confidence you gain from being part of a larger organisation – there’s safety in numbers!  This way I feel I’ve got back-up and it seems less risky.  Also, I have others to bounce ideas off – it’s hard to check on your own creativity when you’re on your own.  This way you’re still working with people.”  So after 4 years, would she recommend it to other people? Definitely! “If you want to work with and inspire kids, and you want to run your own business and have fun, then this is the opportunity for you!!’

Start-up costs have been kept relatively low. Earnings are dependent on the number of children attending classes, and you can decide whether to run classes in the school holidays as well as during the term. You also have the opportunity to supplement your income with popular children’s birthday parties, bringing a little MAD magic to local nursery schools and pre-schools, plus selling an exciting range of branded merchandise.

Combining all these income streams, a franchisee holding 14 classes per week during term time only could earn in the region of £22,000 per annum. 

MAD Academy has franchisee opportunities all over the UK and is looking for self-motivated, enthusiastic and confident communicators who enjoy working with children. You need to have the drive and ambition to build a successful business and the fun and energy to get a room full of children and adults on their feet and dancing!

A love of music is essential, although you don’t have to be an expert - current franchisees include a care home manager, IT manager, several accountants and a health visitor!