The Lincolnshire Echo – 13 February 2008

Many people thinking of making the break into business are torn between going it alone or exploring the franchise route.

If that sounds like you, you may be thinking of joining the crowds going to the British & International Franchise Exhibition in London on April 4 and 5.

Today Vicky Ashberry (38), from Lincoln’s West End, who combines her business with looking after children Alex (10) and Emily (eight), told why a franchise ticked all the boxes for her.

Buying a franchise means you get a business based on a successful format – think Body Shop and Kall-Kwik.

Mrs Ashberry, an experienced early years teacher who has worked with children and families for the Lincoln charity Home Start and Sure Start Lincoln Central, started Debutots Early Years Drama after leaving a teaching job in Coningsby.

She now provides drama and storytelling activities in nurseries, pre-schools, after-schools and holiday clubs for children up to the age of seven.

"I looked at various ideas and thought about setting up my own business from scratch, but Debutots really appealed," said Mrs Ashberry.

"It combines my love of children with my interest in drama."

The company provides a lot of practical support (franchisees get their own website) so the benefits of being a franchisee really outweigh the costs.

Mrs Ashberry is offering classes in Lincoln, Newark, Louth, Grantham and Market Rasen nurseries.

The curtain is about to rise on a brand new drama opportunity for children in Lincolnshire.

And it is not too late to get your little drama king or queen involved, even if they’re very young.

Debutots is an early years drama group aimed at children from babies to seven-year-olds.

"Our classes are a unique blend of interactive storytelling workshops and dramatic role play," says Vicky Ashberry (38), who will be running the classes from February onwards.

"We tell stories to the children and we re-enact them together, with the children taking on different characters. With the babies we play a lot of circle games and do movement to music.

"As far as I know there are no other drama groups like this in Lincolnshire."

"All other groups are about performance but ours is more about sparking imagination and play. And ours is the only one which offers drama to children under three."

The main aim of the classes is to allow the children and their parents to enjoy themselves, but psychological studies from America have also suggested that increasing playful conversation with your child, as occurs in Vicky’s classes, can help their cognitive development.

Research at the Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania found that play improves brain connections, and other studies have reported that imaginative thinking boosts chemicals that help neural nerve cells grow, suggesting that having fun with ideas is a workout for the immature brain.

"Although I have not had any contact with Debutots, I can say that children learn through play," says Ruth Sayers, programme leader for drama at Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln.

"Drama as an extension of play is a great way to develop cognitive and behavioural skills, and being part of a creative group is also a way for children to make friends, use their imagination to the full and improve their physical control and dexterity."

When mum-of-two Jaime Oliver (30) gave birth to her first child, Bailey, two-and-a-half years ago, she felt there were not enough organisations offering her the opportunity to spend time with her child outside the home.

So with her second child, Evan, she likes to take every opportunity available to spend quality time with him in a different setting and is looking forward to finding out more about Debutots. She has also experienced the benefits of early years interaction first hand.

"I like to try everything," says Jaime. "Evan is nine months old now and he is not talking yet but he interacts with his brother. He has already got his own character, which is more than my eldest had when he was this age and I think it is because he communicates with his brother."

Vicky will be running baby story play classes for parents and children aged six months to two years and early years drama classes for children aged two to five years in Lincoln, Newark, Grantham, Louth and Market Rasen from February onwards. For a free taster session call her on (01522) 390369.

5/1/08

We are delighted that Jennifer David joined us in September launching our second Debutots franchise. Running classes in Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Finchley, Highgate, Hampstead, Belsize Park, Golders Green, Hampstead Garden Suburb and Barnet, and born and bred in North West London, Jennifer is thrilled to be bringing some Debutots magic to her local area! We asked her how she is getting on with her new business...

What made you decide to become a Debutots Franchisee?

I was looking for a business that could combine all my interests, skills, training and experience, which could also be fitted around family life. The package looked like great value and the company seemed to offer children something really unique. After watching a class I was hooked. It’s definitely something I’d take my own kids to or want them to have at their school or nursery, and there haven’t been classes for children that I’ve been to before that I’ve ever been anywhere near as impressed by.

What did you do before Debutots?

I started off studying Law and training to become a solicitor, but made a quick change when I realised that I’d have a lot more fun being an actress! I studied Acting, Directing and Teaching for 4 years at drama school, and have since gained a variety of acting experience as well as teaching adults and children. I’m also a mum to 2 little ones; my son is nearly 3 and my daughter just turned 1.

How does your background fit in with the Debutots business?

I’ve got experience of working with children for many years using drama. I’ve also got a lot of administrative experience that has actually been very helpful too.

Was your family supportive of you setting up in business?

My husband’s supported me all the way. We actually share working and looking after the children between us, so there’s no way I’d have been able to do this without his support. My son did tell me though that I wasn’t allowed to teach at his nursery school! Bit late though, as they’d already booked me in! Luckily it’s not his class that I work with so he hasn’t actually seen me on the premises yet ...

How well does it fit in with your family life?

It fits in well, as I can choose my own hours. At the moment, I’m tending to work in the mornings and keep the afternoons free for the children. My son’s at nursery every morning anyway so he doesn’t notice me working. If I find I’ve got more bookings than I want while the children are not at school yet then I’ll just train up other practitioners to cover my classes. My sister’s top of the list at the moment! I catch up with any admin or letter writing in the evenings when the children have gone to bed, but am managing to keep weekends free. I also do Debutots parties, but as they’re only an hour long I’m happy to do them on the weekends.

What was training like?

Intense, but I learned a huge amount. We had to take classes in nurseries as part of the training, which was daunting to start with, but by the time I’d finished training I felt very confident to get out there and start my classes. I also learned a lot about running a business and more specifically about all that Debutots has to offer.

What did you enjoy most about the training?

Although it was nerve racking, I loved taking the classes. I’ve worked with drama with children before, but this was so much more enjoyable and rewarding. The children loved it and participated amazingly well.

How is the head office support?

I really can’t fault it. As I’m just starting out I’ve obviously got loads of questions that keep popping up, and it’s very reassuring to know that my questions will be answered almost instantly by people who’ve got years of experience. There’s always someone there on the end of the phone or to reply to emails. They’ve really been great. Very supportive, very encouraging and also very inspiring.

What are you most excited about now you are in business?

I love the fact that I’m delivering a product that I genuinely think is amazing for children. I’m enjoying the responsibility of being in charge and being able to choose my own hours. I’m excited about the business’ potential to expand. It’s also great to be able to do a job that I really enjoy and that others will gain so much from too.

Why do you think the schools, nurseries and mums in your area enjoy Debutots?

I think we offer something very different to what’s already out there. So much thought has gone into the planning and provision of it, into the linking it with early years frameworks, providing planning packs for schools and nurseries, etc. Also, the fact that the stories are original is great, and they really do provide a new exciting adventure each week. I am certain that the children’s levels of communication, speech and confidence will improve noticeably as the year progresses, as will their use of their imaginations. I also think that mums (and other carers) gain so much from the classes, as it provides an opportunity for them to have lots of fun with their child and spend some real bonding time together. Also, unlike many of the other classes on offer, it’s not just the same thing being offered each week, so no-one can ever get bored!

How does it feel to be an amazing mumtrepreneur?!

It feels great. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be running a business as well as being a mum and still managing to have lots of time to be with my children. I also find that being a mother adds something to how I work and to how I relate to the children in my classes; equally, the fact that I am enjoying my work and making learning so fun for the children in the classes adds something to the time that I then spend with my family. An extra bonus is that my children get to hear me tell them amazing stories and I can practice on them!

Check out Jennifer’s web page to find a class near you!

7/1/08

It’s been one year since Sharon Redden and Wendy Mairs set up our first Debutots franchise in Northern Ireland. With weekly timetables almost full up they are well on the road to huge success. We’re pleased as punch with their achievements and overjoyed with the response to Debutots from schools and parents in Northern Ireland, but how are the ladies feeling one year on? We caught up with them at their first weekly "franchise meeting" (they’re very organised!) of 2008 at Wendy’s house to find out ...

A year has passed! How does it feel to have been successful women in business for a year?

It’s a great feeling to be your own boss and we are both delighted with the progression of Debutots in Northern Ireland!

How has the year been for you both?

It has been a tough year with lots of highs and lows, luckily the highs outweighed the lows! A year later we have no regrets.

What are you most proud of so far?

The amount of bookings from schools and nurseries resulting in a healthy timetable.

What has been the hardest part of running the franchise?

A lot more time needs to be dedicated to administration and general running of the franchise than we first thought! Raising our local profile was hard work and we initially fell into the trap of overspending on advertising.

What has been the best part of running the franchise so far?

Working together in a career that we both love and have always dreamed of doing.

Do you think the franchise concept has worked for you both?

Definitely! We couldn’t have achieved so much without the constant support and invaluable training that we received from Karen & Charlotte.

Has it changed your lives? How? For better or worse, dare we ask?!!!

Wendy: Absolutely! I feel for the first time in my working life that I now have a "career" rather than just a job! It is an extremely enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling experience and there are never two days the same. The only downside was the financial worry of not having a steady income, but in a good way I know we can make Debutots a huge success in Northern Ireland!
Sharon: It certainly has! My working life is not only more enjoyable but I love the flexibility and the fact that I can leave my son to school and collect him again. This has made me much more content and feeling less guilty as a working mother. I missed a regular salary at first but now that Debutots has taken off I can honestly say I have not looked back.

How do you manage the business between you? Has it been hard being in a partnership running the franchise, or would you recommend a partnership to others?

We have established weekly, monthly and termly tasks, and have divided these accordingly. It is essential for us to be in contact daily and hold a meeting at least once a week. The key for a successful partnership is good open communication and availability to make decisions at any given time. Our support for each other is invaluable and yes, we would definitely recommend a partnership!

What are your new year’s resolutions for the business?

To be more organised and rigidly stick to deadlines. To work hard and expand the business, taking our success to other parts of the province.

Where can mums local to you expect to find your classes and what exciting things have you in store for them this term?

At the moment we hold classes in Bangor, Holywood and Dundonald, but due to interest shown recently we hope to start a class in Belfast. We will keep you posted Mums!

We are very excited about our launch of Baby Story Play (6 months – 2 years). Mums can come along with their little ones for interactive storytelling and imaginative play, plus meet and chat with other mums over a cup of coffee!

Finally, how will you celebrate your year anniversary of running classes?

A long overdue champagne dinner!!

Enjoy the bubbly ladies – you deserve it!

For more information on Sharon and Wendy’s classes check out their web page!

We are really excited about exhibiting at the One Life Live Show at Olympia at the end of February. The show is a fantastic opportunity for people looking to change careers or improve their family/work life balance, and we’re delighted to exhibit our proven franchise concept in the Be Your Own Boss section.

With 4 of our 5 current franchisees beautifully balancing motherhood and work with our business package, Debutots is a brilliant opportunity for people who want the best of both worlds, whatever their commitments.

We will be there on all 3 days to chat with anyone interested in our concept and we’ll also have current franchisees on hand on Saturday and Sunday to answer any questions too.

It’s the time of year to think about change for the better .... so contact us for more information about tickets to come see us at the show!

From February 4-9th, there’ll be the usual imaginative chattering in our classes but for an extra special reason. We’re all taking part in the annual I CAN Chatterbox Challenge for the first time, in order to raise money for our chosen charity, I CAN, and help children who struggle to communicate. Raising awareness for the importance of talk at home between parents and their little ones, and having a whole lot of fun as we go, we’ll be exploring our very own original story in Nursery Rhyme Land written especially for this year’s challenge.

If you’d like to find out more about our challenges in classes in your area, contact your local practitioner.

DEBUTOTS EARLY YEARS DRAMA, a drama in education company for the early ages, has launched its first franchise in Northern Ireland. Co–Directors Charlotte Collins and Karen Wallace–Jones attended the launch.

Sharon Redden and Wendy Mairs of Bangor and Newtownards, Co Down, approached Charlotte and Karen having heard about the success of Debutots in England from Sharon’s sister, a Debutots practitioner."My sister came home, just raving about Debutots," says Sharon, "and she thought it would be great for the children over here."

Three months after the first meeting in London, Sharon and Wendy were taking part in very rigorous training. "Debutots has been very well received by nurseries and schools in our area; there is nothing else like this for children under aged six," says Wendy. "The links with the national curriculum have thoroughly impressed head teachers and parents alike."

Charlotte and Karen are delighted with the speedy progress and development of the franchise. "Sharon and Wendy have taken off rapidly," says Charlotte. "We are extremely impressed with their achievements in such a short amount of time and are behind them all the way." Karen adds: "It is undoubtedly their passion for drama at this young age that has rocketed their business to such an exciting level already."

Debutots is looking for more dedicated franchisees across the UK and Ireland. Debutots provides all the training and resources to get your business up and running, in addition to the complete and original Debutots curriculum each term. For a limited time, Debutots is offering its franchise package for just £6,000 including VAT. Further details call 0118 9745115.

The Franchise Magazine, May/June 2007

Providing babies with dozens of stimulating toys to play with has no clear benefits on their long term development, according to new research.

While a home full of toys and books help children at the time, the Government–funded study found they have little effect on their future learning ability.

The most important factor, especially for mothers with little education, was playing with and talking to their children. The researchers found that mothers who take their babies to the shops or the park can improve their chances of doing well at school in the future.

The findings came in a report on parenting and infants’ development from London’s Institute of Education.

Dr Leslie Gutman, the report’s lead author, said toys and books did have an impact on children’s physical coordination skills and social development. ‘Toys and books have their place and do help children develop, but what is important is having the parents interact with the child. To have parents read to their children is much more important than having a hundred books’, she said.

The study found children whose mothers took them on outings had good social skills and were better at activities such as using a pencil or tying their shoelaces.

Nursery Education, July 2007

In recent years, research has shown that there are ways to boost your child’s IQ, from fatty acids to music lessons. But a new and surprising idea is emerging from developmental researchers. It seems that talking nonsense to your child and having playful conversation can help her neural networks to blossom.

Research at the Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania found that play improves brain connections, and other studies have reported that imaginative thinking boosts chemicals that help neural nerve cells grow. "All the evidence points to the fact that having fun with ideas is a workout for the brain," says expert Christine Durham, author of Chasing Ideas (Jessica Kingsley, £12.99). "We’re all so hung up on teaching our children these days that we sometimes forget to have fun. Playful banter is fantastic for your child’s intelligence."

Durham recommends playing ‘nonsense’ mind–games to stretch your child’s critical thinking. "Try asking your child if she is a ‘sun’ or a ‘moon’ person," she says. "It sounds potty, but it can be an intriguing exercise for children." There’s no right or wrong answer. Your child might say she’s like the sun because she’s cheerful, or has a hot temper. Or she may decide she’s like the moon because it’s mysterious and surrounded by twinkly stars. The trick is to consider the question in a playful way.

Meanwhile, a recent report for the Institute for Public Policy Research warns that children need to have more fun. The study found that too much academic work can hinder development, leaving little time for play.

Junior Magazine, January 2007