The What’s On 4 Kids 2019 Awards are open for nominations!
We would love if you could spare a moment to nominate diddi dance as a company and put your reasons in the box provided by visiting here
What’s On 4 Kids UK – Children’s Activities, a site where you can search for local activities, classes, groups and events for kids, children and babies. You can find hundreds of fun things to do with your children and family.
We thank you for your continued support 🙂
Our very own Anne-Marie Martin, founder of diddi dance, is going to be sharing her story and experience of becoming one of the UK’s most successful and multi award winning franchisors in the children’s activities sector.
You can catch Anne-Marie speaking at the following events over the next couple of months:
5 February 2019 @ Space at 61, London SE15
8 March 2019 @ Mama Tribe for International Women’s Day
2 April 2019 @ Girl Tribe Gang monthly SE London group meet up, at St John The Unicorn Pub, London SE15
23 April 2019 @ MIBA South London, at Louie Louie Cafe, London SE17
Do come and join us if you’d like to hear more about Anne-Marie Martin’s journey to successful franchisor and mumpreneur. We’d love to see you there! As well as speaking at these events, Anne-Marie has also been invited along to a local secondary school to participate as a Dragon in their Dragons Den event in February.
We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Lois, who will be 
running the new franchise – diddi dance Southport, Sefton & West Lancashire.
Lois will be launching her new classes from January in Birkdale and Formby. Watch this space for more information!
To register your interest with Lois and book a free trial, fill in our Book a Free Trial form and select her name or you can email her directly by clicking here 🙂
A little bit more about Lois:
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am mum to 3 young children, my eldest 5 and my youngest 13 months. They keep me both busy and happy.
What did you do before diddi dance?
I am a qualified primary school teacher and have been teaching for 10 years, mainly within the EYFS. I have extensive knowledge of child development and the early years curriculum.
Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?
I enjoy working with children immensely and have a love and passion for dancing. I am really excited about having an enjoyable career that fits around my family. Dancing can enhance all areas of a child’s development including social skills, emotions, creativity, physical skills…the list is endless. I am looking forward to bringing mums and their little ones together in a friendly relaxed environment where we can learn, grow and laugh together.
What are you most excited about for your new business?
Bringing the joy and excitement of diddi dance to the boys and girls around me. I am looking forward to dancing and having fun every day!
And finally, which diddi dance theme are you looking forward to the most and why?
Bollywood! Whilst travelling in India I fell I love with their hip shaking, arms moving, feet stomping dances!
Don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!
We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Lucinda, who will be 
running the new franchise – diddi dance Bromley, Dulwich & Surrounding.
Lucinda will be launching her new classes from January in Bromley, Orpington, Keston, Farnborough, Dulwich and Beckenham. Watch this space for more information!
To register your interest with Lucinda and book a free trial, fill in our Book a Free Trial form and select her name or you can email her directly by clicking here 🙂
A little bit more about Lucinda:
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I became a performer from the age of 10 attending full time theatre school, appearing in commercials and film. I was lucky enough to attend the Royal Ballet summer school. I later went on to attend the Centre College, where I studied for a 3 year professional musical theatre course and gained my teaching qualifications in I.S.T.D. I started my professional dance career at the age of 18 and have performed in theatres, casinos, circus, and cruise ships all over the world for the past 10 years.
What did you do before diddi dance?
I have been a cover teacher, when not performing, for 12 years. I have been teaching full time for a year and a half in ballet, tap, modern and various other styles teaching toddlers to adults.
Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?
I have been in touch with diddi dance for a few years. I loved the classes, the relationship the teachers have with the children and I loved the atmosphere. I felt it was the right time to deliver my own classes with diddi dance.
What are you most excited about for your new business?
I am excited to build relationships with the children and guardians and to make a fun, safe, environment to watch the children nurture and grow in their development.
And finally, which diddi dance theme are you looking forward to the most and why?
I love the ballroom theme, its gracefulness and flare which the children love doing.
Don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!
The team at diddi dance, the brand behind the much loved preschool dance classes, are extremely proud to announce their franchise diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester has achieved Gold accreditation from the Children’s Activities Association (CAA). The CAA is the only not-for-profit, industry-led association to set and raise standards in all organised children’s activities across the UK and this achievement clearly showcases the team at diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester’s passion for excellence.
Set-up by leading industry experts in 2015, including diddi dance Founder Anne-Marie Martin, the establishment of the CAA (a Community Interest Company) has revolutionised the children’s activities sector. After Anne-Marie completed the accreditation process for diddi dance in 2016, she decided to offer the same accreditation to each diddi dance Franchise. This past month Anne-Marie & diddi dance were thrilled to personally accredit franchisee Liz Chisnall and her franchise diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester.
Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Liz’s commitment to achieving Gold for her franchise shows her dedication to demonstrate to her industry peers and her fellow diddi dance franchisees that she excels at what she does as well as giving her parents the reassurance they deserve when selecting the best classes for their little ones.
Liz took over the business for diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester in July 2017 and within her first year achieved both her Bronze & Silver CAA accreditations and now has an amazing 14 classes running throughout the area.
It is staggering to learn that before the CAA, there was no national, independent association in the UK for the children’s activity sector as a whole. Through the development of the CAA Code of Practice and via their thorough accreditation, for the first time, parents can now easily make simple, informed decisions when choosing from the wealth of children’s activities out there. Just by asking whether the provider is a CAA member, a parent or carer can get reassurance on important issues such as insurance, health and safety, criminal record c
hecks, training, qualifications, class content and much more.
As one parent said regarding the CAA –
With so many clubs and classes to choose from it’s so hard to know which are the best and what I should be asking when I leave my children in the care of a class leader. In the past I just wrongly assumed kids’ activities must have to be regulated. Knowing that the CAA has asked those important questions to help keep my child safe is fantastic – so now I just look for their logo!”
Having achieved Gold CAA accreditation means that diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester has been independently verified as having met or exceeded all the necessary elements of the CAA Code of Practice. This accomplishment offers parents peace of mind when selecting an activity from the myriad of providers out there.
Anne-Marie, commented on the accreditation process and Liz’s success:
“Using the CAA accreditation system to ensure all our franchisees are performing to not only our high standards but also a nationally recognised association too is so important to us. It’s fantastic seeing our fifth franchise gain gold accreditation. Having only taken this franchise over a year ago, it’s fantastic to see the turnaround Liz has given it. She is truly deserving of her gold accreditation as she is running a brilliant franchise.”
Adding to this Liz of diddi dance SE Hampshire and Chichester said:
“I’m so pleased to receive my Gold Children’s Activities Association Accreditation, I hope it gives our parents and carers confidence that our classes are run to the very highest standards, as well as being brilliant fun. As a business owner, it makes me proud to know that our classes have been externally checked and have received GOLD accreditation status.”
diddi dance Franchisee Liz who runs diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester recently became the 5th diddi dance franchise to be fully accredited by the Children’s Activity Association. To read all about her recent achievement just click here.
Because of this success, we at diddi dance wanted to take the time to tell you all about Liz and diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester here!
How long have you been with diddi dance?
One year.
What did you do before joining diddi dance?
I worked in PR.
What do you love m
ost about diddi dance and running your own business?
“The flexibility to do a job I love that fits in with my life and home commitments.
What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of diddi dance?
Being able to have such fun with the children each week!
What has been a highlight for you since taking on your diddi dance?
I love going to our diddi dance conferences, learning more form our head office team and the other franchisees we’re lucky to have such a supportive network!
What is something you are looking forward to as you continue with your diddi dance franchise?
“I’m really looking forward to being able to share diddi dance with more children we’re growing our classes and preschool sessions all the time so we can encourage ore pre-schoolers to get up and moving – aiming to encourage health
y habits for life!
What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?
I love seeing the children gain in confidence, learn to do something they couldn’t do last week and sharing their fun and excitement.
What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?
The flexibility to make sure I’m there for my children when they need me!
What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?
I’m so proud to be Gold accredited with the CAA running my own business is new to me but I’m so pleased to have these guidelines to follow tot know we’re offering our families the best possible class.
And finally, what is your favourite diddi dance theme and why?
I love the disco dance we’ve just finished it’s so fun and the music has such a catchy beat!
diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. They are as follows:
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
To attend any of the above classes or to express interest in having a FREE trial get in touch with diddi dance SE Hampshire & Chichester! You can email them on liz.chisnalldiddidance.com, call 07855 412837, message them on Facebook at @diddidanceSEHantsandChi or fill in her free enquiry form by clicking here.
diddi dance North Kent (Bexley & Dartford) has a new owner – Jane Mitchell! She will be taking over the management and direction of all classes & sessions running currently in the area and will be launching some new ones this upcoming September.
The classes that will be running from 10th September are:
Mondays:
Wednesday
Feel free to email Jane directly now to book a FREE trial or secure your spot in any of the above classes for September via jane.mitchell@diddidance.com.
A little bit more about Jane:
Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Jane and I live in New Eltham London with my husband Neil and our two year old daughter Lucy, I have two teenage stepdaughters Cara and Nancy.
What did you do before diddi dance?
I have been hairdressing for over 20 years along with many different managerial roles at different times in other different customer focused environments. Including supervisory, managerial and proprietor all with teams working for me requiring training, support and HR.
How were you affiliated with your new diddi dance franchise before taking it over?
I attended diddi dance with Lucy and had such a great time it seemed like a fantastic opportunity.
What made you want to take on an already established diddi dance?
My initial interest in diddi dance was upon finding out that my local area franchise was available for purchase. As a parent at a class I was able to see the business in its true light. Taking on an established and reasonably small franchise I felt that I had a great business model to enable me to understand and learn the workings of the business, before expanding and exploring the territory further.
And finally, what are you looking forward to the most with your new diddi dance franchise?
After lone working for five years now I’m really excited to a part of a team again, having a network of support as well as my own teachers to work with.
This is a totally new venture for me a fantastic challenge and I’m looking forward to building a successful business and secure future for my family.
diddi dance Northwich, Sandbach & Surrounding has a new owner – Laura Makinson! She will be taking over the management and direction of all classes & sessions running currently in the area and will be launching some new ones this upcoming September.
The classes that will be running from 4th September are:
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Feel free to email Laura directly now to book a FREE trial or secure your spot in any of the above classes for September via laura.makinson@diddidance.com.
A little bit more about Laura:
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Hi I’m Laura and 37 years old. I’m married to my husband Neil a mum to Will (12yrs old), Phoebe (7yrs old) & James (4yrs old). In September our youngest will be starting school and it will be the first time in 12 years that I will not have a little one at home. It’s going to be emotional and thankfully the opportunity of becoming a diddi dance franchise owner came along at the perfect time.
Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster with far too many lows unfortunately, but what it has taught me is to put my priorities in the right order. I want to be able to take my kids to school and be there for them at the end of the day, plus that when I spend my time working it is doing a job that I’m passionate about. The skills I have learned from previous jobs and from being a diddi dance teacher give me the confidence that being a diddi dance franchise owner will be a job I enjoy and gives me the flexibility to be the mum I want to be for my children.
I love being active too and play in the Cheshire Squash league, as well as playing part time for a netball team. I enjoy running regularly too and find it’s a great way to clear my head. I’m not a qualified dancer but I do love to dance and especially love teaching young children.
What did you do before diddi dance?
I have always loved textiles, art and fashion. I studied at Leeds University with the goal of going on to be a buyer. I graduated with a 1st Class Degree and went on to become part of the buying team for NEXT home. I loved my time at NEXT and left after having my first child. I moved from Leicester back to where I grew up, in Northwich. I went on to work for Eurocamp as a Holiday Advisor. The opportunity to become part of the Eurocamp marketing team arose and I started off as a Marketing Executive, working my way up to Sub Brand Co-ordinator. I worked at Eurocamp for over 9 years and when the opportunity came to take voluntary redundancy whilst on maternity leave I took it. I wanted to spend more time with my children and find a more rewarding job. I met Emma Hayward after attending diddi dance classes with my children and learned there was a job vacancy to teach. To be honest, I really didn’t think I would be offered the job but so happy Emma took a punt on me. I love teaching and the timing of Emma selling part of her Cheshire territory is perfect and I really look forward to the challenges of being a franchise owner.
How were you affiliated with your new diddi dance franchise before taking it over?
I have been a diddi dance teacher since November 2016 and taught twice a week at Hartford & Barnton plus teaching weekly at a preschool in Cotebrook.
What made you want to take on an already established diddi dance?
I personally feel there are less risks of taking on an already established diddi dance franchise. There are performance results to review and analyse and I have had the opportunity of talking about the business with the previous owner, which help with learnings and decisions to move it forward. It is also a region that I live in and know which really helps and as a teacher I have great target market knowledge which will be useful for gaining and retaining customers.
And finally, what are you looking forward to the most with your new diddi dance franchise?
Having a job which fulfils my desire of being a business owner, but without the associated risks by being part of a franchise. I love working individually but it’s great that you are also part of a team of ambitious ladies that all support each other. I love that it will test me, push me and that you can keep growing your business. There will be tough times but when it works it will be so rewarding. I love that there is so much variety too, marketing, teaching, admin, training, dance routines to learn and more – I don’t think there is ever the chance of feeling bored with diddi dance – it is going to be all systems go!
We here at diddi dance HO would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest franchisee, Hayley, who will be running the new franchise – diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding.
Hayley’s first classes will be:
To book your toddler onto any of the above classes fill in our Book a Free Trial form and address it to Hayley, or you can email her directly by clicking here 🙂
A little bit more about Hayley:
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am engaged to my partner of 13 years and we have two beautiful children – Our daughter who is 4 and our son who is 1. My daughter is due to start school in September so we’ve been enjoying some lovely quality time this summer as a family including camping and some lovely days out. We also love to go cycling together as a family as my daughter has recently learnt to ride a bike.
What did you do before diddi dance?
I have been a stay at home mum for the last 2 years since having my son, but prior to that I was a Youth Worker for 12 years working with young people who were educationally and socially excluded and also helping to set up provision for community/youth groups who wanted to provide services for young people, including art, drama, dance and sporting sessions. My first role in the Youth Service was as a dance co-ordinator, helping set up and run dance sessions around York.
Why did you choose a diddi dance franchise?
I felt there were a number of reasons that diddi dance seemed like the perfect fit. Firstly, I could go back to my first love in life, which is teaching dancing, something I am very passionate about. I also loved the flexibility of working my business around my family , not compromising my own commitments such as being able to drop/pick my daughter up from school.
What are you most excited about for your new business?
I’m just so excited to see how much fun the children are going to have in their classes, as seeing their faces light up when they’re having so much fun is amazing. It’s such a high energy and positive class it will be a joy to go to work everyday!
And finally, which diddi dance theme are you looking forward to the most and why?
Hip hop! I always taught street dance so that style of dance is something I love. I’m also really excited to do Bollywood as it’s such a fun and energetic dance style!
Hayley’s classes will be starting with our Disco theme so don’t forget to book your FREE trial today!
We are thrilled with the news that this year we have been awarded Best Early Childhood Dance Classes. The 2018 UK Enterprise Awards showcase the very best businesses from across the UK’s corporate landscape.
Jessie Wilson, Awards Coordinator, discusses the success of this year’s programme:
“UK based enterprises are renowned for their diversity and ability to progress through tough times. As we turn our backs on the recession it is now more important than ever to seek out hard working, innovative and diverse business owners and offer them a platform to further succeed, and as such it is my pleasure to announce the publication of this year’s awards. Congratulations to all of my winners; you have each exhibited determination, passion and a will to succeed which I hope continues into the future.”
Founder of diddi dance, Anne-Marie, said of the win:
“At diddi dance we are really honoured to have won this award. It always makes us feel proud to gain industry recognition for our business. I feel the reason for our success is down to our passion. Not only do we love working with children, and seeing them develop, but also being able to offer other individuals a flexible working opporutnity
SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.
See all the other deserving winners in the winners supplement and find us on pg 70 or read our feature below.
