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diddi dance becomes a hero partner for CAW2020

December 2, 2019 by Helena Rigby

diddi dance are excited to announce that we have officially become a hero partner for Children’s Activity Week 2020.

Children’s Activity Week will take place next summer from 8th-13th June 2020 to fundraise for Caudwell Children.

Its also a chance for us to celebrate the hundreds of thousands of activities, clubs and classes running across the UK, benefiting both parents and children, from babies to primary school age. The variety of activities highlight the many health, well-being, social and educational benefits for the whole family.

Along with the inspiring and dedicated people, companies and experts that provide these amazing activities, everyone takes part in a whole week of fun and fundraising to change the lives of children with autism and continues to raise standards across all children’s activities.

The theme in 2019 was ‘Watch Me Fly’ and raised a staggering £139,000.

The launch event takes place in February so look out for more information, and we hope you’ll be able to join us in one of our classes during the week to celebrate.

Filed Under: Campaign, Celebrate, Charity, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Get children moving!, National News, Uncategorized, Winter Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance founder Anne-Marie Martin wins big at the National What’s On 4 Awards 2019

October 15, 2019 by Helena Rigby

The winners of the National What’s On 4 Awards for the Children’s Activities Sector with Morton Michel were announced at a special awards ceremony last Friday. We are absolutely thrilled and proud to announce that our very own founder of diddi dance Anne-Marie Martin, was presented with the highest honour of The Lifetime Achievement Award.

What’s on 4 said “Anne-Marie’s devotion and passion for the industry is awe-inspiring and relentless. We can’t think of a better name to add to the Lifetime Achievement hall of fame for children’s activities.”

As with the other What’s On 4 awards, The Lifetime Achievement award isn’t voted for by customers which means that Anne-Marie’s achievements over nearly 17 years have been recognised by industry leaders as truly exceptional and worthy of bestowing this most prestigious award.

These pioneering awards were launched in 2007 to celebrate the UK’s best children’s clubs and classes, along with leaders, volunteers and party providers for children – as nominated and voted for by the experts – parents, carers and parents-to-be.

Over the last decade, the What’s On 4 Kids Awards have become established as the industry accolade with hundreds of exceptional businesses and individuals in the flourishing sector keen to be part of the action and be in with a chance to be revealed as a finalist or winner!

Anne-Marie said “I am absolutely honoured and delighted to have been recognised for my work with diddi dance, in receiving The Lifetime Achievement award from What’s On 4 and to join such prestigious previous winners of this award is indeed a privilege.”

Now in its 13th year, this National awards programme welcomes the return of headline sponsor Morton Michel and supporters STA and ClassBiz alongside ceremony hosts, NatWest. Parents and carers logged on to What’s On 4 Kids to cast a massive 80,000 nominations and votes to ensure that their ‘most-loved’ were in the running.

What’s On 4 Kids Managing Director, Sam Willoughby, concluded

‘Each and every year it’s a pleasure to welcome back so many activities, keen to be part of these National awards once again but it’s also so exciting to see the new nominees from this thriving sector being showcased for the first time. We know from parents’ testimonials how clubs, classes and individual leaders have such a positive impact on the lives of their children and it’s an honour therefore to publicly recognise and celebrate these activity providers in this way. Huge thank you to NatWest, Morton Michel and all our sponsors and supporters as well as the thousands of parent voters for being such a massive part of the What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2019’.
Previous winners of The Lifetime Achievement Award were Steve Franks (Water Babies) in 2017 and Kathy Doolan (Rhythm Time) in 2018.

Whats On 4 Awards 

Filed Under: Autumn, Awards, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance – encouraging a love of moving that will last a lifetime

September 9, 2019 by Helena Rigby

💚💗💙 diddi dance – encouraging a love of moving that will last a lifetime 💚💗💙

We are leading the way in encouraging activity and movement in a fun and safe environment, and are sharing a brand new video to show parents exactly what they can expect from joining in a diddi dance class with their little ones.

Our founder Anne-Marie Martin said “we have created a brand-new video for diddi dance, which looks to convey our core mission – encouraging a love of moving that will last a lifetime.

We are absolutely committed to providing a healthy, welcoming and safe environment for the next generation, giving families a way of enjoying movement together and inspiring children from the crucial early years stage to enjoy moving.”

Try a diddi dance class near you today 💃🏻🕺🏼

 

Filed Under: Autumn, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

NEW classes starting in September 2019

August 14, 2019 by Helena Rigby

funky preschool dance classes girls boys

We are excited to announce we have lots of new classes starting this September. See below what’s running in your area and contact your local diddi dance to join.

Our new theme for September will be BOLLYWOOD!

 

In the meantime we do still have a number of summer classes running throughout August with our Reggae theme so why not take a look here for those to keep up with the fun.

 

diddi dance Southport, Sefton & West Lancashire:

  • Starting Friday 13th September @ 9.45am – Jump Warehouse (31 Slaidburn limited), Unit 31 Slaidburn Industrial Estate, Southport, PR9 9YF

diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding:

  • Starting Tuesday 10th September @ 9.30am – St Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Drive, York, YO23 1BW
  • Starting Tuesday 10th September @ 1.30pm – Captain Barney’s, 14 Railway Street, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 7NR
  • Starting Thursday 12th September @ 11.15am – Eversley Park Centre, Low Street, Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire, LS25 6BA

diddi dance Wirral:

  • Starting Saturday 7th September @ 10.30am  – Jireh Hall, Teehey Gardens, Bebington, CH63 2JH

diddi dance Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield & North Walsall:

  • Starting Wednesday 11th September @ 9:45-10:30am – St Mary’s Church, Market Square, Lichfield Town Centre

diddi dance Loughborough, Hinckley, Oadby & Surrounding:

  • Starting Tuesday 3rd  September @ 10am –  360 play, (free stay and play after class), Meridian Leisure Park, Lubbesthorpe Way, Leicester LE19 1JZ
  • Starting Wednesday 4th September @ 945am – Glenfield Scout Hall,  Stamford St, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8DL
  • Starting Sunday 8th September @ 11am – Parklands Leisure Centre, Washbrook Ln, Wigston Rd, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5QG

diddi dance North London:

  • Starting Friday 13th September @  11:30-12:15pm – Huggle, 8-10 Winchester Road, London NW3 3NT

diddi dance Bexley & Dartford:

  • Starting Monday 9th September @ 1.30pm – Christchurch Community Hall, Eltham, SE9 1TX
  • Starting Tuesday 10th September @ 1pm – Holy Trinity, Sidcup DA15 9AE
  • Starting Thursday 12th September @ 9.30am – St Stephens, Welling DA16 3QL
  • Starting Thursday 12th September @ 11am – Hall Place Sports Pavilion, Bexley DA5 1PQ
  • Starting Thursday 12th September @ 1pm – Stone Pavilion, Greenhithe DA99DS
  • Starting Friday 13th September @ 10.30am – Chislehurst Methodist Church, BR75LX
  • Starting Friday 13th September @ 10am – New Eltham, SE9 3UL

diddi dance Bromley, Dulwich & Surrounding

  • Starting Monday 16th September @ 9.25am and 10.15am – Forest Hill V22 Community Studios, Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3HZ

diddi dance South East Hampshire & Chichester:

  • Starting Monday 9th September @ 10am – Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0JP
  • Starting Tuesday 10th September @ 11am – The Avenue Pavillion Petersfield GU31 4JQ
  • Starting Wednesday 11th September @ 9.45am  – The Regis Centre – Bognor Belmont Street, Bognor Regis, PO21 1BL
  • Starting Friday 13th September @ 9.45am  – Donnington Village Hall, Stockbridge Road, Donnington, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8QT

diddi dance Torbay, Central Exeter & Surrounding:

  • Starting Tuesday 10th September @ 10am –  Teignmouth Pavilions Studio, Teignmouth Pavilions, Den Cres, Teignmouth, TQ14 8BG
  • Starting Friday 13th September @ 10am – St Lukes Church Parish Hall, Lower Hall, St Lukes Road, Torquay, TQ2 5NX
  • Starting Thursday 19th September @ 10am – Bradley Barton Community Centre, Mill Close, Bradley Barton, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1UR
  • Starting Monday 30th September @ 9.45am – Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG

diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding

  • Starting Wednesday 18th September @ 1.30pm – Moo Music Café, Mutley Plain, Plymouth PL4 6JJ


Filed Under: Autumn, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance receives 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction rating

August 1, 2019 by Helena Rigby

diddi dance has received the results of its Franchise Satisfaction Survey conducted with Work Buzz. This is to ensure that we can continue to build upon the work we do with our franchise network and to improve the service we provide to our franchisees.

For the 6th year running, diddi dance is extremely proud to have been awarded the 5 Star Satisfaction Award from the survey, with an overall satisfaction score achieved of 85%.

Work Buzz describe the survey objective,

“to identify and understand how the franchise is performing through the eyes of its franchisees. This survey covers the critical areas of training and support, products and services, marketing, franchisee-franchisor relations, leadership and rewards.”

Just some of the feedback we received about our diddi dance franchise from our current franchisees includes:

“Always very supportive. Always available to help at any time.”

“The branding is incredible and the new marketing is very innovative.”

“A great support system.”

“An excellent leadership team.”

Top franchisors, based on the feedback, are then shortlisted for the Best Franchise Awards 

To be part of our award-winning franchise network please get in touch today!

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrate, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Get children moving!, National News, Summer, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

Summer classes

July 24, 2019 by Helena Rigby

We have a number of classes taking place throughout the summer with our Reggae theme. Take a look below to see what is running in your area and contact your local diddi dance to join in the summer fun.

 

diddi dance Lancaster, Preston & Kendal:

  • Monday 29th July @ 10:30am  – Galloway’s, Penwortham, Galloway’s, Howick House, Howick Park Avenue, Penwortham PR1 0LS
  • Friday 2nd August @ 9:30am – Galloway Hall, Fulwood, Galloway Hall, Brackenbury Road, Fulwood PR2 3BS
  • Friday 2nd August @ 11am – Lancaster Leisure Park, Lancaster Leisure Park, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster LA1 3LA

diddi dance York, Ryedale, Selby & Surrounding:

  • Mondays 5th & 12th August @10am – St Oswalds Church, Main Street, Fulford, YO31 4HJ
  • Thursdays 25th July, 1st August & 8th August @ 10am – Spearehead Hall, St Mary’s Parish Church, Church Road, Strensall, YO32 5UN

diddi dance Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield & North Walsall:

  • Monday 22nd & 29th  July @ 9.45am – Mere Green Community Centre, B75 5BT
  • Tuesdays 23rd July & 30th July @ 9:45am – Avon Centre, WS11 1LH
  • Thursdays 25th July & 8th August @ 9:45am – Pelsall Village Centre, WS4 3LX
  • Thursdays 1st August & 15th August @ 9:45am – Oak Park Active Living Centre, WS9 9BH
  • Saturdays 3rd August & 10th August @ 10am – Pelsall Village Centre, WS3 4LX
  • Saturday 3rd August @ 9:45am – Little Aston Village Hall, B734 3UF

diddi dance Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire & Stafford:

  • Fridays 26th July, 2nd & 9th August (3 weeks) @ 9.45am – The Red House Albrighton WV7 3LU, £5 per child
  • Mondays 29th July & 5th August (2 weeks) @ 10am – Bilston Methodist Church WV14 7NB, £5 per child
  • Mondays 29th July & 5th August (2weeks) @ 10.15am – Stafford Rangers Football Club ST16 3BX, £5 per child
  • Tuesdays 30th July & 6th August (2 weeks) @ 10.15am – Newhampton Arts Centre Wolverhampton WV1 4AN, £5 per child
  • Thursdays 1st & 8th August (2weeks) @ 10.15am – Landywood Children’s Centre, Great Wyrley WS6 6AQ, £5 per child
  • Saturday 3rd August (1 week only!) – Newbridge Preparatory School, Tettenhall WV6 0LH, £5 per child

diddi dance Reading & Wokingham:

  • Wednesday 24th July @ 10am – St Barnabas Church Hall, Elm Road, Earley, Reading, RG6 5TS
    Thursday 25th July @ 10am – Wokingham Youth & Community Centre, 35 Reading Road, Wokingham, RG41 1EG
    Monday 29th July @ 10am – Emmanuel Church Centre, Southlake Crescent, Woodley, RG5 3QW
    Tuesday 30th July @ 10am – Lord Harris Court*, Mole Road, Sindlesham, RG41 5EA
    Thursday 8th August@ 10am – Wokingham Youth & Community Centre
    Friday 9th August @ 10am – YMCA (Sports Hall), 34 Parkside Road, Reading, RG30 2DD
    Wednesday 21st August @ 10am – St Barnabas Church Hall, Earley
    Thursday 22nd August @ 10am – Wokingham Youth & Community Centre
    Tuesday 27th August @ 10am – Lord Harris Court*, Sindlesham,
    *Inter-generational class in a residential care home

diddi dance Harrow & North Hillingdon:

  • Monday 29th July and 5th August @ 9:45am – Pinner Methodist Church, Love Lane, HA5 3EE
    Wednesday 31st July & 7th August @ 9:45am, South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park Hall, Long Drive , HA4 0HS
    Friday 2nd August & 9th August @ 10:00am – Bernays Memorial Hall,25 The Broadway, Stanmore ,HA7 4DA

diddi dance North London:

Classes running between 5th -23rd August

  • Mondays @ 10am & 11am – Artsdepot, North Finchley, 5 Nether Street, N12 0GA
  • Monday 12th and 19th August @ 10am – West Reservoir Centre, Stoke Newington, Green Lanes, N4 2HA
  • Tuesdays @ 10am – Lift Youths Hub, Angel, 45 White Lion Street, N1 9PW
  • Tuesdays @ 10am – Crouch End Picturehouse, Crouch End, 165 Tottenham Lane, N8 9BY
  • Fridays @ 10.30am – Huggle, Swiss Cottage, 8-10 Winchester Road, NW3 3NT

diddi dance London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames:

  • Wednesday 7th, 14th & 21st August @ 9:45 – Crane Community Centre Twickenham TW2 6NH
  • Thursday 8th ,15th & 22nd August @ 10am – St Johns Centre Isleworth TW7 6RU
  • Friday 9th ,16th & 23rd August @ 10am Bright Horizons Nursery North Sheen TW9 1XS

diddi dance Bexley & Dartford:

  • Wednesday 24th July @ 10am – Bexley Cricket Club DA5 3QG
  • Wednesday 31st July, 14th August & 28th August @10am – New Eltham SE9 3UL

diddi dance South East London:
Classes running between Monday 22nd July to Friday 6th September:

  • Mondays @ 10am – Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, London SE3 7SE (no class on 26th August bank holiday)
  • Tuesdays @10am – Greenwich West, Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8JA
  • Wednesdays @ 10am – Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, London SE3 7SE
  • Thursdays @ 10am – Good Shepherd Church, Handen Road, London SE12 8NR
  • Fridays @ 10am – Under 1 Roof, Skeffington Street, London SE18 6SR

diddi dance Plymouth & Surrounding

  • Monday 22 July, 29 July, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug @ 9.45am – Woolwell Centre, Darklake Lane, Plymouth PL6 7T
  • Monday 22 July, 29 July, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug @9.45am – Pomphlett Church, Pomphlett Road, Plymstock PL9 7BL
  • Tuesday 23 July, 30 July, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug @ 9.45am Trinity Church, Torr Lane, Plymouth PL3 3NY
  • Wednesday 24 July, 31 July, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug @ 9.45am – Hemerdon Village Hall, 1 Southview, Hemerdon, Nr Plympton PL7 5BU
  • Friday 26 July, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug @ 9.45am – Tothill Community Centre, Knighton Road, St Judes, Plymouth PL4 9DA
  • Friday 26 July, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug @ 9.45am – Ivybridge Scout Hut, St Leonards Road, Ivybridge PL21 0SL
    Saturday 3 Aug, 10 Aug, 17 Aug @ 9.30am – Tothill Community Centre, Knighton Road, St Judes, Plymouth PL4 9DA

 


Filed Under: Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Summer, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance wins at EWIF awards

May 2, 2019 by Helena Rigby

Our very own diddi dance Founder Anne-Marie Martin was yesterday awarded the highest accolade at the EWIF awards 2019 – Inspirational Woman Franchisor 2019, sponsored by Little Voices.

We are delighted to be celebrating this most prestigious of awards for Anne-Marie at diddi dance HQ.

Anne-Marie was awarded the title at the EWIF ceremony yesterday, due to a hugely successful year last year, both as a franchisor, for her brand and network, and personally. This included delivering talks at local women’s networking events, sharing her experiences at franchising events, and inspiring the next generation at local schools, advocating franchising at every opportunity.

Improvements to the franchisee training and ongoing support, has seen the network feeling more motivated and empowered with even more webinars, face-to-face meetings, and forums. As a result, based on franchisee satisfaction, the franchise has been awarded 5* status for five years in a row. Whilst overall turnover increased, right across the network.

 

We also give huge congratulations to our franchisee Charlotte Foxley who runs diddi dance North Essex and South Suffolk, for winning Woman Franchisee of the Year 2019, Sponsored by McDonalds.

Charlotte runs a team of six teachers who cover 20 classes a week and works with several nurseries and special needs schools delivering diddi dance. Charlotte’s business is the first diddi dance franchisee to complete the Para Dance Instructor qualification in July.

And a massive well done to Emily Norman who runs diddi dance Bristol, for making it as a finalist in her category of  Young Woman in Franchising, a brilliant achievement.

We’re so proud of all of our diddi finalists and winners!

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Spring, Summer, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance nominated for What On 4 Kids Awards 2019

May 1, 2019 by Helena Rigby

diddi dance are excited to say we have been nominated for two What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2019 in the following categories:

Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity – Franchisor or Independent Taught By 30+ Leaders
Most Loved Party Activity – with 40+ Leaders Overall

These awards celebrate the UK’s biggest brands in the world of kids’ activities, the nations most talented teachers and class leaders, the most amazing volunteers and best party people – as nominated and voted for by the experts – parents, carers and parents-to-be.

If you can spare a minute please vote for us then wish us luck for a win!

Closing date for voting is 12 noon on 24th June 2019.

Filed Under: Awards, Campaign, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Party, Spring, Summer, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

All About diddi dance Reading & Wokingham

April 30, 2019 by Helena Rigby

diddi dance Franchisee Andrea who runs diddi dance Reading & Wokingham recently became the 6th 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 Andrea and diddi dance Reading & Wokinham here!

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I launched my first class in January 2014 – so I’m now well into my sixth year.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

After completing a degree in Sports Science, I started out working as a Lifestyle Consultant in a Health Club, where I also taught Exercise to Music classes. I then moved on to Leisure Centre, and finally, Sports Park management where I also completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Sports Management) by distance learning. After about a decade I fancied a change from operational work and took on the role of Account Manager at a specialist Sports/Fitness Public Relations agency. My clients here included Life Fitness, Leisure Connection, DC Leisure and Lifetime Training. I continued working at Promote PR until my second child was born in 2010.
Over the years I’ve participated in many different dance disciplines from Ballroom to Belly to Bollywood! My major interest, since the age of three, has been Highland dancing. Following my competitive career, the pinnacle of which was winning the English Championships, I began dancing professionally (on a part-time basis whilst studying). I was lucky enough to perform in cabaret at many top London hotels, with engagements further afield including tours of Japan, Sicily and Spain.

What do you love most about diddi dance and running your own business?

I believe that in order to make any business successful, you need to be passionate about your product or service – and dance is my passion. Quite simply – I love dancing and moving to music! I think dance is one of the best ways to keep fit, healthy and happy. As a child I used to spend hours dancing around my dining room to my dad’s records and I love that I now get to do this as my full-time job! I honestly believe that the role of diddi dance franchisee was made for me – as I get to combine my love of dance with the knowledge and experience of business management I’ve gained over the years. And it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to share my joy and enthusiasm for dancing with hundreds of young children and to help inspire them to get moving!

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of diddi dance?

Whilst it’s been hard work, it’s also been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. I think it would be fair to say that diddi dance gave me back a real sense of purpose, self-worth, confidence and control – all things that I feel I lost somewhere along the line between being a full time employee and becoming a ‘stay at home’ mum.
It’s always amazing, and humbling, to witness how much of an impact you’ve had on your little students’ lives. I love seeing children blossom in class from shy little toddlers, clinging to mum; to confident young children – happy to show off their funky moves at the front of the class! And it’s always really special to hear parents telling you that their child has named their favourite cuddly toy after you; or doesn’t stop talking about diddi dance all week; or gallops their way down the aisle in Sainsbury’s; or pretends to be you – calling the register for their dolls; or makes their vegetables at tea time do the ‘Circle Dance’ around their plate! All these things are simply priceless.

What has been a highlight for you since taking on your diddi dance?

I think attending the launch event for the Reading Children’s Festival again last year and having so many previous and current diddi dancers and parents seek me out and tell me how much they love diddi dance, or how much their little one gets/got from the classes, or how great they think one of my teachers is – has to be a real highlight. Not least because it represents the huge journey I’ve taken… From the first time I attended the event (five years ago) – when I could barely get anyone to even take a flyer from me! But perseverance pays and year by year, as the company has grown, I’ve gone from being largely ignored that first year, to feeling like a bit of a minor celebrity five years down the line!

What is something you are looking forward to as you continue with your diddi dance franchise?

I really enjoy all aspects of running the business. I get a real buzz from the practical teaching side, but I also love the marketing, financial management, business planning, HR management, accounting and even the administration! I’ve got a very clear plan of what I want to achieve this year and what direction I want the business to go in, so I’m looking forward to working towards my goals and objectives and continuing to grow.

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

It’s very hard to beat the magical feeling you get when you have a class full of toddlers all giggling at your silly antics and you know you’ve got them completely engaged and absorbed in the activity!

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

I’m quite self-motivated and hard working so I really like the fact that “you get out what you put in” when you’re running your own business. I’ve been able to achieve a (fairly) healthy work/life balance and can work my hours around what’s best for my family. Having ultimate control over the growth of the business has been great and I love that I’ve had the opportunity to scale it up as my children have become a little more independent and my available work hours have increased.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

I always set myself and my team the highest of standards, as I truly believe that “if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well!” I pride myself on the quality of service I provide my customers and, wherever possible, I try to exceed their expectations, so it means a lot to be awarded Gold accreditation from the CAA. With so many toddler classes around today, I believe it’s really important for parents to have the peace of mind that the activity they’ve chosen is setting the benchmark for quality control in all aspects of the business.

And finally, what is your favourite diddi dance theme and why?

For me, variety is the spice of life, so each time a new theme begins, it feels like my new favourite! (Having 16 different dance styles to work through is one of the things I love best about diddi dance.) But if I really have to choose one, I would go for the Jive – I love the full on energy and commitment required and the sheer joy that you can’t help feeling when you’re kicking and flicking! And the ‘Dinnertime’ track used for the Jive is toe-tappingly brilliant!

 

diddi dance Reading & Wokingham currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. They are as follows:

Mondays

  • 9.30am at Caversham Heights Methodist Church, 74 Highmoor Road, RG4 7BG
  • 10am at Emmanuel Church Centre, Southlake Crescent, Woodley, RG5 3QW

Tuesdays

  • 10am at Lord Harris Court, Mole Road, Sindlesham, RG41 5EA (inter-generational class)
  • 10am at St Luke’s Parish Hall, Erleigh Road, Reading, RG1 5QY
  • 1.45pm at Tilehurst Methodist Church, 26 School Road, RG31 5AN

Wednesdays

  • 10am at St Barnabas Church Hall, Elm Road, Earley, RG6 5TS
  • 1.45pm at Wokingham Community Centre, 35 Reading Road, RG41 1EG

Thursdays

  • 10am at Wokingham Community Centre, 35 Reading Road, RG41 1EG

Fridays

  • 10am at Reading YMCA, (Sports Hall), 34 Parkside Road, RG30 2DD
  • 1.45pm at Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, RG2 9EH

Saturdays

  • 9am & 10am at Radstock Community Centre, Radstock Lane, Lower Earley, RG6 5UZ
  • 9am & 10am at Coronation Hall, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JB

Filed Under: Awards, Campaign, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

diddi dance Reading & Wokingham receives CAA Gold Accreditation

April 30, 2019 by Helena Rigby

The team at diddi dance, the brand behind the much loved preschool dance classes, are extremely proud to announce their franchise diddi dance Reading & Wokingham 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 Reading & Wokingham’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 Andrea Bickford and her franchise diddi dance Reading & Wokingham.

Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance Reading & Wokingham to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Andrea’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.

Andrea opened diddi dance Reading & Wokingam in January 2014 and now runs numerous classes in the area, and has gone on to grow it into one of the most recognisable diddi dance brands in the nation, Becoming a Gold accredited member of the CAA is the latest achievement in the brand’s 6 year success story supporting dancing toddlers weekly.

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 checks, 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 Reading & Wokingham 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 Andrea’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. Andrea is a great asset to our franchise network, she is motivated, hard working and driven, and through her attention to detail its fantastic she has now been awarded her gold accreditation”.

Adding to this Andrea of diddi dance Reading & Wokingham said:

“I always set myself and my team the highest of standards, as I truly believe that “if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well!” I pride myself on the quality of service I provide my customers and, wherever possible, I try to exceed their expectations, so it means a lot to be awarded Gold accreditation from the CAA. With so many toddler classes around today, I believe it’s really important for parents to have the peace of mind that the activity they’ve chosen is setting the benchmark for quality control in all aspects of the business”.

Congratulations again to Andrea and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Reading & Wokingham visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrate, Classes, diddi dance, Franchisees, Franchising, Free Trial, Get children moving!, Local News, National News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Featured

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