A local business dedicated to teaching children Spanish has been nominated for two small business awards.
Multi-award winning Kidslingo Spanish Nuneaton & Hinckley has been nominated for:
- Club Hub UK Awards for both Franchisee of the Year and Female Entrepreneur
- Little Ankle Biters Awards for Best Children's Activity for Best Children's Activity in Warwickshire
Through interactive learning – via songs, games, Makaton, active story-telling and let's pretend – children from birth to the age of 11 are learning Spanish and building their confidence and communication skills with Kidslingo.
Franchisee Christina, has been running the franchise for just three years and serves the postcodes CV9/10/11/12/13 and LE10. She said she is delighted to be in the finals of two prestigious awards.
Cristina said: "We are so pleased that our hard work and dedication has been recognised, especially being nominated by parents in the Little Ankle Biters Awards. To be in the final of two categories in the Club Hub UK awards is almost unbelievable."
97 finalists were shortlisted from over 1,000 applications, representing 268 businesses. The standard of applications was very high and represented a diverse range of kids' activities, clubs and related businesses.
The Club Hub Awards are the only national awards for activity providers with entry by application form only, no voting. The awards are independently judged by a panel of expert judges, most of whom are children's activity professionals or specialists in their field.
The judges select winners based on their commitment to excellence, innovation and growth of their business, demonstrated through their business performance, achievements, brand values and passion for what they do.
Despite all its challenges, 2020 was an amazing year for Kidslingo Spanish Nuneaton & Hinckley. At the beginning of 2020 the franchise had reached its peak. Along with her tutor Maria, Cristina had a portfolio of nine schools and 24 classes per week in total across schools, private tuition, community classes and early years settings.
The franchise has consistently been in the top 5% of 85 franchisees and remained there through the pandemic.
During the first lockdown the business was able to quickly diversify to online lessons and retained two thirds of its customers. A satisfaction survey was carried out in June which gave an average score of 8/10 and continued to receive positive feedback about classes.
By September the they were able to return to the largest school and to gain two more, as well as a new early years setting. Kidslingo Spanish Nuneaton & Hinckley is now teaching in four schools and returning to two more after Easter.
"Currently we are restricted to online group classes but that does not stop the fun. The interactive live video classes are now the norm and are available via computer, phone or tablet for existing and new customers. As well as the live classes, there are additional resources, including weekly crafts, learning activities and online games. Parents are relieved to know that their children are still able to participate in an activity that brings so much joy.
"I just want to let you know that we really appreciate the on-line learning that you do, and we think it's working fantastic. The materials you send over every week to do some practice at home are great: they are easy enough for parents to follow and enjoyable and fun for kids at the same time."
Bringing back routine and safe social interaction for children is incredibly important to preserve the mental health and wellbeing of young children. Many feel the loss of their daily activities and seeing their friends, so they can interact with them in Spanish class instead.
To find out more visit
the Kidslingo website.