Latest MAD Academy News
MAD Academy in the Press
Trish Nawacki is
featured in the Daily Mail this week!
Read more>>>
WO4LO AWARDS
MAD Academy has been nominated, by you, for
TWO prestigious What’s on 4 Little Ones Awards!!
It is the second year MAD Academy has been among the nominees for this award
programme which celebrates the best children’s activities across the UK, as
nominated and voted for by parents.
Helen Harrington, founder of MAD Academy, said ‘We are extremely proud to
have been nominated in the ‘Best National Baby & Toddler Development
Activity’ category. It is so rewarding to be recognised like this by our
customers and to know our classes are such a hit with young children and
parents. I would like to thank all our class instructors for making their
classes so inspiring and engaging!’
One class instructor in particular has made such a huge impression on their
parents and children that they have been singled out for an award
themselves. Maggie
Duerden, who runs classes in the Dorking
area, Surrey, has been nominated by her parents as the Most Outstanding
Activity Leader For Under 5s. Congratulations Maggie for this superb
achievement!!
We now need your help! Please visit the
www.whatson4littleones.co.uk/awards.asp website and vote for MAD Academy
and for Maggie Duerden. You can vote until the end of April.
The winners of the awards will be announced on 27th June 2010 at the Baby
Expo Brighton and presented with their award certificate by Phil Gallagher
from Cbeebies Mister Maker. Everyone who nominates or votes has a chance to
bring their family to the awards ceremony to meet Mister Maker in person!
Please support us,
click here to
vote>>>
Babies Born To Boogie!
It seems we are all
born to dance! A recent scientific study has shown that babies have an
innate ability to respond to rhythm.
When we hear music we almost can’t help tapping our feet, swaying or nodding
our heads to the beat. We don’t even always know we are doing it. According
to recent research, our instinct to tap along to a beat or sway to a tune is
inbuilt in the human brain.
Marcel Zentner (from York University) and Tuomas Eerola (from the Finnish
Centre of Excellence in Interdisciplinary Music Research at the University
of Jyvaskyla) conducted experiments to determine whether the tendency to
make movements to music is something we learn (as previously thought) or an
attribute we are born with.
120 babies and toddlers between the ages of 5 months and 2 years were
tested. They played a variety of auditory stimulus, including speech,
rhythms and classical music, and then analysed the babies’ spontaneous
physical movements.
They concluded that even children this young responded with rhythmic
movements to music and beats, and to a lesser extent, speech. They also
found that it was the beat which children responded to, rather than other
elements of music such as pitch or melody.
Previous thinking had suggested that children had to learn to respond to
rhythms. After all, matching movements to music is something children find
hard to do and need to practice. However, as this study makes clear, while
babies and children don’t have the motor control to synchronize their
movements to music, that doesn’t mean they can’t hear and respond
rhythmically to it. The reason why we have this innate ability is not so
clear.
Zentner and Eerola also found that babies smiled more when listening to
rhythms, though whether this was due to the music itself or the enjoyment of
the movement it elicited in them was unclear. Either way, it confirmed what
parents have known for years, that babies enjoy engaging with music!
Zentner and Eerola’s research can be read in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of
America (15 March 2010).
Christmas Colouring Competition Winners
This
Christmas we asked children to create their very own snowman on our winter
colouring scene. You were all obviously inspired by our recent
snowfalls as your entries were excellent! Congratulation to the
three winners - Channie Cooke (aged 3 years), Amy Turner (18 months)
and Elizabeth Sears (aged 2 1/2 years)! All three winners will be given an exciting musical prize.
You can see the winning entries in our gallery,
click here>>>
Ralph's Arctic Expedition
The
remarkable cold spell that has gripped the nation has meant that MAD Academy
fun has been postponed for many children across the country. The deep snow
and treacherous icy roads have prevented some children and instructors from
getting to class this week for the start of the new term.
But that hasn’t stopped Ralph the bear, our cuddly mascot, venturing out in
the cold conditions in an attempt not to disappoint his fans. Despite not
being able to dig his car out of the snow drifts, Ralph wrapped himself up
and set off into the winter landscape, determined to make it to class. His
valiant efforts and extraordinary commitment were not to be rewarded
however. On finally reaching his venue, he discovered he was the only one to
make it! So he decided to enjoy the snow and joined in a local snowball
fight instead!
We hope all of you are keeping warm and safe indoors. Please check with your
class instructor whether classes are running in your area, before you set
out next week.
Even more MADness in 2010!
Now even more children will be able to experience the
magic of MAD Academy in 2010! The steady expansion which the music and dance
classes have enjoyed since it began in 2004, is set to continue next year
with new classes opening up in Surrey, Wiltshire,
Buckinghamshire, and Hampshire.
Sarah Cox, the latest franchisee to join MAD Academy, is introducing Ralph
and the MAD Academy magic to the children of
Guildford, with classes
opening in the town and in Godalming. We also have new classes starting in
Eaton,
Corsham,
Devizes,
Egham,
Burnham,
Ashtead,
Camberley, and
Hartley Whitney. Many
of the venues are offering FREE taster sessions, so check out the
individual area pages for further details.
Christmas
Is Coming!
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Excitement is already
in the air as Christmas approaches! And Ralph the Bear, MAD Academy’s furry
mascot, is already getting into the festive spirit and organising Christmas
parties for all those who attend classes!
Packed with Christmas songs and dances, games
and activities, they are the perfect way to begin your Christmas
celebrations. So if you already attend class, or are interested in trying
out a class, contact your local class leader for more details of what’s on
near you, click here>>>
FREE Song Download for all
Be
one of the first to enjoy MAD Academy’s latest new song featuring Ralph the
Bear!! Following the song writing competition we ran this summer, you sent
us lots of fantastic lyrics all about our cuddly mascot and his musical
antics. But it was ‘B’ Taylor from Basingstoke, a member of Cathy Agozzino’s
classes, who penned the winning entry.
We
have now set her amazing lyrics to a catchy, funky tune and the result is
brilliant!! It wont be long before you are all dancing away to the new song
in class, but you can download it for FREE today!
Just click here>>>
Congratulations to Playdor Nursery!!
Last weekend Playdor Nursery
became the first nursery in the country to become an accredited MAD
Academy provider. After a rigorous day of training, the dedicated and
enthusiastic staff all achieved their personal MAD Academy certificates.
They celebrated their great success with a fun filled MAD Academy party
which was attended by parents and children, eager to see what the new
resources and training would mean for future music and movement sessions
in the nursery.
'MAD Academy has put a whole new outlook on the principles and purpose
of singing and dancing for us all here at Playdor,' explained Emma
Barrow, owner of Playdor nursery. 'We underestimated the need for
children to sing, dance and have fun.'
'What the children are achieving is amazing. To see our children respond
in such a positive and excited way melts your heart! What can be more
rewarding than teaching children and having so much fun at the same
time?'
Helen Harrington, founder of MAD
Academy, was impressed with the dedication and passion of all the
Playdor staff. 'The energy of the whole team was fantastic! They were so
committed to delivering excellent music and movement learning
opportunities for their children. I have no doubt that both the children
and staff at Playdor are going to have a brilliant time implementing
everything they have learnt.'
Emma concludes, 'We are proud to be part of the MAD Academy. Thank you
so much! You have been so inspiring!'
If you would like to find out
more about Playdor, click here>>>.
If you would like to find out more about MAD Academy's training
solutions, click here>>>.
Song Writing Success for one Basingstoke Mum
MAD Academy mums
prove they have tonnes of musical talent!
Following MAD Academy’s first ever song writing competition, we were
overwhelmed by the quality of the entries. It seems many of you have
hidden talents and are latent lyricists!
You were certainly inspired by our request for a new song all about our
cuddly mascot Ralph and his musical exploits. From banging his big bass
drum to crashing his cymbals, you had Ralph making lots of noise.
But there could only be one winner and B Taylor, a secretary from
Basingstoke, composed the fantastic winning entry! B is a regular member
of Cathy’s classes in Basingstoke which she enjoys with her little boy
Kristian “We really enjoy going to Cathy's class in Kempshott. The other
mums that attend are all really nice and it is lovely to see Kristian
and his friends progressing each week. I love all the different elements
to the class and the fast pace keeps Kristian engaged.”
Despite never having written anything before in her life, B was inspired
to put pen to paper when Cathy told her about the competition. ‘I tried
to include different types of instruments - woodwind, string, brass as
well as musical terms, to a rhythmic beat that could be spoken or sung
by a child whilst skipping or clapping in a playground.’ And despite
constant interruptions from her two children, she had her song finished
in a couple of days.
‘It is absolutely superb that I have won, I am so pleased.’
Competition among the entries were fierce, but for Helen Harrington,
founder of MAD Academy, B’s song really stood out. ‘As well as
containing some great instruments and musical references, B’s song had
lots of potential for movement. It really lends itself to creating a fun
and funky dance that the children will really enjoy learning in class.’
As well as winning a MAD Academy bag full of goodies, B will come to the
recording studio to see her song get the MAD Academy treatment. Once
recorded you will all be able to hear her winning entry by downloading
it free from our website and of course you will all be learning it in
class! It will also appear on our next MAD Academy CD, due for release
in 2011.
Missing bear found!
We have just received confirmation that Ralph has
finally returned. On Friday 19th June, Ralph was located in a store
cupboard at St Anne’s Manor. He is reported to be safe and well after
his 2 week ordeal. Ralph was discovered by the bride of the wedding
herself, who has been so concerned since his disappearance that she has
kept a constant vigil at the place he was last seen. Apparently the
store cupboard was well stocked with drinks and food so Ralph has
emerged safe and well, if a little more rotund then he was a couple of
weeks ago.
Ralph said, ‘I am so sorry for the worry I have caused everyone. I love
nothing more than singing and dancing with the children each week and
the thought of all the classes I was missing whilst locked in that room
was torture for me! I want the children to know I did everything I could
to try and escape but, as I discovered, paws are not ideal for picking
locks!'
Hi colleague and long standing friend, Trish Nawacki, who runs classes
with Ralph in the Reading area, is delighted to have Ralph back again.
‘We are just so overjoyed to have him back,’ says Trish. ‘ I would just
like to thank everyone involved in Ralphs return and for all the concern
that has been expressed by his fans during his disappearance’.
Ralph ‘officially’ returned to his duties on Monday 22nd June and has
already danced off those extra pounds caused by his excess of salty
snacks and fizzy drinks.
MAD Mums and Dads of Norwich Enjoy Well
Deserved Night Out!
Parents attending classes in Norwich got the chance to relax and enjoy
themselves last month with MAD Academy’s first social event! Zoe Darwin,
who runs classes in Taverham, Poringland, Thorpe St Andrew, and Old
Catton, hired an exclusive area in a well known local pub in Norwich
city centre, so parents could enjoy a well deserved night out and quiet
drink, while getting to know each other better. ‘I thought arranging a
night out would be a great way for the mums and dads from the class to
mix, learn each other's names, and talk a bit more than they are able to
do in the class,’ explains Zoe. ‘I first started thinking about this
because I went to a music class with my daughter for 3 years, with
pretty much the same people, and although I chatted to the other mums,
by the end of 3 years I didn't even know their names! We never really
got past chatting about the kids!’
It seems Zoe’s parents appreciated the opportunity to socialise with 15
of them attending the event. Natalie, who went along thought it a great
success! ‘It's not too often we get to put our glad rags on and have
some fun! It was a good opportunity to get to know other mums and to
make some new friends outside of the classes. Even though you see each
other every week you don't have the chance to sit and chat or even get
to ask other mum's names! Hopefully it will become a regular
occurrence!’ Becky, who also attends Zoe’s classes, agrees: ‘The night
out gave us a chance to chat and get to know one another. If I hadn't
gone I wouldn't have been asked to join one couple and their daughter
swimming on Monday, which was nice.’
The event was so successful, Zoe is considering organising more of them
in the future. For more details, call Zoe Darwin on
01603 482777
MISSING BEAR – Ralph Please Come Home!!
Ralph has
disappeared! On Sunday 29th May the much loved, brown bear vanished,
after spending a hectic few hours entertaining children at a wedding at
St Annes Manor in Wokingham. Witnesses confirmed that Ralph was seen
that evening with his colleague, Trish Nawacki, from MAD
Academy,
providing laughter and mayhem for around 20 children during the
speeches. He was later seen at the bar once all the children had gone to
bed. Other witnesses reported that Ralph was still ‘at the bar’ at
around 1.00am that morning, but that he was still upright and appeared
to be coherent at this stage. Trish herself was not concerned until he
did not appear in class the following Monday.
An extensive search of hotel grounds was carried out by staff, but to no
avail. An unconfirmed report suggests Ralph may have been heard singing
5 little men is a flying saucer to Alien Abduction in the early hours of
Monday morning in Wokingham town centre. But according to his friend and
colleague Trish Nawacki, this would be entirely out of character.
Trish says; ‘I have
never known him to go missing for this period of time before. I know
that he likes to party shall we say, but he has always been such a
responsible and reliable bear in the past. Perhaps the pressure of his
celebrity status and the relentless performance demands have taken their
toll. Or perhaps Ralph is in some sort of trouble. He wouldn't miss
class without a very good reason’. Trish would like to appeal to anyone
who may have seen Ralph: 'If anyone has any information at all, please,
please get in contact. The children and myself all miss him so much!'
Class
Popularity Reaches All Time High!
We are very
proud to announce that MAD Academy’s classes are proving even more
popular than ever. Attendance figures have been rising steadily
since we launched four years ago and this term have reached an all
time high! Businesses may be suffering and household budgets may be
getting tighter, but it seems involving children in good quality
educational activities is still a high priority for parents. We are
delighted so many of you value our MAD Academy classes and are
spreading the word. The more children we have attending classes the
more we are able to offer the class times and locations that suit
you!
Song
Writing Competition
Write a song
all about our mascot Ralph and it could be featured on our next MAD
Academy CD,
more>>>
Franchises Available
in Key Areas
We are looking
for franchisees in Cheshire,
South Manchester,
Guildford and Godalming,
more>>>
Rare Franchise
Opportunities in Wiltshire
We are offering some unique
franchises in Swindon and
Bath,
more>>>
Recommend a Friend and get your class for FREE!
If you love
your MAD Academy class, why not tell a friend? If they then book up
to try a class, you will be given your next class for FREE. To claim
your free class, just download your voucher by
clicking here>>> complete the details and hand it to your class leader. This offer is
valid from 1st April to 31st July and is only valid for one single
class.
MAD
Academy are Jumping for Joy!
After a long anticipated wait, MAD Academy are please to announce
that our much sort after Jump! CD is back! The cover may look
a little more fun and funky, but it contains all the same fabulous
songs we have come to love. So why not bring some of the MAD Academy
magic home with you, and order your copy today by downloading an
order form>>> or browse more
of a great CDs in our shop,
click here>>>
MAD
Academy awarded BFA membership
At the
beginning of December we were awarded membership of the BFA – the
British Franchise Association. The BFA is a voluntary organisation
which vet franchise businesses in the UK against a very strict code
of practice to ensure they are good organisations that can deliver
success for their franchisees. In order to achieve our membership
status, MAD Academy had to prove that our franchises are viable
business opportunities, that we provide our franchisees with the
knowledge and expertise to make their businesses a success, that we
operate ethically and that we are honest and open about our
franchises. It took a lot of work to provide all our business
information to the BFA for their detailed scrutiny and we are very
proud to have been admitted as members! If you would like more
information about our franchise opportunities,
email us for a full
franchisee prospectus.
Awarding Our Amazing Class Leaders!
At the annual
MAD Academy Conference, three of our most outstanding Franchisee’s
were recognised for their hard work and success. We were absolut
ely
delighted to present our Franchise of the Year Award to
Nikki Carr
(Windsor, Ascot and Sunningdale). Helen Harrington, founder of MAD
Academy, described what makes Nikki so special: “Nikki Carr has the
golden touch!! The feedback from her classes is truly magical. She’s
just started her 3rd year of MAD Academy and because there is such a
great demand for her classes she has been able to expand from 14 to
17 per week, and take on her first agent. She is a lovely lady -
genuine, caring, yet highly professional, and always ready to help
other franchisees. She has the amazing ability to be able to talk to
anyone and make them feel at ease and she is a pleasure to spend
time with. Nikki is a real credit to MAD Academy!”
Nikki wasn’t the only
person to be presented with an award.
Kirsty Sutcliffe
was also recognised, despite only running classes for a year. In that time
Kirsty has achieved considerable success and has made a real impression on
the children of Hull. With her lively personality and spirit, its’ not hard
to understand why her class have become such a hit. ‘She’s a dynamic, strong
willed and passionate woman,’ Helen explained, ‘and her enthusiasm rubs off
on adults and children alike!’ Kirsty won the Newcomer of the Year Award
2008.
And from a newcomer to
one of MAD Academy’s most experienced franchisees -
Trish Nawacki, who
was presented with the Three Year Achievement Award. As one of MAD Academy’s
first and most successful franchisees, Trish’s tireless commitment, energy
and warmth not only make her classes fantastic fun, but prove invaluable to
the whole organisation.
Tots with Rhythm
The
Eastern Daily Press joins
Zoe Darwin to see how she is helping to tackle childhood obesity with her high
energy classes,
more>>>
Christmas Parties in Farnham, Hale and Ash
Ralph is
hosting Christmas parties this December in Farnham, Hale and Ash.
With Christmas songs and activities and lots of festive spirit, he
would love to see you there. Remember to wear your party frocks
(grown ups too!). To find out more,
click here, or to book you
place call Debs on
on 01252 326413.
FREE session
in Hatch Warren
Come along free to Hatch Warren class on Friday 9th
January and try out MAD Academy for yourselves,
more>>>
Norwich
is Next!!
Norwich is the next town to enjoy the magic of MAD
Academy as Zoë Darwin prepares to open her classes this December. Zoë
is offering FREE taster sessions,
more>>>
Get Ready Epsom!
The Epsom area is getting ready for the arrival of MAD
Academy as Karen Morgan prepares to launch classes from this December!
Children will be able to attend our high energy, exciting sessions in Chessington, Ashtead, Tadworth and Effingham, near Leatherhead. Karen will
also be running FREE taster sessions this December, so why not
go along and give it a try! To find out more, or book a place please call
Karen on 01372 210378 or
email or click here for a
booking
form.
