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Jo Jingles franchise provides business opportunity in child education
February 28th, 2012 | | Comment (0)
Jo Jingles, an internationally renowned child development company, is providing entrepreneurs in Ireland with the opportunity to take on a franchise to provide interactive music and singing classes for children aged 3 months – 5 years. 
Jo Jingles provides fun and educational music, singing and movement classes for babies and young children. The franchisee runs these sessions in local community halls as well as local crèches and parents pay around €7 per session.
Ms Gill Thomas who founded Jo Jingles in 1995 said that she believed it was a great opportunity for a nurse, teacher or community care person availing of the Government’s early retirement package.
“Jo Jingles really suits anybody with the enthusiasm and commitment to develop a small business. It provides a good financial return organising fun, music, singing and movement classes for babies and young children,” she said.
Typically, the franchisee will have experience in working with and caring for very young children and understands the fun and pressures of juggling a career and home. Leadership and organisational skills are important.
You don’t need to have any musical training, but ideally you should have a good singing voice, a musical background, and a genuine interest in music,” Gill explains.
Ms Jo Tynan from Dublin is the first person to set up Jo Jingles classes in Ireland. Having had a very successful career in marketing, Jo decided that she wanted to spend time at home with her children.
However she wanted a career that gave her the flexibility to be with her family when it suited. A relative in Northern Ireland told her about Jo Jingles and Jo bought the franchise for North Dublin in 2007.
“I had two jobs to do in order to get the franchise working: Explain the Jo Jingles concept and getting the mums to come with their children. So I embarked on an intensive marketing campaign using word of mouth, mailshots and advertising.
“My first success was in Glasnevin, in North Dublin and I was able to get my first classes up and running. As time went on more and more mums came to the classes with their children. The lessons learned here was that if you deliver a quality service then word of mouth is the best form of marketing for Jo Jingles,” Jo said.
Today there are Jo Jingles classes running in the majority of areas in North Dublin and Jo continues to promote the service and talk to parents. Although the economic downturn has hit all businesses, Jo says that mums and dads are prepared to invest in the development of their child’s education and character. The fact that the Jo Jingles reputation has grown throughout Dublin and Ireland has also helped to attract more families to the classes. 
Jo said that, while she has the benefit of being able to set the class times to suit her own family commitments, she must put the hours in to continually develop the business in the various towns and estates in North Dublin.
“This requires ‘micro-marketing’. We must make sure that the noticeboards in community halls churches and schools have our class date. We must make sure that housing estates with young families get a mail drop and we must spend time with the mums,” Jo explains.
Jo said that €12,000 is a lot of money to find for a new franchise, however the support from Jo Jingles head office is important during the set up stages.
“It took about 2 years for my business to get the initial investment back. And I recommend to anybody purchasing a franchise to allow at least that amount of time to get established and start making a return.
“Using the support from Jo Jingles head office, I recommend that you spend time identifying the estates, roads and houses to be targeted with your marketing campaign. Make sure that any marketing or advertising initiatives chosen are able to reach that specific target audience,” Jo said.
The franchise package includes: an exclusive territory; detailed operations manuals; class programmes; class equipment such as percussion instruments; as well as music books and CD’s recorded exclusively for Jo Jingles by well-known children’s TV presenters and music writers. Jo Jingles also sets up your local website.
The start-up costs are low and there is a good return on the investment. All franchisees receive comprehensive, on-going training and support to develop the business as well as advertising and promotional support from company Head Office.
Equipment and class programmes follow Government guidelines for all pre-school age groups. Finally the franchisees have flexible working hours to fit around their own home life.
Gill Thomas said that Jo Jingles teachers currently run weekly classes in over 700 centres throughout Ireland, the UK, and Western Australia.
“They all have one thing in common. They relate to small children and take pride in being involved in the education and entertainment of pre-school children. A business and sales or marketing background is also useful as you will be developing the business in your catchment area,” Gill said.
You are provided with the ‘New Franchisee’ training week at the Head Office in Buckinghamshire. You also have immediate access to a very experienced team to help you with the day-to-day management and marketing of the Jo Jingles company in the county.
“To be successful in this business you really need to get out there and let parents in the area know about the benefits of the Jo Jingles classes for their babies. Then provide them with quality and value for money. We have found that consistently delivering quality classes is the best advertising and promotion you can get as word gets around the community,” Christine explains.
For further information on the Jo Jingles franchise opportunities check out www.jojingles.com
Filed under: Blog on February 28th, 2012 by | Comment (0)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Weekend in Dublin With All The Family FREE Family Entertainment Schedule
December 20th, 2011 | | Comment (0)
This year, celebrate New Year’s Eve weekend in Dublin City Centre with all the family with a host of FREE family events including outdoor markets, a big brunch and a kid’s rattle n’ roll disco as part of the NYE Dublin Festival, which runs from December 30th 2011-1st January 2012. The streets and historic buildings of the city will come alive as locals and visitors alike experience a jam packed programme with something for all ages.
Families can meander through the historic streets of the city centre and see what delights are on offer from the Seasonal Markets that will take over Dame Court, Wolfe Tone and Barnardo Squares. Barnardo and Wolfe Tone Squares will feature an array of market stalls offering everything from handcrafted gifts to a delicious selection of artisan food. Dame Court will be transformed into a vintage shopping district featuring a flea market, vintage record stalls and clothes swap sessions in over 20 venues, the perfect location to pick up a vintage bargain. 
Each day an array of colourful characters will descend on the markets to add an extra bit of fun to the day, expect face painters, magicians, balloon modellers and puppeteers. Get your ice skates on and enjoy the open air ice skating rink at Wolfe Tone Square. The markets are open daily from 11am to 7pm on the 30th, 31st of December and the 1st of January. The Ice skating rink at Wolfe Tone Square is open from 10am – 10pm and costs €10 (children) and €12 (adults)
On December 30th and 31st from 1pm -4pm kids of all ages can hit the dance floor and boogie the day away in the majestic surroundings of City Hall at the Free Rattle n’ Roll Disco. A dance extravaganza for all ages, hit the dance floor for the hottest tunes around, think Jackson 5 to Lady GaGa.
Celebrate the first day of 2012 with all the family at the Big Brunch in Meeting House Square. On New Year’s Day, Meeting House Square complete with new retractable rain cover, will be transformed into a fun filled venue for all the family. The square will host a children’s entertainment zone with balloon modelling, face painting, puppet and magic shows. A Mini Market area will offer the freshest local food. You will be able to meet the farmers, chefs, growers and bakers and enjoy your tasty treats in the picnic area.
New Year’s Day would not be complete without the making of a resolution for the new year. As part of the festivities, groups, families or individuals will have the opportunity to write their resolution down for 2012 and hang them from the ‘Resolution Trees’ that will be positioned on the square, some resolutions will be broadcast on the big screen. A full programme of musical entertainment will keep families entertained throughout the day expect a vintage tea dance with dancers in vintage costume, dancing everything from the Charleston to the Lindy Hop, a traditional Irish Ceili with a performance by Electric Ceili and a performance by the Fingal County Youth Orchestra. The Big Brunch, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, 1st January 2012, 11am to 4pm, admission free.
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Filed under: Blog on December 20th, 2011 by | Comment (0)
Bumper to Bumper with Christmas Jumpers
November 23rd, 2011 | | Comment (0)
‘Kitsch-mas’ comes to the capital as Dublin City BID gets ready to set the Christmas jumper World Record
On Sunday, 4th December at 2pm on Dublin’s South King Street, cheesy Christmas jumper lovers nationwide will have their moment as Dublin City BID hold their first ever Christmas jumper world record attempt. Aptly named ‘Geansaí Nollaig Day’, the event will see Christmas jumper wearers of all ages, shapes and sizes gather en masse to set the world record for the highest number of Christmas jumpers in the same place at the same time in aid of Barretstown. 
The process is simple. People from all over the land are invited to take part by donning their most festive jumper creations alongside fellow Christmas fanatics on South King Street. There they will be invited to sing along to some classic Christmas carols, enjoy some great on street entertainment for all the family and soak up the atmosphere at this altogether alternative Christmas celebration.
For updates and information on the Christmas jumper world record and other great things to do over the Christmas period in the city check out Dublin City BID’s newly launched Christmas website www.dublinatchristmas.
Filed under: Blog on November 23rd, 2011 by | Comment (0)
10 Household Details Your Nanny Needs to Know
October 7th, 2011 | | Comment (0)
Read nannypro.com list of useful information to run through with your nanny before leaving them in charge. 
Getting your nanny off to a good start largely depends upon how well you have done your job screening, hiring, and then preparing your nanny. Your work is not done when you offer them the job and they show up, it’s your responsibility to make sure they know everything you want them to know as quickly as possible to keep everyone on the same page and to enable them to be successful in their new role.
Filed under: Blog on October 7th, 2011 by | Comment (0)
Plight of the SNA
October 4th, 2011 | | Comment (0)
Today in the Irish Time Health Plus supplement you can read Noeleen 
Brennan, special needs assistant, St Colmcille’s National School, Knocklyon, account of a week in the life of an SNA…Read More
Filed under: Blog on October 4th, 2011 by | Comment (0)
Heartburn while Pregnant ? This could be the solution
September 20th, 2011 | | Comment (0)
Rennie Ice was launched recently and as part of the launch an online survey on indigestion and heartburn was carried out to find out what really makes people burn. As part of the survey it also asked women to rate how painful they found indigestion / heartburn to be during pregnancy. Over a quarter of women (27%) found indigestion and/or heartburn ‘quite painful’ while they were pregnant, rating it as a 3 on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being ‘very painful’.
The common conditions of heartburn and indigestion can be painful and cause discomfort to sufferers. Indigestion is caused by excess stomach acid. The burning sensation caused by the flow of acid is called heartburn, and this occurs when acid from the stomach leaks into the oesophagus (food pipe) and rises up the throat. 
Symptoms of heartburn and indigestion vary from person to person and can range from feeling uncomfortably full or belching after eating, to feeling bloated, or having a burning sensation in the abdomen or pain in the chest. Heartburn and indigestion are generally caused by consuming food and drink too quickly, overeating, drinking alcohol or fizzy drinks, or smoking, but can also be caused by stress or anxiety. Nearly half of those surveyed (47%) said that white bread is the most difficult to digest, with alcohol second (30%) and then hot peppers (29%).
Commenting on the launch, Sergio Schuler, Country Division Head, Bayer Ltd said, “We are delighted to launch Rennie Ice, a great new addition to our Rennie range. Heartburn and indigestion are irritating conditions and can cause discomfort and pain to sufferers. The new coolmint flavour gives an instantly refreshing sensation, and Rennie Ice starts to relieve heartburn in just two minutes, tackling these conditions as quickly as possible”.
In order to avoid heartburn and indigestion, people can eat slowly, avoid trigger foods and alcohol and have meals at least two hours before bedtime to allow time to digest before lying down. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed said they drink water to combat heartburn / indigestion, over a third (39%) take an antacid product, while 33% just wait it out.
Rennie Ice is available nationwide in packs of 24 (RSP €3.29) and 48 (RSP €5.69).
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking Rennie while pregnant or breast-feeding
Filed under: Blog on September 20th, 2011 by | Comment (0)
10 Way to Tell if you are a Helicopter Parent
September 19th, 2011 | | Comment (0)
Today nannypro.com tells us ’10 ways to tell if your a Helicopter Parent’ 
What is a helicopter parent, you ask? These are the parents that won’t let their kid out in the front yard to play without constant supervision. They won’t take a nap and risk their twelve year old being home ‘alone’. They are constantly hovering over their children and micromanaging their every move. How can you tell if you’re a helicopter parent? Read More here ….
Filed under: Blog on September 19th, 2011 by | Comment (0)
European Commission inspires youth to quit smoking
September 16th, 2011 | | Comment (0)
Tobacco is the single largest cause of avoidable death in the EU accounting for more than 650,000 deaths per year. 7,000 people die from avoidable tobacco related diseases in Ireland every year and despite this, Ireland’s smoking prevalence rates remain persistently high. 29% of our population smoke and more than half of our smokers start before the age of 15 years. One in two of them will die from a tobacco related disease if we do not take this issue in hand.
Ireland has a strong history of implementing tobacco control legislation and running campaigns to encourage smokers to quit but we need more.
In June 2011, the EU launched a three year campaign called ‘Ex Smokers are Unstoppable.’ The campaign, which has been launched today in Ireland, aims to provide smokers, especially aged 25 – 34 years, with motivation to quit and with practical help through an on-line tool called iCoach (please see www.exsmokers.eu) This campaign celebrates ex-smokers and portrays them as inspiring role models to encourage smokers to quit.
To date 500,000 Europeans have demonstrated their support for the campaign by accessing its social pages and 20,000 smokers across Europe are currently using the iCoach method to quit. In Ireland, over 430 people have already signed up to the iCoach tool on their pursuit to become smoke free. Please see more in the press release below.
The Irish pro-health and anti-tobacco lobby hopes that this new EU Ex Smokers are Unstoppable campaign will, in combination with on-going campaigns in Ireland, help to reduce our dangerously high smoking rates and reduce avoidable deaths from tobacco related illnesses. A pan European advertising campaign has gone live from today (Friday 16th October) until Monday 31st October to encourage those who want to quit or are already trying to, to sign up to the iCoach tool. Advertising across TV, print and digital channels has also started today in Ireland. Those interested in the new quitting tool and the campaign can find out more information on Ireland’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Unstoppable.
For more information please visit:
www.exsmokers.eu
The Public Health Portal of the European Union
The Public Health website of the European Commission
http://ec.europa.eu/health/
Filed under: Blog on September 16th, 2011 by | Comment (0)
Mosaic Workshops
September 13th, 2011 | | Comment (0)
Filed under: Blog on September 13th, 2011 by | Comment (0)
Young performers show that “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” @ Jervis Shopping Centre this Saturday
September 1st, 2011 | | Comment (0)
Star students from city centre schools are putting on their best smiles for The Fashion Movement @ Jervis Shopping Centre this Saturday and next Saturday (September 3rd & 10th). Each Saturday at 3pm and 4.30pm these tiny trendsetters from the local community will open and close the fashion show. They’ll be seen strutting their stuff on the catwalk sporting the latest kiddie looks and proving that you’re never fully dressed without a smile. 
No stranger to the spotlight, Romey Farrelly, 9, made it to the final of the ‘All Ireland Talent Show’ in 2010 while Gary Farrelly, 10, has featured in the Irish restaurant drama ‘Raw’. These local superstars are now set to conquer the fashion industry and show us they can own the runway, as well as the nation’s television sets.
Not only will Jervis Shopping Centre have the cutest kids on the block striking a pose but every Saturday fashion master Brendan Courtney will make guest appearances at the centre.
He’ll be there giving snippets of advice, his top tips and tricks for styling and if you’re lucky enough, he’ll be carrying out mini style makeovers on some unsuspecting shoppers! So mammies, whether it’s a trip to the Nail Bar for a French polish, a stop off at ‘Inglot’ make-up counter for a little touch up, or a visit to the ‘Jean-ius Jean’ style station for a personal jeans fitting, Jervis Shopping Centre has bundles of fun for all the family. 
The Fashion Movement @ Jervis Shopping Centre will run for four fashion filled weeks. Each Saturday there will be four fashion shows throughout the day showcasing the hottest trends from stores in the centre including Forever 21, New Look and Topshop. These will take place at 12pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm and 4:30pm and will set you up with all the fashion know-how you need to get this season’s look.
Filed under: Blog on September 1st, 2011 by | Comment (0)
