Different Approach

Just Kidz is more than just another pre-school – it reflects a whole philosophy

There are many things that mark Just Kidz out from other franchises, but Vanessa Henry starts with two. ‘First, we offer new franchisees a turn-key business complete in every detail, including an experienced manager and qualified staff. And second, our whole environment is based upon supporting and nurturing others to reach successful outcomes, whether it be quality education and care for our children and families, or business/career success for our staff and owners.

‘Our approach supports this and is based upon the world-renowned Italian education philosophy, Reggio Emilia, which values the child as central to their own learning – not simply an empty vessel waiting to be filled with knowledge. Children are able to pursue their own interests and revisit and build upon ideas at their own pace,’ explains Vanessa, herself a highly experienced early childhood educator who is Operations Manager for Just Kidz. ‘Reggio Emilia also extends to designing the indoor and outdoor environment to enable uninterrupted exploration, play and learning. Our teachers are observers who gently support our children in areas that interest them.

‘As well as Reggio Emilia, we incorporate the ideals of RIE, Resources for Infant Educarers. “Educarer” reflects the idea that parents and caregivers should have respect for even the youngest of infants. It’s amazing how much a baby can say without speaking. And, complementary to this, we value and work within Te Whāriki, the national curriculum document for early childhood education. We set high standards, including better than the governmentrequired teacher-to-child ratios.’

Strong reputation

‘This approach, of not being just another pre-school is very definitely a key driver of growth and success for Just Kidz,’ says Vanessa. ‘This is reinforced by strong word-of-mouth parent referrals and positive feedback from both the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Education Review Office. ‘We currently have six franchisee-owned centres in Auckland with two more under construction – Beachlands is available now – and we are looking for new franchisees for other regions such as Wellington, Christchurch and more. ‘Our approach is not just to open in existing areas, but to work on establishing relationships with residential developers to encourage including Just Kidz in their infrastructure planning. We make ourselves known to landlords, architects and builders as part of securing the best possible sites, and add value to their developments by offering first-class pre-school facilities from the start, open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and providing for everyone from weeks-old babies to 6-year-olds.’

Attractive business proposition

‘Just Kidz franchisees don’t need a childcare background, but you do need to be an astute business owner and have a passion for early childhood education,’ says Vanessa. ‘It’s not just for hands-on franchisees but also investors wanting to take more of a director’s role. ‘And it’s a very attractive business proposition. We recommend having access to around $750,000 capital for a centre licensed for 75 children. Much of this is invested in assets which have cash flow and tax advantages, and ECE funding and subsidies are also available. Breakeven is usually between 6 and 12 months with healthy profits within three-to-five years.’ While Covid has to be a factor in decision-making these days, Vanessa says that on-going Early Childhood Education funding from the MoE meant a steady income for franchisees, and all remain stable. ‘Just Kidz has a high level of financial resilience – it’s recognised as an important sector and an essential service.’

Full package for new starts

‘The franchise package includes full training, manuals, specialist software, and an extensive list of everything else you would expect,’ says Vanessa. ‘We find the right site, design the centre to Just Kidz specifications, negotiate the lease, and oversee the interior and playground fit-out with all the right resources and details.

‘We also recruit, interview and appoint the centre manager and initial qualified teaching staff for you, as well as securing all licensing, maximising ECE funding and subsidies, and manage the launch marketing – ready to hand you the keys of your very own Just Kidz centre. ‘After that, there’s ongoing support to help each Just Kidz franchisee succeed and promote the philosophies and values that separate us from other pre-schools. Contact me to learn more about Just Kidz – the franchise with a difference.’

Advertiser Info

Just Kidz www.justkidz.co.nz Contact Vanessa Henry P 0-9-393 8085 M 021 204 3410 vanessa@justkidz.co.nz

Childcare Fun

We are looking for people who are business minded, ready to support a great team of staff and share in our Just Kidz passion for quality Early Childhood Education and Care.

• Each JUST KIDZ centre is purpose-built, often within new developments where there will be a ready demand • High quality facilities and resources are put in place right from the start • Investment level $700,000 plus, subject to location Contact: Vanessa Henry Vanessa@justkidz.co.nz 021 204 3410 www.justkidz.co.nz