Les Petits Pois Fun French reach national awards final

With Les Petits Pois Fun French, Andrea Baker and Beth Hinds teach babies and children up to the age of eight a foreign language with classes full of original music, props and stories in Warrington and St Helens.

The dynamic duo are celebrating after making the finals of two categories at the What’s On 4 Kids Activities Awards 2024 – Andrea is in the running for Most Loved Academic of Creative Activity as a franchisor and Beth is up for Most Loved Academic or Creative Activity as a franchisee.

Nine years ago, Andrea, who lives in Winwick, launched Les Petits Pois Fun French and managed to grow the business during the Covid-19 pandemic taking on a franchisee three years ago in south Warrington.

Andrea is at Westbrook Library on a Monday afternoon, The Tunza Centre on Boundary Road in St Helens each Tuesday and Wednesday, and The Olive Tree on Chapel Road in Penketh after school on a Tuesday.

Beth has classes at nurseries and primary schools across Warrington as well as after school fun French at St Mary Magdalene’s Church Hall in Appleton each Monday.

Babies and children learn a foreign language through music, games and play

The classes have been shortlisted for the past two years with Andrea being highly commended in the same category in 2022 and 2023.

Andrea said: “Our classes introduce babies and children to other languages and open their eyes and ears to the world around them.

“Our goal is to inspire children to love languages and create inquisitive learners.

“Beyond the French though, children grow in confidence, develop socially and emotionally, form friendships, develop physically by improving their coordination, and fine and gross motor skills, and much more.

“We cover all aspects of the Early Years foundation stage framework and our themed classes are packed with singing, dancing, stories, craft and play.”

Beth added: “I love watching the children develop a passion for language learning, they love meeting our Peas (Monsieur et Madame Pois) and each week has a different theme with lots of carefully planned activities.

“Above all, it's great to see the children grow in confidence, remember French words and have fun!”

The national awards, which are in their 18th year, will be held at Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour on November 21.

Andrea and Beth will attend the awards final in November

A spokesperson for the awards said: “Now in their 18th year, these are the most prestigious and longest running awards for the sector with a wealth of both voted for and judged categories across all activities and age ranges plus our very special achievement awards too.

“This year we received over 59,650 votes and nominations with a 30 per cent increase in votes as parents and carers from throughout the UK showed their love and appreciation for their favourite class, club, leader, volunteer or venue.

“Some 476 businesses went through to the voting or judged stages and nearly 215 finalists are invited to attend our prestigious live awards celebration event, alongside other VIPs and special guests.”

Andrea said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted again but also amazed as the competition is fiercer than ever this year.

“It’s a truly wonderful event and I’m so very grateful that I get to spend it with all the wonderful people who work tirelessly to enrich children’s lives each week.

“It’s made all the more special that Beth has made the finals this year too.”

Beth said: “I so excited to be attending the awards night with Andrea in November.

“I’m excited to meet other children’s activity providers and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate everyone’s achievements.”