Félicitations! – fun French classes for children scoop top award

Les Petits Pois Fun French took home the most loved academic or creative activity honour at the What’s On 4 Kids Activities Awards 2024.

The business has been a finalist for the past three years being highly commended in 2022 and 2023 but was named the winner at this year’s glittering event in Southampton.

The two women 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.

Andrea Baker picked up the award last Thursday evening

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.

The industry awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate the very best in children’s activities and classes, with nominations and votes coming from parents and carers who see firsthand the incredible work done by providers like Les Petits Pois Fun French.

This year saw record-breaking participation, with nearly 100,000 votes cast.

Sam Godfrey-Moore, founder of What's On 4 Kids, said: “It was a dazzling night celebrating these shining stars of the children’s activities sector.

“Huge congratulations to all our finalists and winners, who continue to make such a positive impact on children's lives every day in every town and every city across the whole country.”

Andrea, who lives in Winwick, said: “I was so shocked when they announced us as the winner.

“Although we have been highly commended the past couple of years, these national awards get more competitive every year and we were really up against the very best in our industry.

“To make the finals was a huge win in itself.

“I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be able to say Les Petits Pois Fun French is award-winning and officially the most loved academic or creative activity.

“This win recognises us as one of the best in our industry in the UK and it’s a huge achievement for us and our community.

“If someone had told me back in 2015 as I left my teaching job and started out on this adventure with two young children, that we would become an award winning class, I would have laughed.

“I’m so proud and feel so blessed that I get to live out my little dream to inspire language loving every day, and grateful for all the families that have been a part of it at some point, as-well as the nurseries, schools and childminders that book us to enrich children’s lives.”

Les Petits Pois Fun French sessions are full of our original music, written and sung by Andrea and are combined with fun, educational activities and crafts that cover all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

They support babies in reaching their developmental milestones and nurture toddlers to become confident, happy little learners with their after school clubs introducing children to French phonics and speaking in sentences.

Beth Hinds was a national franchisee finalist

Beth accompanied Andrea to the event on November 21 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Southampton Grand Harbour and joined 280 guests.

Beth, who was a finalist for most loved academic or creative activity as a franchisee, said: “I was so thrilled to be nominated as a finalist at the What’s on 4 Kids Awards last week.

“We had a brilliant night and I was delighted when we won in our category.

“I became the first franchisee in 2021 after attending Andrea’s classes with my own children.

“I loved how the classes were so fun and unique.

“I love teaching fun French classes in lots of local schools and nurseries in south Warrington – these are so much fun and I love watching the children develop a passion for language learning.”