Author: Jigsaw Office

Wondering what to do in school summer holidays? More than ever our children need something to do this summer.  With so many weeks off school and a lack of structure and routine, the long summer holiday will not be as longed for. With a limit on foreign travel too and the British holiday destinations looking like they might be overcrowded, having a stay-cation is perhaps more appealing.

However, as parents, we have used up all the creative ideas for stay at home activities.

What the children need more than ever is some social interaction and some motivation to get their bodies moving. Summer camps are a great place to learn a new skill and make new friends. In a year when social interactions have been limited, children, in particular, may have lost their confidence in a social environment since being away from school for a long period of time so summer clubs are a good way to dip their toe back in. With more time spent online for schooling as well as fun, it’s more important than ever to get the kids out of the house and interacting with others. And if your child isn’t a competitive sportsman, maybe a performing arts activity can offer them a balance of exercise, creativity and fun that they need.

Following the update on government guidelines for out of school settings, Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools  can offer you summer school activities in a safe environment in the following locations:

10^th – 14^th August 2020

Jigsaw Balham,

Jigsaw Watford,

Jigsaw Harlow

17^th – 21^st August 2020

Jigsaw Hendon 

24th – 28th August 2020

Jigsaw Stevenage

Jigsaw Summer workshops will be packed full of performing arts fun. With lots of drama, dance and singing activities focusing on building the children’s confidence and self esteem, we will create a happy environment whilst maintaining enhanced health and safety measures.

For more information go to our holiday workshops page.

Run a successful business for yourself, but not by yourself!

Will I have better work-life balance?

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools run on weekends. Either Saturday or Sunday in the morning or afternoon. A term at Jigsaw runs for 11 weeks, so technically you would only be needed at the School for 33 days out of the year! The rest of your time working on your business would be spent completing marketing and administrative tasks at a time during the week that suites you. Which leaves plenty of free time for yourself, your family, work elsewhere, to focus on your health and fitness or perhaps to learn a new hobby.

Will I be supported?

Begin your journey without the fear of setting off alone, and run a successful business with the support and guidance from Jigsaw’s expert head office team. In the first year of running your business, Jigsaw’s company director Nicola Lander will stand by your side every step of the way. There is always someone from the Jigsaw Head Office team on the other end of the phone, as well as a friendly and supportive network of other Jigsaw Franchisee’s.

How do I learn more?

Join other children’s activity providers on the search for their perfect franchise opportunity. Jigsaw offer franchise opportunities to those that have a passion to work with young people and make a difference! If you want to run a successful business by franchising with Jigsaw Arts, get in touch to learn more!

Email Franchise@jigsaw-arts.co.uk with your enquiry and our team will answer any questions you may have. Visit our webpage on how to become a Jigsaw Franchisee here!

“We had a really good time. We got there early and had dinner there which was great.

My favourite character was Henry the young woodcutter because he was so clumsy and made me laugh as he kept falling into holes and bumping into things so it added humour to the show. My favourite moment was when Rapunzel was reunited with her family.  It was so moving. Mum liked the bit where the witch melted.

The Rapunzel set was fabulous and the smoke effects were really good and set the scene. They changed scenery without any interruptions.

My favourite costume was the cat’s one as he looked really cool.

Everyone was great and I liked that the show was inclusive and had actors in wheelchairs so that all could take part.

I had a really good time and would recommend my friends to go and see Rapunzel as it was a great night.”

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.chickenshed.org.uk.

Half term breaks, Easter holidays, even Christmas. They’re merely sneak peeks of what comes at the end of the academic year: Summer. And with it, a plethora of Summer activities to choose from. But not every Summer activity is created equal!

While Summer holidays are precious to a child, parents might feel more ambivalent. With those six long weeks of freedom comes the pressure of filling them. And not just with any activity that gets the kids out of the house, but something worthwhile.

So what makes for the perfect Summer activity?

1) It’s different to school

Perhaps the most obvious criteria, but one that’s all too often overlooked!

Summer holidays and Summer activities aren’t about getting a head start on next year’s school work. Yes, there might be the odd reading list or two, but these can and should fit around extra-curricular activities.

Holidays are supposed to be a breather from the classroom. It’s a chance for children to try things out, challenge themselves and discover new interests and passions that balance and complement, rather than too closely resemble, their school work.

2) It’s active

Whether it’s in the classroom in front of a teacher, or on the sofa in front of the TV, children and teenagers spend most of their days and nights sat in place.

And what about those whose interests lie outside the few sports that are available in schools?

Setting up children for a healthy and happy life means finding something active that they actually enjoy early on, something they can take with them through their adult life.

3) It’s social

During term-time, children spend most of their time with people at their school and, within that, with those in their class.

But it’s a bigger community and a larger world out there, and they can make lifelong friends in the unlikeliest of places and ways.

The perfect summer activity brings together children who might have never met otherwise, expanding their social circle and helping them meet all sorts of new people and encounter new ideas.

4) It’s creative

We’ve written before about the value of creativity for children, and how every opportunity for them to be creative is precious. Summer is the perfect time to spark their imagination and embark on longer, more involved projects that aren’t possible in term-time.

5) It creates great memories

Whether they’ve produced something they can bring home to take pride of place on the fridge or mantelpiece, or appeared in photos that will stay in the family album for years to come, the perfect Summer activity has to be memorable. It should create great experiences that will stay with them for years to come.

6) It’s convenient for parents

Last but not least, the beleaguered parents! There are so many questions that goes through the mind when trying to choose the right Summer activity:

• Is it local and convenient, or a grueling hour-long drive away?
• Is it reasonably priced?
• Will I have peace of mind when I see them off for the day, that they’re safe and doing something worthwhile?
• Will I get to share in my child’s accomplishments and joys?

Finding something that matches all of these qualities is difficult, but well worth trying!

We’ve written before of the many benefits that the performing arts offer – using acting in everyday life, why to take singing lessons, and the importance of dance. Could a Jigsaw Summer holiday workshop be your perfect summer activity? 

Head over to our Summer Camps page to find out more! 

If you’re one of those people, especially if you’ve just secured a place in one of our performing arts classes for the very first time, don’t worry, you’re in safe hands!

Here are our top 5 things that you can expect on your first day.

1. A Friendly Manager

Your manager will be waiting for you at reception ready to tick you off the register with a warm smile and your welcome pack. Remember, it’s important to arrive 15 minutes early on your first day so that you can meet your manager and ensure that all your important details are correct. You’ll then be ready to start your Jigsaw journey!

2. Lots of People Like You

We can guarantee that you won’t be the only new student arriving on your first day. Everyone at Jigsaw had a first day too once upon a time (even your manager!) so we all know how it feels. If you’re feeling a little bit shy we can pair you up with a class buddy or even Jigsaw Joey, who is always available for cuddles.

3. Inspiring Teachers

You can expect friendly faces and bright personalities. Many of our teachers are professional actors, singers and dancers working in the industry. We find that this helps to keep our classes current and up to date as they all have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to the latest shows and routines. You never know, you may have already seen them at the theatre or even on TV!

4. A Fun & Engaging Class

You can expect to work with your fellow students as a class or in small groups where you’ll have the opportunity to have your own creative input. But it’s not all work and no play either! We are very relaxed and aim to develop your skills over time. We love to play lots of games that help to develop focus, creativity and mindfulness. Why not read our article on our favourite drama games to give you an idea of what to expect?

5. A Break

There is always a break approximately half way through the class where you’ll have the opportunity to refresh yourself and have something to eat and drink. We recommend that little ones (3-6 year olds) pack a snack and drink, something like a bottle of water and a piece of fruit. For our older students (7 – 18 year olds) who enjoy our 3 hour sessions, it’s worth considering a sandwich as well!

Finally…

To all those Mums and Dads who have never booked a Jigsaw class for their child before and are wondering what the benefits are, take a look at our video below or read about The Value of Creativity, Why Arts Education is Important in a Child’s Social Development and Why Dance is Important.

We believe that the performing arts can teach a child transferable skills for life. Whether that’s having the confidence to stand up in front of your peers, voice your opinions or think creatively, we want to give all our students the opportunity to excel as individuals and find a place to belong.

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page. 

“It has been a terrific start to the year” says Company Director Andy Hutchings, “the training provided by our award-winning franchise package and the commitment and enthusiasm of our new franchisees Rachel, Imogen and Philippa have meant that all three schools have had an excellent start in their opening term.”

With all three schools opening with lots of excited and enthusiastic students, it shows that Jigsaw Performing Arts is a trusted among parents as a provider of high-quality performing arts classes.

Jigsaw Harlow

“Jigsaw Harlow is alive and kicking and what a fantastic first few weeks of term we have had!” says Rachel, whose school in Harlow runs on Sunday mornings. “Our presentation pieces are well underway, and we cannot wait for our students to get their opportunity to shine! The support received from the Jigsaw Head Office has been second to none and it has definitely been the reason for what I feel is a successful opening of the school!” (Read more about Rachel and Jigsaw Harlow here.)

Jigsaw Cardiff

Philippa, whose school in Cardiff opened with over 100 students – record numbers on an opening weekend – is positively bursting with pride! “The students were great; the teachers and Jigsaw support was great, and I felt completely amazed with how perfect it all felt! It was amazing to finally meet all the customers that I had spoken to over the months in the build up to our first day. The support from Andy, Nikki and the team is far better that I could have imagined!” (Read more about Philippa here.)

Jigsaw Teddington

“It was an unbelievably seamless, successful and joyful first day,” says Imogen, who runs Jigsaw Teddington on Saturday mornings. “Now, just 4 weeks into our first term, I know that this is one of the best decisions I have made. Jigsaw Arts Teddington has already brought me a huge sense of achievement and pride and I couldn’t have wished for more aspirational and knowledgeable people supporting me. A special thanks to Andrew Hutchings, Nicola Lander and all of the Jigsaw Team!” (Read more about Imogen here.)

“We are so proud of all our franchisees,” says Andy, “and with two more schools opening next term it only means that even more students have the opportunity to discover their talents, learn new skills and grow in confidence through the performing arts.”

If you want to open your very own Jigsaw Performing Arts School, or it has been a lifelong dream to offer engaging performing arts classes for children, why not book your place on an upcoming Franchise Discovery Day? Come along for friendly informal chat, meet the team and discover how you could run your own successful franchise. Please email franchise@jigsaw-arts.co.uk for more information.