Running a baby activity class

[NoraRobertsismyguiltypleasure]

I live in a fairly rural area which has playgroups, but no structured classes like tumble tots or a music group. I would like my child to be able to do something like that, so I was thinking of starting my own. I've looked into Franchise buying with Tumble Tots and Gymboree, but I imagine they very much set the pricing etc and they are meant as a business and therefore need to make a profit, but I would like to run something that covers costs but doesn't have to make a profit.
My question is how difficult would it be to set it up? I know I would have to find a venue and advertise - neither much of a problem, I don't think, in this area. I'm guessing I would also have to have various checks done, or does this not apply if parents/carers are staying with their children. What else?

Haven't done it but a few things you probably want to check:

• is the venue safe for children? Does the venue provider cover insurance requirements or do you need separate public liability insurance?

• note any restrictions on how the venue can be used, numbers etc

• the tricky part could be ensuring you cover your costs (venue, props etc). Most parents will want drop in sessions rather than pre-paid. You might be inundated or you might have noone turn up. Think about whether there is a market for it in your area. Are there lots of SAHPs with toddlers nearby? Are there lots of free/cheap activities already (playgrounds, childrens centres etc)? What can you offer that's different/better?

• have you got the time for the admin, prep etc?

I took my dd to something everyday when on mat leave so was always looking for classes to go to but might not have done if I'd had an angelic sleeping baby and lots of friends with toddlers nearby.

Thank you, those are good points. I don't think it would be a problem to fill a class, there are a lot of young families with babies and toddlers. The only music class that did run for a while sometimes had up to 30 people!