For teachers looking for a meaningful career beyond the classroom, Rhythm Time continues to shine as one of the UK’s most inspiring success stories. Founded by former music teacher Kathy Doolan back in 1995, the franchise has spent three decades helping babies, toddlers and preschoolers thrive through the power of music.

And in 2025, Rhythm Time isn’t just celebrating its 30th birthday; it’s experiencing one of its biggest years of expansion yet.

In this blog, we explore what makes Rhythm Time such a beloved early-years brand, why teachers thrive within its model, and the key developments making 2025 a standout year.

A Franchise Born From A Teacher’s Vision

Before Rhythm Time became a nationally recognised franchise, it began with one teacher’s passion.

Kathy Doolan, a trained musician and former teacher, recognised the transformational effect that music had on children’s development, from confidence and coordination to language and early communication skills. Her early classes quickly became a hit with local families, and by 1995, the foundations of today’s franchise were born.

Thirty years later, Rhythm Time is one of the UK’s most established early-years organisations, with 40+ franchise areas, thousands of weekly attendees, and a reputation for joyful, high-quality, research-backed classes.

For teachers exploring new career paths, Kathy’s journey resonates deeply: she built a child-centred business that blends creativity, pedagogy and community impact, values shared across the teaching profession.

2025: A Year Of Expansion & New Franchise Owners

This year, Rhythm Time proudly welcomed three new franchisees across the Midlands, each bringing unique skills, musical backgrounds and a passion for children’s development.

Carolyn Lawford – South West Birmingham

Formerly a Rhythm Time parent, Carolyn brings a strong musical background and extensive SEND experience. Her classes prioritise inclusion, sensory engagement and warm, supportive interactions with families.

Zara Frankton – Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon & Kenilworth

A talented pianist, flautist, oboist and saxophonist, Zara is already inspiring children across Warwickshire with her energy and musicianship. Her varied instrumental expertise helps little ones build a love of rhythm, sound and expression.

Jhodi – Solihull

After attending Rhythm Time classes with her own child in 2014, Jhodi fell in love with the programme. Now a franchise owner, she brings vocal and flute skills, alongside a deep understanding of what parents value in early-years sessions: warmth, structure and connection.

These three new franchisees are representative of the brand’s long-standing pattern: Rhythm Time consistently attracts passionate, empathetic people, including many former teachers, who want a more balanced, rewarding career working with young families.

Spotlight on Success: Award Recognition in 2025

This year also marked a standout achievement for Anneka Hurst, Rhythm Time’s franchise owner for Coventry, Rugby and West Northamptonshire.

Anneka became a Top 10 Finalist for “Outstanding Newcomer” at the What’s On 4 Kids National Children’s Activities Awards, just months after launching her business.

Her milestones include:

• A 90% increase in class bookings
• Running 21 weekly classes
• Supporting more than 260 families
• Fully booked timetables with waiting lists

Anneka’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible with Rhythm Time’s model, particularly for teachers already equipped with planning, energy, communication skills and the ability to build relationships with parents.

Why Rhythm Time Resonates With Teachers

Teachers make some of the most successful Rhythm Time franchisees. Here’s why:

It’s rooted in child development

Classes support speech, coordination, social skills, confidence and early learning, aligning directly with early-years education principles.

It blends creativity with structure

Music, routine and play come together in a way that feels both joyful and pedagogically sound.

It offers flexibility and autonomy

Franchisees choose how many classes they run, allowing for work–life balance that teaching rarely provides.

It creates genuine community impact

Parents consistently praise the classes for boosting bonding, confidence and social interaction, giving franchisees a strong sense of purpose.

It’s accessible for people transitioning from teaching

Rhythm Time provides a well-established curriculum, national branding, training, and ongoing support, ideal for those wanting to run their own business without starting from scratch.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Innovation & Continued Growth

As Rhythm Time moves into its 31st year, the franchise is investing in new smart-tech tools designed to support business owners and enhance the family experience. With 98% of customers saying they’d recommend Rhythm Time to a friend, the brand’s growth through reputation alone continues to accelerate.

From digital resources to enhanced booking systems, 2026 promises fresh innovations and more opportunities for passionate people to join the network.

Thinking About a Franchise That Fits Your Teaching Values?

For teachers considering a change, Rhythm Time offers:

• A child-centred mission
• Creative, meaningful work
• Flexible hours that suit family life
• A proven franchise model with 30 years of success
• A supportive community of like-minded owners

It’s more than a business, it’s a way to bring joy, development and music into children’s earliest years while building a fulfilling new career.