The Pre-school Industry has seen tremendous growth in last few years. Currently, the preschool industry in India is estimated about Rs 4,000 crore. The sector is likely to cross Rs 13,000 crore by 2012, a growth of more than 28% per year, according to one survey. With nearly three-quarters of the country’s population under the age of 35, the demand for quality preschools is expected to only intensify.

In same regards, Franchise Mart talked to Mr. Atul Gulati – Director, Notty n Nutty Play School who shared their future growth plans.

FM: What is the concept of Notty n Nutty and how it came into existence?

AT: Notty n Nutty is a “home away from home” where care is taken on building a strong and balanced foundation of emotional, social, cognizant and physical skills for each child. We stimulate child’s curiosity about the world around them and let them experience a love of learning at a tender age. Our first kindergarten came into existence in 1989 when our daughter was three years old and we realized the need for a good international standard play school. My wife Jyoti Gulati has done her Masters in Education and Extension and hence worked closely with children.

FM: What is the USP of Notty n Nutty and how is it different from other play groups?

AT: We are unique and differentiate ourselves from our competitors in all aspects of care and education. The school follows the broad guidelines and recommendations of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.(USA).

We believe and provide what your child wants. Notty n Nutty is a place of fun and excitement, where every day is different. We are actually a centre for healthy child development. We counsel and educate parents in difficulties they come across while upbringing their children.

FM: How is the scope of play group industry in India and across Globe?

AT: Play groups have a huge potential in India and worldwide as more and more nuclear families are coming into existence and hence parents want centres, managed by trained professionals for a secure and healthy development of their children. To fulfill the need of today’s parent, play groups have a huge potential and responsibility.

FM: How do you see the competition in play group industry?

AT: Although there is huge potential but competition will emerge in play group industry and the ones managed by trained professionals will be able to grow and survive.

FM: How many franchises and company outlets are there of Notty n Nutty?

AT: There is one company outlet and one franchise in New Delhi.

FM: Tell us about the franchising module of Notty n Nutty.

AT: When a person buys a franchise he’s getting start-up support and he’s buying the “learning curve.” As an alternative, if he were to start a similar independent business it would take longer to achieve the sales volume associated with buying a franchise. The trial and error stages have already been done and as a result, profits and business equity are built faster.To setup a franchise of Notty n Nutty, minimum 2000 sq. ft. onwards – independent access, ground floor will be required.Investment of Rs.5.5 Lacs + (for Interiors, Furniture, Toys, teaching aids etc.) Rupees five lacs is an investment for a franchise centre of 2000sqft and investment shall increase proportionately with a bigger size centre. Information also available at www.nottynutty.com

FM: Is Notty n Nutty franchise for women entrepreneurs also?

AT: Definitely. A play group franchise is an excellent opportunity for women as it is run from home and has less working hours while providing better income.

FM: What support system do you provide to the franchisees?

AT: We support the franchise from very beginning. We provide help in designing the interiors. We provide a complete marketing plan. We provide onsite training to staff. The complete curriculum is shared with the franchises. We counsel parents on child care and train franchises to become trainers for healthy child development.

FM: Tell us about your further expansion plans.

AT: We plan to have Notty n Nutty play group centres across India and expand globally.

FM: What message would you like to give to future entrepreneurs?

AT: The chances of success in business are very high through the franchise mode. The U.S. Commerce Department estimates that 95% of franchises succeed; only 25% – 35% of independent businesses succeed. Why the difference? Since a franchise is usually a duplicate of an already successful business, it should succeed. Franchising allows an individual to feel the pride and independence of owning his own business. Ongoing support gives a franchise owner quick access to help solve problems and a feeling of not being alone. The franchise owner can utilize the research and development performed by the franchisor. This saves valuable time and capital.