Three decades of entertaining generations for Fran and Jo Jingles

Fran Harrop and Jo Jingles have been entertaining generations of children for nearly three decades and the duo have just picked up their second Best for Kids award.

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 12 awards.

• Best for Hair - At Gems
• Best for Pies - Burchall's
• Best for Nails - Nails by Mandy
• Best for Roast Dinner - The Moss Bank
• Best for Cocktails - Cinema Bar
• Best for Breakfast - Shakey J's
• Best for Fish and Chips - The Nelson Chippery
• Best Beer Garden - Turks Head
• Best for Fitness – Ashley James Ward at Award Health and Fitness
• Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
• Best Independent Shop or Business – Gavin’s Butchers
• Best for Dessert – The Brownie Shack

Voting for St Helens’ Best for Pets is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Beauty.

Vote for St Helens’ Best for Pets 2024

Nominate your favourite for St Helens’ Best for Beauty 2024

Ten kids’ classes and groups in St Helens made the shortlist for our latest Best of 2024 award and Jo Jingles Warrington, Wigan and St Helens took this year’s coveted crown.

Fran Harrop launched her very first Jo Jingles class in Eccleston 28 years ago and expanded into Warrington, Wigan and surrounding areas.

Fran's first Jo Jingles class was 28 years ago in Eccleston

Word soon spread about the classes and demand sky rocketed.

She now has sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays at Jigsaws Adventure Play in Pemberton, on Thursday in Great Sankey and Lowton and five classes at The Nest in Eccleston on Fridays as well as nurseries and other private settings.

Fran said: “Jo Jingles offers interactive music, singing, and movement classes for little ones aged three months to five years.

“We have age specific classes and also mixed aged family class.

“Our classes are a blend of learning and entertainment that supports children’s growth, improving language, communication, social skills, and physical coordination—all while having fun, they don’t even realise how much they are learning.

“Jo Jingles is a stepping stone for future learning, sparking a lifelong love of music.

“Our classes foster an inclusive environment where children grow, families make memories, and form friendships.

“We have mums, dad, nannas grandads and childminders who attend our classes, everyone is welcome at Jo Jingles.”

She added: “It's heart-warming to hear that children talk about Jo Jingles and me throughout the week.

“This speaks volumes about the joy our sessions bring.

“Many families have been with me for more than 16 years, bringing multiple children along for the Jo Jingles journey.”

Fun for all the family!

To Fran, it isn’t a job – it’s a passion.

She loves seeing the smiling faces of her Jinglers and their grown-ups celebrating milestones from their first claps to confident participation in classes.

Fran said: “I think what makes Jo Jingles truly special and different from other groups, is that we are purely musically focused.

“With 28 years of experience of running classes, I tailor classes for specific age groups, ensuring that the activities, instruments, and props are just right for their development and run in line with the EYFS.

“Even though classes are structured, they are also relaxed and child-led, no two sessions are ever exactly same.

“Every week new educational themes are introduced, making learning through music and play an exciting experience.

“Children and parents love guessing what surprises Jo Jingles has brought to the class each week.

“I hope my enthusiasm shines through in every class.”

Each class has an interactive theme blending learning with having fun

What do customers think about the classes? Why did they want Fran and Jo Jingles to win our latest Best of 2024 title?

Happy parents said: “Fran is amazing.

“This is the best group for pre schoolers and the children all love going.

“It covers all areas of EYFS.”

Winning St Helens’ Best for Kids for two years in a row, voted for by parents, is recognition of Fran and Jo Jingles’ impact on children and young people.

Fran said: “After reading their nomination comments, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that our classes are a highlight of children’s weeks and contribute so much little ones’ preschool education.

“I'm so grateful to all the families who have supported me over the years, including the second-generation Jinglers now bringing their own babies.

“A massive thank you to everyone for making Jo Jingles a cherished part of your children’s early years.

“Winning this award twice is an incredible honour and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Jo Jingles is a firm favourite with little ones