Play Sense, an independent preschool that offers play-based learning through their micro-schools online platform, has secured funding from Grindstone Ventures as they prepare for expansion.
The innovative early childhood education platform offers play-based learning through micro-schools and an online homeschool program. Founded by early childhood experts Meg Faure and Lara Schoenfeld, Play Sense combines various types of play to develop toddlers and preschoolers core skills and school readiness.
Play Sense’s unique micro-school model enables teachers to set up their own playschools at home or in a space provided by one of the families in the group.
The franchise program, dubbed a ‘business in a box’, equips entrepreneurs with comprehensive training, a Play Kit, and operational, admin, marketing, and teacher support.
According to Jersey-based co-founder Meg Faure (pictured), who also runs the Parent Sense brand from the island, Play Sense provides a cost-effective and highly-scalable model for progressive preschool education.
She said: “This empowers women who are passionate about early childhood to become successful entrepreneurs and create lasting impact in their communities – both through education and economic empowerment.”
Through their online learning platform, the company also offers accredited teacher training with the ECD Masterclass Series. Play Sense’s ECD Masterclasses are designed to inspire ECD professionals, boost their skills, and provide practical tools for the classroom, while rewarding teachers with SACE points for every workshop attended.
Play Sense is a Grindstone Ventures portfolio company, a fund that invests in companies with strong intellectual property and exponential growth potential, with the aim of generating long-term capital growth and sustainable cash yields for investors. The funding support to Play Sense will enable them to enhance their franchise model and accelerate growth. In addition, Play Sense will join the Grindstone accelerator in mid-2023, a structured entrepreneur development programme that is also launching a Grindstone Jersey accelerator programme this year.
Catherine Young, Managing Partner of Grindstone Ventures added: “We are excited to have Play Sense join our portfolio of investee companies, as they are reimagining early child education by offering a secure bridge between home and preschool, creating an environment that supports collaboration, creativity, self- regulation, and adaptability. Perfect ingredients to spark a desire for lifelong learning in future generations.”
