Spoiler: it’s not 9 to 5 – and that’s the point.

Running a business that supports children’s emotional wellbeing doesn’t mean chaining yourself to a desk or working through weekends. The Mind Marvels model is built to give you structure and growth without sacrificing flexibility, family time or personal wellbeing.

But let’s be honest – this is a real business. It requires time, effort and consistency. So what does that look like in practice? Let’s break it down.

Realistic time commitments – what to expect

The Mind Marvels franchise is designed for headteachers, deputies, and education leaders who are ready to build something of their own, something that supports schools, makes a difference and delivers income. It’s not a part-time side project, but it doesn’t require a rigid 9 to 5 schedule either.

You’ll work smart, with clarity and focus. Much of your week is about building and maintaining relationships, supporting your team, and managing logistics – not clocking in and out. Here’s what a typical working week might look like:

A week in the life of a franchisee

Monday
Email and call five local primary schools to share session offers or follow up on interest.
Assign Session Leaders for upcoming school sessions based on bookings and availability.

Tuesday
Support a new Session Leader at their first school session to ensure quality and confidence.
Join the weekly franchise support call for updates, advice and shared best practice.

Wednesday
Follow up with schools to confirm bookings for the next term.
Send invoices and review session schedules to keep everything running smoothly.

Thursday
Attend a local networking event to connect with educators and other community partners.
Reach out to potential contacts made at previous events or through social media.

Friday
Check in with your team of Session Leaders to gather feedback and offer support.
Share a feel-good story or highlight from the week on social media to promote your brand.

The key to balance: autonomy and intention

The beauty of this structure is that it’s repeatable, effective and designed to help you scale. You’re not tied to a classroom timetable, but you are accountable – to your goals, your schools, and your business.

This isn’t a reactive job. You’ll proactively plan your time around peak school hours, holidays and outreach windows. You’ll set the rhythm – and that means you’ll also choose when to take a break, reset or push forward.

Making time work for you

Many franchisees start solo. You’ll run sessions yourself, follow up with schools, and manage your bookings. As demand grows, you’ll bring in Session Leaders and begin to focus more on management, growth and networking. That shift gives you more flexibility, but it also means you’ll need to invest time in training, delegating and building team culture.

You’ll have the option to:

• Block off time for your own wellbeing
• Structure your work to align with school terms and holidays
• Say yes to the events and partnerships that truly move your business forward

What you’re not doing

You’re not stuck in endless staff meetings, navigating conflicting priorities, or reacting to crisis after crisis. Instead, your time is spent doing work that feels purposeful and productive.

You’ll use your leadership skills in a focused way: building relationships with decision-makers, offering targeted support to children, and ensuring that what you deliver aligns with real wellbeing outcomes. That’s what makes this business fulfilling and scalable.

You’re in control – but you’re not alone

Even with your own calendar and business to run, you’ll never feel like you’re doing this solo. We provide the systems, structure and ongoing support to help you stay on track.

From ready-made lesson plans to access to expert calls, you’ll have tools that free up your time to focus on what matters most: growing your business and making an impact.

Mind Marvels is a community that shares what’s working, troubleshooting challenges and offering practical advice. We check in with each other – and we celebrate each other’s wins. That’s part of what makes this a sustainable, people-first model.

Time invested = impact made

Let’s be clear: this business takes work. It asks you to step into a leadership role, plan ahead, and hold yourself accountable. But every hour you put in is an investment in your own future, and in the children and schools you support.

This isn’t about squeezing more into your week. It’s about designing a week that works, one that uses your time wisely, respects your wellbeing, and leads to something meaningful.

Is this the right time for you?

If you’re ready to leave behind the chaos of the classroom but not the purpose that brought you there, this business might be the right next step.

You already know what schools need. You understand the education system inside and out. And now, you’ve got the chance to use that knowledge to build something of your own – on your terms.

Start by mapping out what your ideal working week would look like. Then let’s talk about how Mind Marvels could help you turn that vision into reality.

Ready to build a business that supports children – and works for your life too? Start here and download our franchise information pack.