Ready Steady Go Kids is Australia’s leading multi-sport program for children aged 18 months to six years. The program has been designed by a paediatric physiotherapist and occupational therapist to support gross motor development, school readiness, and a lifelong love of physical activity.

Franchisor and CEO Danie O’Conor answers key questions about the brand and her role.

The franchise offers term-based indoor classes, along with Early Learning Centre incursions, birthday parties, community events, and school holiday programs, all delivered in a fun, structured, and inclusive environment.

“Our program introduces children to 10 different sports across two terms. Qualified coaches deliver the program in small class sizes, ensuring a safe and engaging learning experience for every child,” Danie says.

What’s your background?

“In 2015, I became the franchisor, alongside Sherrie Boulter, who has since retired. I brought hands-on business experience and a professional background in tax, accounting, and law to the role, but my journey with Ready Steady Go Kids began in 2011 as the very first franchisee.“

What were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

“One of the biggest challenges I faced in stepping into the franchisor role was maintaining the strong relationships I had built with franchisees and earning their continued trust and respect in a new leadership capacity,” Danie says.

Moving into a national leadership position meant she had to prove that she not only understood their day-to-day realities, but could also guide them toward sustainable growth while expanding the brand on a larger scale.

Another key challenge was ensuring brand consistency as the network grew; making sure every franchisee delivered the program with the same professionalism, energy, and commitment to quality that defines Ready Steady Go Kids, she says.

“To achieve this, we focused on clear and consistent communication, strengthened our training systems and marketing guidelines, and developed a suite of user-friendly tools and resources to keep everyone aligned and confident in their delivery.

“Through open dialogue, hands-on support, and a genuine commitment to franchisee success, I’ve worked hard to foster a culture of collaboration, consistency, and shared purpose. Today, many of our franchisees have been with us for years and feel genuinely connected to the brand and its mission, which is a reflection of the strength of those relationships,” Danie says.

What expectations did you have for the business when you started out?

“When I became franchisor, I set out to improve the individual growth of each franchisee, and focused on refining our systems, processes, and support structures to help them thrive.

“I knew there was potential for the brand to expand, but I never expected that in just 10 years we would double the number of franchisees in the network and double our national enrolment numbers. That kind of growth has been both humbling and motivating; it confirmed that families are actively seeking programs like ours, and that our model works when it’s supported well.”

What’s the brand mission?

“Our mission is to make Ready Steady Go Kids the “must-do” program for every child aged 18 months to six years across Australia. By introducing little ones to sport in a fun, structured, and inclusive way, we help them develop balance, coordination, strength, and confidence all of which are essential building blocks for school readiness and lifelong physical activity,” she says,

“Ultimately, our mission is two-fold: to empower children with the skills and confidence they need for a healthy, active future, and to empower parents with the knowledge that investing in gross motor development early makes all the difference.”

What’s the best way to achieve it?

“We achieve our mission by focusing on quality, consistency, and education. At the program level, that means delivering fun, structured, physio-designed sessions through qualified coaches, in small groups where every child feels included and supported. By rotating through 10 different sports, we keep children engaged while building a broad foundation of movement skills.

“At the network level, the best way to achieve our mission is by supporting our franchisees to deliver the program to the highest standard. That’s why we invest heavily in training, resources, and ongoing mentoring. A strong, supported franchisee network ensures that no matter where families engage with Ready Steady Go Kids, they get the same high-quality experience,” Danie says.

And at the national level, the franchise is committed to educating parents across Australia about why gross motor development is crucial for toddlers and preschoolers. Through national marketing, local area engagement, and strong community partnerships, the franchisor positions RSGK as an essential step in every child’s early years journey.

Who is the core customer?

“Our core customers are parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers who want to give their children a head start in life through sport and physical activity. We also work closely with Early Learning Centres and Kindergartens who see the value in aligning with a school-readiness focused, evidence-based program,” Danie says.

What’s the potential for your business?

“The potential for Ready Steady Go Kids is enormous. As awareness grows around the importance of school readiness, child development, and early intervention, more and more families are seeking structured programs that provide real benefits beyond entertainment.

“We see Ready Steady Go Kids becoming the “must-do” program for every toddler and preschooler in Australia. With our proven model, there’s significant opportunity to continue expanding our footprint nationally,” Danie says.