Our Story

WOW World Group began with a simple belief, that the earliest years of life hold extraordinary potential. What started as a small group of parents and educators with a shared vision has grown into an international family of programmes that nurture curiosity, confidence, and connection in children around the world.

The story began with Dr Lin Day, a pioneer in early childhood learning whose work transformed how parents understand and support their babies. After a career in nursing, teaching and research, Lin created Baby Sensory, born from her wish to help every baby learn through play, touch and communication. Supported by her husband Howard Day, her vision grew into Toddler Sense, Baby Foundations, and Hello Baby, each designed to help parents and babies share meaningful moments in the most formative years of life.

As Lin’s ideas began to spread, Ian and Keeley Sharland recognised something powerful in her work, a blend of science, care, and human connection that could reach far beyond individual classes. Together they built the foundations of WOW World Group, creating a global network where passionate educators could bring world-class early years experiences into their own communities. Ian’s background in business and technology and Keeley’s expertise in organisation and strategy shaped a model that supports franchisees to thrive while changing lives locally.

The network grew to welcome others who shared the same belief in the power of learning through joy. Emily Guille-Marrett, an early-reading specialist and author, founded Reading Fairy to spark a lifelong love of books. Her classes bring storytelling, song and sensory play together, helping families experience the magic of language and imagination.

At the same time, scientists Sophie Allnutt and Emily Whyte saw how little science was available for young children and decided to change that. They created Mini Professors, the first science programme for preschoolers, turning complex ideas into hands-on discovery. Their approach makes science exciting, accessible and real, empowering children to ask questions and explore the world around them.

Today, WOW World Group brings these programmes together under one purpose: to inspire families, support educators, and enrich communities everywhere. From small local halls to international classrooms, tens of thousands of children each week experience learning that is thoughtful, playful, and deeply human.

Our story is one of passion, collaboration and care. A shared journey to help every child discover their world with wonder.