The woman who runs music classes for toddlers and says she’s had no financial support during lockdown has been backed by her local MP.
Hannah Ruddy, who is classified as a sole trader, runs Musicality Kids in Harrogate and says she is one of the many people who has “fallen through the gaps” for government funding. Since March she has not earned any money.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has joined a cross-party group of MPs which aims to stand up for people like Hannah who have been excluded from coronavirus government support schemes.
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In 2018, Hannah decided to leave employment and set up on her own teaching music. She told The Stray Ferret:
“Many people have been excluded for many reasons but when you’ve worked the whole time, paid tax for 22 years and put your own money into building up a business, it’s very difficult to accept that you are not eligible for any help, despite being unable to carry out your business for several months.”
Before lockdown, Hannah Ruddy from Musicality Kids was teaching 120 children a week.
The cross-party group was formed by Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone. He told The Stray Ferret:
Toddler classes in Harrogate say there’s no help for them“I set up this All-Party Parliamentary Group after hearing the overwhelming and heart-breaking number of stories from the millions who have been excluded from government support during this global pandemic…I am so pleased to have Andrew Jones join the 222 other MPs who are supporting the excluded.”
Teachers running musical classes for babies and toddlers across the district say they have had no guidance as to when they might be able to restart face to face teaching.
Rhythm Time and Musicality Kids are amongst many companies which deliver music and sensory classes for babies and toddlers in Harrogate.
Despite lockdown restrictions being eased, both Rhythm Time and Musicality Kids said they have no idea when they might be able to see their students again despite holiday clubs and summer camps being allowed to restart.
Before lockdown, Hannah Ruddy from Musicality Kids was teaching 120 children a week.
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Hannah Ruddy, owner and founder of Musicality Kids in Harrogate has been sending weekly emails to parents with resources to help them continue classes at home.
She told The Stray Ferret:
“When the current situation hit it was very clear to me that I certainly wouldn’t be able to do what I do. My classes are very hands on and sensory. I could have adapted for online, but it wouldn’t have been my brand.”
Since putting her classes on hold back in March, Hannah has not been earning and said, because she is self-employed, has had no support from the government.
“There’s no help for us because we have fallen through the government’s cracks. This isn’t a silly little music class, there’s so much more to it. Without it there’s going to be a massive void in the world, something needs to be done.”
Ami Stott, the Harrogate business owner and class leader at Rhythm Time, turned her son’s bedroom into a recording studio and has been delivering online classes.
Ami has been teaching online classes every day since the start of lockdown.
She said:
“Even though the students are really little, they are missing out on social interaction.”
The Children’s Activities Association has pledged to the government to take notice of the issue and provide specific guidance as to when activities can safely restart.