A MUM-OF-TWO who launched a business teaching babies and toddlers French has been shortlisted for a national entrepreneurship award.

Andrea Baker, 36, is inspired to teach the language to youngsters before they reach high school.

When Andrea was just nine, she went on a French exchange with her primary school.

It was this trip which inspired Andrea to learn the language as she remembers 'feeling awkward' at not being able to understand her host family.

Andrea, from Chapelford, said: "I stayed with the family for a week and I found not being able to communicate with them properly very awkward.

"It really ignited a fire inside me to learn the language.

"I took it at GCSE and A-level and then studied French at university, with a year abroad in France."

After working for 10 years as a French teacher at Ormiston Chadwick Academy in Widnes, Andrea decided to set up her own business in September 2015.

With two children of her own, she was determined for them to have the opportunity to learn the language at an earlier stage than high school.

Les Petits Pois Fun French was created, giving youngsters up to eight language lessons with their parents.

Andrea has babies as young as four months old at her parent and baby class with singing, stories, puppets and sensory play all based around the French language.

Andrea added: "It is amazing how quickly the children pick it up, the babies just listen to the sounds and by the time they are in the toddler session, some have the French words perfected.

"When I was teaching at high school, a lot of students found it too difficult to pick up in year nine."

As a result of her successful business and impact on the community, Andrea has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Club Hub awards as female entrepreneur of the year.

Andrea has also written and produced her own CDs for French learning, created branded mascots and is currently writing children's books in French.

Andrea now runs 20 sessions across Warrington, St Helens and Wigan for parents and babies, parents and toddlers and after-school fun.

She said: "I never expected to be nominated for an award, nevermind shortlisted as a finalist.

"I like to make a difference to the children and my job is really fulfilling.

"The parents are so grateful that they get the chance to start learning the language earlier."