Childcare at Foxi Lernstudio - An interview with Manuel Pruys
09. Mai 2025
Manuel Pruys - the manager of Foxi Lernstudio - tells us how he has created a versatile childcare facility over time. It's all about fun, learning and lots of adventure! Whether it's arts and crafts, cooking or various excursions - there's always something going on at Foxi. Want to know what everyday life is like there? You can find out that and more in this blog post.
Hello Mr. Pruys, please introduce yourself to our readers.
With pleasure! I'm Manuel Pruys, I'm 52 and I'm a remedial teacher and educator by profession. I originally come from Bochum, where I trained as a carpenter. I came here through my community service, which I completed at Regens Wagner. I liked the work at Regens Wagner so much that I then wanted to develop further in the pedagogical direction. I first completed my training as an educator in Bayreuth and then completed further training as a special needs teacher in Munich. I was soon able to start my own tutoring business because I was also a remedial teacher at school: I worked there in the mornings and continued with my tutoring in the afternoons.
Over time, it developed more and more into holistic remedial teaching. This means adapting to the individual student, taking into account all areas of life and integrating therapeutic approaches. By working closely with parents and teachers, the students' independence and self-confidence are encouraged in order to improve their academic performance.
I rented premises in Burgkunstadt so that I could offer my tutoring services there. Shortly afterwards, there was a demand for homework supervision. This developed into childcare in 2005 - and then the BAUR Group approached me and asked if we could also offer vacation care.
How long has the Lernstudio existed as it is now?
We moved from Kulmbacher Straße in Burgkunstadt to the old post office in Burgkunstadt in 2010. The post office was converted especially for us. We were the first to move in here. We have retained some of the character of the post office, for example the vestibule at the front. The former telephone box was where the children put their toys away. The counter area is also still original. But on the whole, everything is now set up as an "after-school club".
Do you work alone?
How many children attend the Foxi Lernstudio and how old are they?
There are 25 approved places and we have a playroom where we can accept up to 30 places. We are currently looking after 26 children.
The children are of primary school age, from first to fourth grade. This means that the youngest are 6 and the oldest are 11. However, we have permission to keep the children here until the sixth grade. So if they still want to stay, they can of course continue to come. 😊
How does a typical day in the learning studio work?
When the children arrive after school, they first have lunch, which I prepare and cook myself beforehand.
This is followed by our homework supervision, which is also where we started. There are small groups with a maximum of 6 children and a supervisor who helps with questions and also supervises. Once the homework is done, we offer the children various activities. We follow the children's timetables because they are individual each year.
We currently have craft day on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, the children know that we go to our gymnastics room. On Thursdays, the children can bring their own toys. We have also offered to take the children to our tablet or computer. That's why the day is now called computer day for the children. Most of the children are picked up earlier on Fridays and Mondays are a free play day. After the weekend, the children should first come to us and talk about their experiences. We generally have a sitting circle for this every day.
Can children only come for one day a week?
Due to state funding, children have to be here at least two afternoons a week for childcare.
However, we try to make this as flexible as possible to suit the parents. The pick-up times are also variable. Parents can pick up their children at 3 pm or 4 pm. Nobody is tied to fixed times.
Another question from many parents: do we have to stick to the times we have booked and are we tied to them for the whole year? I can always answer that: No, that's not the case with us.
You also offer vacation childcare, what does the daily routine look like here?
The children come to us early from 6:30 a.m. and there is a flexible breakfast time. This means that everyone can have breakfast at the dining table whenever they want until around 10 am. We offer fruit, muesli, milk, hot chocolate or tea, among other things, but the children also bring something from home. Lunch is also served from 11 am. We prepare this ourselves. During the vacations, the children are also very happy to help with the cooking. Lunch is included in the childcare costs.
There is a vacation program in the afternoon. We do arts and crafts with the children or go on a trip to the playgrounds nearby. Cooking classes with the children were very popular. This was even included in the vacation program of the municipalities of Altenkunstadt, Burgkunstadt and Weismain, so that children from other towns also came to us for the respective activities.
Because we are right next to the train station, we often travel further afield by train. Every year, for example, Nuremberg, Erfahrungswelt der Sinne or Playmobil Funpark are also included. Of course, taking the train is an experience for the children.
Are there any highlights in your time with Foxi Lernstudio?
The Playmobil Funpark is always a highlight. Some children go there every time and have already been there for the eighth time. Some of the parents wanted to take the children there themselves, but the children really wanted to go to the fun park with us because there are other children of the same age there.
Another highlight is the cooking. The children always get the recipe we used here to take home with them and then, of course, the parents get to cook again. We always get a lot of good feedback.
Apart from that, there are so many great excursions that it's hard to choose. 😃
Are there any plans for the future?
We are continuing to design our outdoor area - our swing is new. As such things have to be TÜV tested and implemented according to certain specifications, it is unfortunately usually very expensive.
The next thing the children want is a climbing frame. They once saw one on a trip to a playground and would now like to have one too. We have the space for it, but we have to save up first.
Any final words?
We are always happy when new children come to the Foxi Lernstudio, it always brings new life to the facility and also new ideas from the children.
Of course, we are also happy about all the children who come back every year - this is a sign for us that the children like it and feel comfortable.
Any final words?
Thank you very much for the interview and the exciting insights into your Foxi Lernstudio, Mr. Pruys!
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