OAKS Alumni Spotlight | 40 Years of Children's Music

This week, we are delighted to shine a light on Phil Waddington, who attended Arnold School from 1978 to 1985.

Reflecting on his time at school, Phil shared:

“I was at Arnold from 1978 until 1985. I enjoyed my time there and won a free place due to my musical ability. I was Head Chorister at Holy Trinity Church which was linked with Arnold. I was in the school choir, and I even remember playing 'Imagine' in school assembly with my mate Malcolm Peach on drums in about 1981."

Music clearly shaped much of his school experience. He also credits the encouragement of his teachers:

“Mr Shenton and Mr Oliver were my music teachers and always encouraged me and helped me make the most of my musical talents.”

After Sixth Form, Phil went on to Lancaster University to study for a Bachelor of Music degree. He later achieved both LTCL and LLCM qualifications "before starting in business at CRS”, Phil explained.

A Different Direction

In the mid 1980s, while back home from university, Phil became involved in recording nursery rhymes with his late business partner Michael Ratcliff. What began as simple recordings made in a back bedroom on a reel to reel machine would go on to shape the rest of his career.

Rather than pursuing a traditional classical or operatic route, Phil chose to focus on building a children’s music label. Through CRS Records, he began producing lively, accessible versions of well-known nursery rhymes, giving them a fresh feel for a new generation of families.

From Cassettes to Streaming

Over the past four decades, the business has evolved with changing technology. What started with cassettes moved to CDs and DVDs, and now thrives online through Kids Music Shop and Kids Now.

The reach today is significant. The Kids Music Shop YouTube channel has around 188,000 subscribers, while the Spotify music channel has more than 85,000 monthly listeners.

The appeal of traditional nursery rhymes remains at the heart of the project. While trends in children’s entertainment have shifted over the years, familiar favourites such as 'The Wheels on the Bus' and 'Wind the Bobbin Up' continue to resonate with young audiences, Phil explained.

Phil is married with three stepchildren and two grandchildren. Seeing his own grandchildren enjoy the songs he recorded decades ago brings his journey full circle.

From leading the choir at Holy Trinity and performing in Arnold assemblies to building a children’s music brand with a global digital audience, Phil’s story is a wonderful example of how early encouragement and a willingness to follow your instincts can shape a lifetime.

We are proud to celebrate an Arnold alumnus whose work continues to bring joy to families around the world.

You can explore Phil’s work here:

YouTube: Kids Music Shop

Website: Kids Now

Facebook: Kids Music Shop

Instagram: @_kids_now

Spotify: Kids Now