Two teachers in Oxford have started running French, Spanish and Mandarin classes for babies.

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the program would be replaced by Mandarin classes run by the state government.

Mandarin classes are popular in some parts of Canada among students and parents who see the language as a path to an international career.

It's Chinese Language Week and teachers are increasingly in hot demand in the regions, as more people of all ages enrol for Mandarin classes.

This year's tuition ranged from $14,800-$16,300, with a minimum of two Mandarin classes a week and more time set aside for advanced speakers.