The growth in the number of working parents in the UK means that more children are likely to attend a nursery from the age of two years. If you are thinking of opening a nursery in order to meet this demand there are a few points that you must take into consideration.
- Resources
Your property must be suitable to host a group of lively and active children. Nursery resources such as those from Hope Education are essential. Don’t simply think about indoors play; sandpits and other equipment is vital for the children to let off stream outside.
- Rent or own
If you rent your property you should always check with the landlord that you have permission to carry out a business on their premises. If you own your property you’ll have to talk to your insurers about possibly setting up a business and describe the nature of the company and the numbers involved.
- Research
A nursery is a business as much as any other forms of profit making concern. Draw up a business plan; carry out surveys to discover whether your area even needs a nursery.
- Finance
Check if you will be eligible to receive a government grant towards setting up your business by clicking here. You can only apply for these grants if you are setting up a new nursery business.
- Setting standards
Nurseries have to provide education as well as childcare services. To ensure that your business meets educational standards you will have to register your business with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and carry out a risk assessment. Look here for further information.
- Register with OFSTED
You’ll also have to register your nursery with OFSTED in order to meet the UK’s legal requirements for childcare. You will also have to be prepared for visits from OFSTED to receive your rating.
- Safeguarding children
In order to protect the wellbeing of the children in your care, staff will have to undertake a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check before they can work with children. This process can take up to 12 weeks, so ensure that you apply for a DBS check as early as possible.
- Qualifications
You don’t have to employ qualified teachers, but your staff must have the relevant NVQ in childcare, and this requirement also extends to any managers who may be working for you.
- Play and learning
Even though most children under the age of five years old will expect play activities to take up a major part of their day, you will be expected to provide activities that will lead to an ‘educational outcome.’ Subjects that you should cover will include basic maths, creative development and enhancement of language and communication skills.
- Providing a profile
You’ll have to provide an EYFS profile for any children who are leaving in order to start primary school. The profile will detail the 17 early learning goals and how the child is performing against these targets.