Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Has anyone set up a nursery!?

38 replies

navyeyelasH · 13/10/2011 15:31

Hey folks, long time since I was last here but I was rather hoping you brilliant people could help me out as Ofsted as ever, are useless don't seem sure.

I am a childminder, working alongside another childminder and have been for 3 years nearly. We employ an assitant and have 1 day off each week alternatively. So well clued up on running a business and employing 1 person.

We have been totally full for the last 3 years and each year we have more people that we have to turn away. I was thinking about setting up as a nursery but wanted to do some research, mainy on costs and also about who can actually run a nursery. I quite like the idea of having a manager to do it so I can still play, not sure how feasible that is.

Anyway, any advice would be brilliant; the main things I am struggling with are:

Costs involved with Ofsted
Costs involved in running a business from a home that isn't your own, like are there council bax discounts or similar
Are ratios different?

Anything else really you want to add, I would love to hear. Hope you're all good x

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
KatyMac · 18/10/2011 21:09

BTW I sent you a PM

KatyMac · 18/10/2011 21:07

CDP = Childcare on domestic premises

Yep

Original poster
navyeyelasH · 18/10/2011 21:00

what if you have 4+ chilminders and they all worked from one room which was ina house where someone lived? Still CDM? Just pondering things really!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 18/10/2011 19:53

couldnt have an adult working by themselves in a room due to Child protection best practice

In a nursery it is 2 people on duty at all times

KatyMac · 18/10/2011 19:52

3 childminders = childminding
4+ childminders = childcare on domestic premises

nursery (daycare)= non residential house

Original poster
navyeyelasH · 18/10/2011 19:28

I was just wondering if you put everyone in separate rooms if they became a nursery in Ofsted's eyes.

Plus I think if 3 or more people look after children 1 one room then they do decide it is a nursery?

OP posts:
KatyMac · 18/10/2011 19:23

Childcare on domestic premises - a nursery in a house someone lives in basically

Why not 5 c/mers in a bloody big room with 15 children?

Original poster
navyeyelasH · 18/10/2011 19:22

I was sort of just assuming that each "room" would have it's own loo and it's own outside space. It's more of an "what would Ofsted think" question than a "this is a good idea question".

What's CDP? You're such an acronym queen Katy! Don't know how you keep up Blush

OP posts:
KatyMac · 18/10/2011 18:37

& then if one child from each rrom left you'd all be under utilised & broke

Plus how would you do loos & kitchens and using outside?

KatyMac · 18/10/2011 18:36

If someone lived tin the house then it might be CDP (but it wouldn't be really) or possibly illegal Grin

Original poster
navyeyelasH · 18/10/2011 18:32

I am utterly shocked that you could have 1:13, that is mental, I thought 1:8 was insane! I think it would only work if you had very very grown up, robot like, children. Or a different set of kids every 40 mins so they didn't get bored!

Madness. I was just assuming that the ratios were 1:3 for under 5's like CMers!

In terms of Ofsted, what do you think would happen if 5 childminders worked from 5 rooms with the same 3 children in each room each work. Just hypothetically; not thinking of doing this, but just wondered if they are then CMers or a nursery?!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 17/10/2011 21:27

TBH I think (although I have no direct experience so I could be VERY wrong) it would be hard to do well at that ratio

LesbianMummy1 · 17/10/2011 20:53

navyeyelash it's 1:8 age 3 or 4 or 1:13 if a qualified teacher is present between 8am and 4pm

Original poster
navyeyelasH · 17/10/2011 18:43

Ratios.

1:8 over three years

is that right?!?!?!

OP posts:
Original poster
navyeyelasH · 17/10/2011 18:41

Yeh I have been looking at the numbers and money; with 9 kids by the time I pay out for everything I will be on the same money that I am now with 6 children; so it really is a numbers game.

I would definitely not be interested in managing the place, as I enjoy playing with the kids too much, hence me asking about what a manager would need in terms of training etc as I would employ someone and then take maybe 10 hours a week off to oversee everything.

My idea of a nursery isn't really like a typical nursery, but don't worry I will certainly be thinking this over and wont be doing anything until at least Sep 2012. But this year for example we could have taken on more children which would mean 12 full time spaces being filled. We're also one of the most expensive childminder settings in the area.

Having said that, so far with only 1 employee I have found being an employer a pain in the arse! So have to really think things through.

Thanks again everyone, keep the thoughts coming!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 16/10/2011 19:04

If you take out the accommodation costs it's fine; but they stuff it up

purple15 · 16/10/2011 17:38

I totally agree, the money coming into nursery is quite a lot, but what you are left with, it probably is the same. The overheads are massive.

nannynick · 15/10/2011 22:00

I've not seen my friend for months. When she was a childminder we would often see each other weekly if not more often.

You lose the freedom to take the children walking in the woods, to the park, or whatever you may currently do with children and meet other childcarers out and about.

Think about your reasons for why you want to change from childminding to nursery. Your turnover may well increase, your profits may not.

purple15 · 15/10/2011 20:55

Just closed my nursery after 15 years. Please take this advice, do not do it. It is just a massive headache. Stay as you are. The staff are a complete nightmare, the more you give them, the more they want. Every month, is a worry, will it cover the massive wages bill. The ratio is so tight. Staff sickness is horrendous. Stay as you are low numbers, low outgoings, less hassle!

KatyMac · 15/10/2011 11:19

I know I am 3/4 of the way through a business degree Then I get to do my EYP (if still exists) before 2015 when they get to shut me if I haven't done it all

HoneyPablo · 15/10/2011 11:04

In nurseries the emphasis is very much on getting the staff better qualified. Managers should have a minimum of a level 3, at the moment, with plans for this to be raised to a level 4. The minimum level to be employed at the moment is a level 2 but there are plans for this to be raised to a level 3. There are plans for every setting to have an early years professional too. These aims were put in place by the last government and are currently still being honoured by the current government.

KatyMac · 15/10/2011 10:57

no visit from an avenging OFSTED then

HoneyPablo · 15/10/2011 10:55

It is 1:3 for under 2's

KatyMac · 15/10/2011 10:51

I'm here (I'm off shopping soon)

What specifically do you want to know?

BTW for under 2's I think it's 1:3.....at least that is the ratio I work to

trish3717 · 14/10/2011 22:16

I think i read something about suitable person who needs 2 years supervisory/managerial experience anda level 3 qualification.....cant remeber where??

Hope this helps, i researched setting up nursery
Size and Staffing
Ratios
1:2 up to two years
1:4 up to three years
1:8 over three years

Floor space requirements
Up to 2 =3.5 m2
2-3 =2.5m2
3+ =2.3 m2

Toilets
There must be 1 toilet/basin per 10 children over 2

Staffing
At least half staff must be qualified Nursery nurses, no group should exceed the size of 26

Swipe left for the next trending thread