What can I do to help my sons preschool?

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Really lovely small village preschool but it’s been hit hard by NMW increase - their staff costs have gone up but fees for children with free hours haven’t and it’s left a hole.

It’s a charity so they already do fundraisers- fayres, uniform sales etc but they’re still really struggling. Has anyone got any idea of how they can raise some more money?

There is not a lot you can do but I would say they need to ensure they are only having staff on shift when they actually need to, e.g. only to meet the minimum staffing requirements. I have been in this position so happy for any one to pm me if they want.

Thanks @witchybollox (great username btw ) they’re already on minimum . They used to do trips around the village but have had to stop that due to staffing levels.

I wonder about an apprentice to reduce costs? The preschool aren’t keen though as they’ll need heavy supervision at first and after a year a significant pay rise

Apprentices can be amazing, we have had brilliant ones and awful ones, it really does depend. The good ones dont necessarily need lots of supervision. I believe you get funding towards them also plus as they are under 21 even if they are taken on permanently they are a lot cheaper.

Other thing is look at capacity. Can they utilise certain sessions better and close others. Depends how desperate they are really.

Do they use easyfundraising.org.uk?