Those of you who have set up your own nursery...

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

Could you talk to me about it please, and I want to know everything!

My friend and I are childminders and we have been talking about our resective dreams which is to open our own nursery, so we thought that maybe we could do it together in the next few years. We really don't know where to start. I have downloaded the national minumum standards off our local authorities website and we have had a bit of a discussion on what we would like to see happening. But as far as that? It's all very new and I would just like to know how you did it, what you spent, any regrets, advice etc.

TIA.

There must be some entrepeneurs out there!

Hi, I would be interested in speaking to you about what you are trying to do. My email is [email protected]

Heather could i contact you too? I am currently looking at nursery franchises too....

I have sent you a message Heather, you don't need to post your email as you can send messages now through MN via your inbox at the top of the page

Hi guys,

I'm currently working on a research project looking at social enterprise models of childcare and how these could be developed to reach more children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are in need of high quality childcare provision but can't afford private nursery fees. Considering different options such as social franchising and so I have been speaking to a number of start up nurseries about their motivations, challenges and practicalities of starting up.

Happy to discuss and also would be very interested in hearing about your own experiences/aims. :)

speak to your local authority, they have dedicated people in place to support you in setting up your own nursery., i am too going through this and mine is incredibly helpful. She also points me in the direction of her colleagues who put together detailed business plans to present to the bank; website links for free training programmes for you and potential staff; contracts/legal document building etc.

crispface can i ask what your local authority is, and how do you go about finding the right person to talk to?

Regarding planning, observations and policies etc you could look at this website:
www.earlyyearsplanning.co.uk they have some excellent free advice plus you can buy things if you like. They do lovely treasure baskets too but I should think they will be a long way off on your list of priorities.