Good afternoon,
I am currently in the planning stages of opening a day-care centre and was seeking your input. I am hoping to create a parent-led venture.
From my experience in the sector, I have witnessed both outstanding and poor performing service. Some invite and involve the parents to contribute to the running of their child?s care (menu suggestions, food tastings, home visits before commencing, ideas for activities). Others take the attitude that, as they have been selected to look after the child, they know best.
I am looking to set up a nursery that caters for what parents, and most importantly, the child want.
So, if you don?t mind, could you answer the following (the questions may lean towards preschool, but even if your children are younger, your opinions are still greatly appreciated):
? What do you like about your nursery?
? What feeding schedule do they follow?
? What would you like to see? What do you wish existed? What additional services would prove useful?
? Some offer sweet/savoury snacks, others restrict snack times to fruit/veg. Again, I have seen desserts after both lunch and tea being classics (cakes, sponge + custard, bread + butter pudding) whilst others simply provide further fruit or yoghurt. I understand the importance of healthy eating, but children at this age both require and use a lot of energy. I have never seen a difference in child size between both. What are your views? Would you prefer a strict nutritional structure and do you see any problem with those providing sweet treats?
? Does your nursery offer day trips?
? What activities does your child prefer/enjoy the most/least?
? What fees do you consider acceptable - daily/weekly rate?
? Do you prefer a light tea or perhaps a more substantial meal around 4 or 4.30?
When you get home, is your child still hungry?
? What hours do you use? Would an earlier or later service be of any use?
? Do they offer juice and what are your views on this being offered? Many establishments either only serve water or water and milk.
? What is your child?s favourite meal?
My current ideas include:
? Getting the children involved in the baking/cooking as much as possible
? A hot breakfast that isn't just plain toast - porridge, pancakes, eggs + soldiers
? Hosting a world food day where the kids can enjoy different cuisines and learning about cultures
? Optional dinner late afternoon, more substantial than just tea
? Optional meal portion to take home ? different to what they?d have in the day, quick fix for busy households
? All food made on site, from scratch, from the best produce
? A curriculum incorporating the world around them and its history
? Longer sessions for parents who commute or work late
? Buggy and car seat storage
? Music, art, role play provision
I'm hoping to create an environment which serves like a home-from-home and provides care that mirrors that mothers would provide themselves.
Your views and ideas are most welcome and appreciated.
Thank you for taking your time and I apologise for all the questions,
Emma
:)