Wanting to open own nursery - anyone done this?

[laurielo]

Hi!

Im currently on maternity leave and thinking of going back to work in feb time, however im interested in opening my own nursery/ day care. I have thought about childminding - however would hate for it to take over my house! I do have a degree in Childhood and Early Years and a nursery close by my house has recently closed down!

I'm thinking of maybe starting in a village hall to keep costs low and this would be a pack away nursery, has anyone done this?

My husband said he will help with the business side of this and i will focus on families and the care itself

Has anyone done this and could offer any guidance at all?
Thank you

@Twizbe that is a shame especially as it had been running for years! I have made contact with the village hall and they have said that the hall would be available for childcare provision so going to have a look around and see how it is.
I really hope you find a venture you love equally, it is competitive when there are brand new BIG nurseries opening everywhere

Lots of preschools locally use village/church/reading/political halls locally.
They tend to do full days and if near to a school before and after school care. So preschool hours are 9-3 but there’s a breakfast and after school club as well so the hours are 7.30- 6.
They take 2 -5 year old and some do holiday clubs as well.

They dont
They are required to have a policy which specifically addresses this

@laurielo did you do this? I hope you were really successful in your endeavours. I have no idea why everyone was so negative but I would love to hear what you’re doing now.

At the nursery I work in the demand is more for wrap around childcare these days so parents can work rather than the playgroup style care. I think you'd have to research into your area to see which is in more demand. Having watched my own owner manager I think you need to have access to a good start up fund because the underlying expenses are quite high. It isn't just the premises and toys but all the training and paperwork and insurances.

However, more nursery places are needed and it is lovely that you are thinking about this, you just need to approach it with a good business plan and a way of covering start up costs.