Opening a new nursery..

[luvbug]

Hi Guys!

I'm new here, so hello to all!

I have a friend who is interested in opening her own nursery. It is all still very much in the ideas and research stages, and this post is more out of my own curiosity.

Is there anything that you would like to see nurseries offer to you or your children, that isn't at the moment?

Where, in your experience, do nurseries let themselves down?

What would make you choose one nursery over another? For example: Is is just about price? Would you prefer your child to be fed organic food?

Perhaps you have an ideal vision of what a nursery should be....

I have seen quite a few books out there that provide ideas and advice on setting up a nursery, but there is nothing better than getting feedback from those who use them!

K

oh you need Katymac...

Few ideas of the top of my head in random order:

The first time you visit... for me it was due to the fact that I was unhappy with the first nursery - a nusery manager needs to understand what the parents needs/fears are from the outset
Open evenings for parents to meet staff informally and 'scheduled checks' - I want my nursery to be more practive an encourage regular meetings (don't have to be for too long and could be quarterly)
End of day reports - I'd like to know what didn't go too well/concerns as well as all the good stuff
Information on practical stuff like potty training and 2-way updates on how this is working - this is something I am struggling with and still don't understand how this works at his nursery.
Outdoor play to include, if possible, growing flowers or vegetables - my son loves this at home and since he hates anything green it really helps with the learning!
Price - this is a factor but, like in any business, if you understand the price promise/value you are getting this is a real selling point (i.e. if I have to pay an extra £2 or £5 because it goes towards monthly staff incentives or a bonus structure I would see this as good value and it would encourage staff retention)
Food - our nursery provides organic food but I do question this as his meals are rather 'samey' - it is important but I think it is equally important to have links with the community for local produce etc. for a more sustainable approach. Also, what about getting the kids involved in making smoothies once a week.
Uniform - I would rather not have to go to a specialist shop but order it online/or via the nursery.
Prior information on books/topics to coincide with bedtime stories, esp recognising seasons, shapes etc. i think this would help involve parents in similar activity so the child feels a sense of achievement and provides a link between both

I could go on as I do see a gap in many local areas for reasonably priced good quality nurseries and missed opportunities to really go that extra mile that doesn't cost much.

Good luck!