Would his sell as a children's party idea?

[Katymac]

Some of you (might) know I am thinking of opening a nursery.

On Sat & Sun it would be empty

Currently round here the younger children have their parties at either grotty ballpit thingie with chips & ?? for food and plastic tat party bag (which seems fairly popular) OR village hall with entertainer/disco & mum does the food

How would it go if we did a party at the weekend - with all the nursery equipment (eg painting/playdoh/etc) & did nice food - reasonably healthy (lots of lovely things - just not necessarily deep fried.....or too "good") but with choices & a book as a party bag?

Or is it a cr*p idea?

No its a great idea, my dd's pre-school is available for hire for parties. Organising is all left up to the parents - just the hall made available. It is used quite often.

Dunno about the party thing - can't see why it wouldn't work - but did you know some NCT branches use local nurseries for NCT classes at the weekends/in the evenings. Great way of getting parents-to-be familiar with your business.

Nice idea SueW - I am hoping to have a self contained room available for hire - even during the day

nope- thats a good idea- I hate those Wacky places.

are you looking forward to your hol btw?

I have been to a party of another MNetter's DD. That was in the DD's nursery. The soft play room was available, and the kitchen area with tables/chirs. Organisation, etc was left to parents to sort.

erm....not yet - I am still stressing about
a)leaving the business
b)leaving teh nursery plans
c)DD missing 2 days of school - I don't do things like that

But I will get over it

Hattie - I don't think I could let parents run around free in the nursery......that would offend my micromanagement system a bit

Yeah i wasn't suggesting that. DD's is a pre-school and everything is tidied away which is why it is possible to just hand over the keys and leave them to it. The cleaners go in on a Sunday eve so the staff know all will be well for Monday morning.

Party idea is great, especially if you are offering to help with traditional party games and activities.

Ball pool party places just seem to involve chiken nuggets and the kids chasing around the place. The staff aren't usually trained in child care, most seem to employ staff that mutli task and are employed more for their catering skills.

Traditional style tea parties, craft/ science activities for older kids. Some parents are terrified at the prospect of trying to do games and organise stuff so I am sure it would be popular.

Fantasic idea I think, get contacts for some good clowns puppet shows etc and you can offer the full package or just the venue with minimal supervision

That's exactly what I was thinking Skribble

Today we had a hallowe'en party at my mums

We did
bob apple
statues
pass the parcel
that one with the keys under the chair
Zipzapbop
The space on my right
The moon is a round round ring
crossed/uncrossed
10p in flour and it kept kids from 5-9 entertained for 3 hrs

Sausage rolls
Jam & ham sandwiches
grapes
pepperami (not so good)
mini pizza
cherry toms

then fruit salad & ice cream

they took a glow stick and stick on nails(with spiders on) home

So easy

Sounds like you are a natural at the party thing. I looked at shop premises that had a side room I thought would be good for parties so I have done lots of thinking on this one.

Seems to be a gap for older kids and under 3's. parents want a proper party for little ones but house not always suitable and most party venues not geared up for the LO's.

I thought science parties for older boys especially would be popular as the older girls have their pamper/ make over parties.

It's going to be hard to balance getting party business and healthy food. Personally I'd offer a set of options.

I think a "Brainiac" science abuse thing might be a goer.

Yep - can do that

BTW did you see my thread about a dance studio (did you know we are going to try & convert a barn now-I am a bit skeptical)

& I will put hats in the pass the parcel

I can't keep up with you .

BTW DC Parties can have healty foods, ie not deep fried but sandwiches, homemade pizza etc, doesn't have to be all tofu wraps and yakks milk .

Think this would be a welcome alternative party plan for many mums.

I would consider it.

I can't keep up with me either

I am having floor/ceiling problems as well

Thanks HMC - I wasn't sure if it was too "worthy"

Honestly listening to the mums on here says it all, there is a definate backlash towards the softplay barns of hell and a sensible avoidance of parties in the home.

Good venue with decent food options, play equipment for under 5's or activities for over 7's, good supervision and some daftie to orgainise the games. Where are you I want to book for my 2 kids next ones .

Definitely not too 'worthy', lol.

Thanks everyone - I think it might be another income strand for the nursery

I need to make as much money asap to start paying off my debt

Another idea is to have art or drama themed parties.
DD went to one at an arts workshop recently -parents hire the venue (with use of kitchen) and can either self-cater or venue can provide food. You can then choose art or drama and the venue provides an artist/drama person to lead the sessions (all materials included in the cost of hiring the person).The party child can choose the theme in advance too.

Good luck. Sounds like a great idea as an alternative to soft play or village halls.

think that you have a great ideas and wish you were near me as Iwould book it asap
good luck in your new venture
yur halloween party sounded great

Thanks for your thoughts - it's nice that at least some people you book me

Sounds a lovely idea.