Starting a pack away preschool

[Scoobydoobydoo123]

Has anyone got any advice for me? I have a huge list but don’t want to miss anything!

A what ?

@MyDcAreMarvel

A what ?

I’m with you. I have no idea what one is?!

Me three. Puzzled

A pack away preschool is one where everything needs to be packed away after each session, they're often in church halls etc, so the venue needs to be cleared for other events / groups.

Sorry. A pack away is a preschool but that shares the space so everything needs to be packed away at the end of each session.

Is that another way of saying playgroup?

Ah I see does sound like a playgroup/toddler group or a play and stay.
Top of the list would be decent coffee with lidded cups , loved the toddler group that did this.
Nice cake is also good.
Fruit for the kids that is not grapes or raisins and a choice of water or juice. I don’t give my own little ones juice but I hated the judgemental group that didn’t.
Semi structured activities set up so play dough table, diplomacy table, toy kitchen area etc.
Nice may for baby toys corned of slightly with chairs.

Yes, a packaway pre-school is similar to a playgroup, but, as the name suggests, tends to be for those in their pre-school year.

It isn't a toddler group or a stay and play.

I would advise you get in touch with your Local Authority, they will be able to support you with lots of advice.
If you are responsible for the whole thing, think very carefully about your pricing and DO NOT base it on minimum staff - your staff will have to attend all sort of training (Safeguarding, First Aid, Food hygiene, SEND, lang development, Healthy Living, plus whatever the 'push' is on at that time), then there is all the paperwork and meetings around Child protection, safeguarding and SEND, and the additional support you will be expected to provide for children with additional needs.
If this isn't something you've been involved with before, arrange to speak to others who have, and ask them what are the banes of their lives.

I'm a bit late to reply but I work in a pack away nursery/preschool in a church hall, we take from 2 1/2. At the moment we aren't having to clear up as no one else is using the hall. I may be able to answer any questions. It's harder work than a dedicated site but once you have a routine then it works.

You need to start with speaking to your local authority and Ofsted. Will you be a private business or a charity? The Early Learning Alliance would also be a great source for information and advice.
The difference between a toddler/playgroup and a preschool is huge in terms of how they are run and regulated.
Pack away settings can work but don't underestimate how much storage you will need. Also you need to consider the facilities at the hall or venue. Are the toilets safe and child friendly? How will you maintain security? Kitchen facilities? Outdoor space? Office? You will need to store paperwork securely.

I used to work for a pack away Pre School in a village hall.

Plenty of storage is a must, child friendly toilets, kitchen for preparing snacks. An out side area (which we didn't have, however we backed on to a fenced in park)
Getting in earlier to get equipment out
Can be a pain at the end of a long day, having to put everything away. Each and every day

I would say don’t do it
To me the environment is so important that I don’t think it can be done at the beginning of each session