Question for Katymac (or anyone else who's started a nursery) - what are you doing about HR policies for your nursery?

[Pennies]

My friend is setting up a nursery and whilst there are only four of us doing it and it is all mates together I still think she should be considering some HR policies, particularly relating to maternity leave and sickness.

What are you doing about this? I'm not entirely sure where to start.

Advice from anyone very welcome.

Yes although it's not as straight forward as that because we may only be oopen for four days. This is still all to be sorted and I don't know much more detail about the finances than I've already given.

The toys and equipment are all there and ready to go - my friend bought them when she bought the nursery. Obviously though these will need replacement / repair as and when which is more ££.

Thank so much for all this food for thought though. it's really appreciated!

Got to go and sleep on all this info!

Katy. Have you included employer's NI contributions? We didn't factor that in in our initial calculations.

That's 10% on top of salaries.

I thought it was 11%?

Did you remember holidays? so for every 12 members od staff you need an extra F/T member of staff to cover holidays expensive

Night Pennies.

I'm very excited on your behalf.

And yours too, Katy.

Mr Bubble does the payroll. Probably is 11%

I handle the food budget. That's enough for me!

oooh lordy it's all getting too much for me. Have sent a link to this thread to my friend and then I'll have a chat with her about it all.

It is very exciting but quite scary too!

Bubble - your set up sounds much like what ours will be - how many children are at yours?

Some advice here too

join the federation of small businesses. It costs around £110 and you get free legal advice, care line and other benefits. Well worth the money.

Pennies. We have two nurseries. One is registered for 36 children between 0-5 and the other is registered for 48 between 0-5.

We provide full daycare 8 - 6pm or sessions 8 - 1pm/ 1pm - 6pm. We don't do 2.5 hour sessions, although we are registered/approved for the 3 year old's grant which parents can use towards the cost of their care.

Yours sounds lovely.

And will, as you say, provide a real asset for your community.

Bubble can I be really nosey and ask what your employment lawyer's service costs you? If you'd rather not say obviously that's fine, or if you'd rather email it to me on flowery dot beanbag at ntlworld dot com that would be great.

Sorry for being nosey, feel free to tell me to mind my own!

flowery. Have emailed.

Thanks!