An important element to running a childcare business is finding suitable premises. Government regulations set out how much space you will need per child so once you have worked out how many children your nursery will cater to, you can work out the minimum space required and the best way to acquire it – build, rent or buy. It will be difficult and expensive to move premises so make sure to plan carefully.

Check that your premises will be able to accommodate sufficient children to cover your overheads. If you decide to renovate and make structural alterations to a building that already exists (like your home), you will need to factor in significant finance depending on its current state and size. You will also have to ensure that the premises are up to fire safety standards and that there is suitable security.

You will need to meet health and safety regulations as well as managing general business administration, red-tape issues, and financial planning.  Nursery businesses generally do not result in high turnovers. An entrepreneur running a childcare business has to be enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about what he or she is doing. You must have a clear vision of how you want your nursery to be.

Market research is important for any business; it allows you to gauge what the competition is like and understand if there is a market for your nursery. it will also assist you in deciding what your start-up’s USP can be, who your main customer is and how you will target them. Finally, it will help you mould your company into a success – this is where my years of experience, trial and error in the industry can help you!