In an increasing number of households, both parents are holding down full-time professions, and that means that childcare is in higher demand now than ever before. In fact, many are calling this trend a ‘boom’, and analysts believe it’s going to be around for while. 

With a trend like this in motion, you can’t blame a person for considering opening their own daycare centre. Demand is increasing, and supply is (at least currently) still limited. This is an excellent time for those with a passion for caring for and interacting with younger children to consider capitalising on the current market.

Getting your License

Childcare providers need to be licensed – especially if they are operating a full-on business that reaches out to parents that they do not personally know. While it certainly depends on the area in which you are considering opening a childcare facility, you will be required by law to have a license if you have more than a set number of children under your care. You’ll find more information about this on the ofsted website.  

Finding the Right Location and getting started

The ultimate considerations for your location come down to how many children you intend to accept as well as where their parents live. Most people who are just getting started prefer to work out of their houses, as this is the most economical way to get this project off the ground. 

To get started, you are going to need to childproof the entire place beyond a shadow of a doubt. Your set-up needs to instil confidence and peace of mind in the parents who are leaving their children with you. You can also order play equipment through websites such as mapleleaf-designs.co.uk. Again, this is not an area in which to be too deliberate about saving money. Fit the place out nicely, and everyone (including the children) are going to fill better about the situation. 

Sourcing Staff

When you are minding other people’s children, the stakes literally couldn’t be higher. There is no such thing as an acceptable level of liability when the health and wellbeing of a child is at stake. With that in mind, you have to hire staff that you trust implicitly and truly believe will be attentive, hard-working and patient. To that end, you want to find qualified, potentially credentialed childminders who come with strong and reliable references. Settle for nothing short of this. 

Connecting with Parents

Connecting with parents (aka ‘marketing’) is not terribly difficult given the scope of market demand. Advertise on forums and social networks, and consider asking around to see if you can post bulletins in office break rooms. Furthermore, daycare is one of those services that typically spreads by word of mouth. Take time to ensure that your current customers are absolutely satisfied, and work hard to keep them that way. You can rest assured that they have friends who have their own families with small children, and at some point they’ll be looking for help, too.

Maple Leaf Designs is a UK-based business that specialises in the development and enhancement of zones of play. More information on the company can be found on mapleleaf-designs.co.uk.