Nursery owner celebrates double success

Thursday, May 26th, 2011
New Kids Allowed setting in Macclesfield

The new Kids Allowed setting in Macclesfield

Kids Allowed – Nursery Chain of the Year 2010- owner Jennie Johnson is celebrating twice over this month, opening a new setting in Macclesfield and being awarded the title ‘Inspiring Women in Business.’

Jennie Johnson has become known as a nursery boss who has broken new ground in the sector by offering a range of services for time-starved parents – as well as children – including laundry and dry-cleaning.

But the 39-year-old, who has three daughters, says the most important factor in her success is team-building.
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Councils face legal action over Sure Start changes

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Sure Start CentresTwo councils could face legal action at the High Court over planned changes to Sure Start children’s centres.

Hampshire County Council and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham have been been served with an application for judicial review by two parents.

They say the councils did not hold a full consultation over the plans, which will see some centres merged for administrative purposes.

Both councils say they will be contesting the application “robustly”.
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A Guide to policies and procedures in Early Years settings

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Policies and procedures in nurseryFollowing on from our article, Opening a nursery, we’ve had a number of new childcare business owners request guidance on implementing policies and procedures into their setting.

Ofsted requires all settings to have a set of policies and procedures. Policies should be clear and concise and revised regularly to make sure they reflect best practice. Writing these can seem daunting but they are essential for the smooth running of your business and the welfare of children, staff, parents/carers and committee members.
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Market Research in Childcare

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

Market research is important when thinking of opening a day nurseryIt’s important to find out whether there is enough demand for a day nursery in your area. Many nurseries have struggled over the past year and the rise in childcare fees has also caused many parents to be unable to afford childcare for their children.

Be aware that in some places demand for childcare places has not kept up with the number of new nurseries opening – many of which are state funded nurseries or day care centres. As a result, the sector is very competitive.
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Call for help on childcare costs

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Childcare Costs in the UKParents across the UK are being asked to reveal how the soaring cost of childcare affects them, as two leading charities call on the Government to improve help for struggling families.

Save the Children and the Daycare Trust have launched what they believe is the biggest ever consultation on the issue in a bid to prove the impact of the costs, which have long been shown to be among the highest in Europe.
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