Setting up a nursery or other childcare provision in Hackney requires thorough preparation. Like any business, you are unlikely to succeed without careful planning. You must take the following key areas into consideration, when planning to open a new provision.
Local demand
It is crucial to understand the need for childcare in specific areas of Hackney. This will help you decide where to open your setting. The Council's latest Childcare Sufficiency Assessment will help to identify areas or age groups where there is a shortage of childcare places. This document will provide evidence of demand and help inform your business plan.
Planning and registration
The Childcare Act 2006 clarifies the regulation and inspection of childcare settings. It introduced the Early Years and Foundation Stage and a set of registers maintained by Ofsted.
Before you open a new childcare provision you need to understand how Ofsted registers work and which register(s) your setting needs to be on.
All new childcare providers must register with Ofsted. You must meet the requirements of the Early Years Register and, if applicable, the Childcare Register.
Your provision must follow the statutory framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Business plan
A starting point when planning to open a childcare business is to develop a good business plan. It will help you to identify the right location and understand what you need to do to be successful.
Planning permission
A property to be used for childcare (except childminders) needs to be D1 class. If your property does not have this then you will need planning permission for change of use.
You may also need to get planning permission for some changes to buildings to make sure you meet the statutory requirements.
We do not hold a list of vacant buildings with D1 use suitable for childcare, so you will need to do your own research.
Local Authority support and funding
While Hackney does not offer funding to set up new nurseries, we will work with you closely to support you, once you are operational.
Once registered, you can apply to Hackney Council's Early Years and Childcare Service to become an approved provider for the government's free early education schemes (for 9 months - 4-year-olds).
Hackney's Early Years and Childcare Service may offer advice, quality improvement support, and training courses for staff working in the EYFS.
Further guidance
- Support and advice for early years providers is also available on GOV.UK
- The Early Years Alliance has produced a booklet, Setting up a Childcare Provision, which outlines some of the things you will need to think about before setting up a nursery
- Starting a nursery or other daycare and running the business (National Day Nurseries Association)
- Setting up a Nursery (Coram Pacey)