Ofsted inspections play a vital role in early years and childcare settings, acting as a means of accountability while providing a framework for ongoing quality improvement. Trustees are fundamental to the effective governance of early years and childcare providers, ensuring that these environments are managed strategically and remain fully compliant with Ofsted’s Early Years Inspection Handbook . By preparing thoroughly, trustees can not only influence inspection outcomes for

Creating an Effective Prospectus to Attract Customers and Showcase Your Offerings A prospectus is more than just a brochure—it's your business’s calling card. Whatever type of setting you run, having a well-designed prospectus is essential to present your services effectively and attract prospective customers. But what makes a prospectus ‘good’, and why should you invest your time in getting it right? Why a Good Prospectus Matters A carefully crafted prospectus provides poten

A Practical Guide for Early Years Providers For many early years and childcare settings, especially long-established pre-schools and playgroups, being an unincorporated charitable association  has always been the traditional structure. It’s simple, familiar, and historically worked well for small community groups run by volunteers. But as the sector evolves—and responsibilities for safe practice, governance, employment, and financial management grow—more providers are finding

A Guide to Ensuring Safe and Compliant Governance The safety and wellbeing of children is paramount in early years and childcare settings. Part of maintaining this safe environment involves making sure that those in positions of responsibility, such as committee members, undergo suitable background checks. In the UK, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) plays a crucial role in this process. This blog explores the DBS requirements for committee members, helping settings na

A Legal and Operational Guide for Charity-Managed Early Years and Childcare Settings Facing the prospect of closure is a daunting experience for any charity-managed early years or childcare setting. Whether driven by financial challenges, regulatory changes, or shifts in community demand, closure requires careful planning and thoughtful action. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and operational steps you need to take to ensure a responsible, compliant, a

Practical Strategies for Maintaining Harmony in a Close-Knit Childcare Team Staff conflict can occur in any workplace, but in early years and childcare settings, it often feels even more personal due to the close, collaborative nature of the work, the emotional investment in the wellbeing of the children, and the high level of teamwork required. While occasional disagreements are inevitable, unresolved conflict can undermine morale, disrupt routines, and impact the quality of

Essential Tips for Building an Impactful Online Presence In today’s digital world, a website isn’t just a nice to have for nurseries, preschools, and childcare providers - it’s an essential tool for connecting with families, supporting your community, and showcasing your setting’s unique strengths. Parents and carers often turn first to your website for information, reassurance, and inspiration. But how do you make sure your website truly meets the needs of your specific chil

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to take a step back and review your finances. With the inevitable rise in staffing costs due next April — including increases to the National Living Wage and pensions — now is the time to start thinking about your budgets and, importantly, your fees. Raising fees is one of the trickiest parts of running a childcare business. You know you need to keep your setting sustainable (which is hard when the vast majority of your inc

In early years and childcare settings, the relationship between trustees and managers is more than a governance matter—it’s the foundation that ensures children receive the best possible start in life. Trustees provide oversight and accountability, while managers oversee daily operations, staff, and family engagement. When these two roles work in harmony, the result is not just smoother operations—it’s better outcomes for children. 1. Shared Purpose: Putting Children First Bo

Being a trustee in an early years and childcare setting might sound like a role filled with paperwork, meetings, and policies (and yes, there’s some of that!) but really, it’s so much more. It’s not just fundraising and cake sales. Trustees play a vital part in shaping the future of the children, families, and communities that your setting serves and the best trustees bring passion, perspective, and a good dash of common sense. Becoming a trustee is a great way to connect wit

Running an early years setting whether a nursery, preschool, or childminding business, requires more than just a passion for children’s learning and development. Behind the scenes, effective planning is crucial for long term sustainability and growth. A well-structured business plan is not just a document for investors or regulators; it’s a practical tool that guides decision-making, helps manage resources, and ensures long-term success. A person is focused on financial calcu

If you're running a charity-managed early years education setting, completing your annual report  for the Charity Commission can feel like just another admin task on an already packed to-do list. But it’s more than just a legal requirement — it’s your chance to tell your story , showcase your impact, and prove that your organisation is well-run and sustainable. In this short blog, I’ll walk you through what’s required, who should be involved, and how to complete your annual r

Whether you’ve just held your AGM or have had sudden committee changes, onboarding new trustees can raise a lot of questions. With forms changing and little guidance available, it’s no wonder you feel confused. This guide walks you through the exact process, step by step so your new trustees can be appointed with confidence. When you're appointing new trustees it's important to remember that you are doing two different types of check. First is to confirm a person is eligible

Running an early years childcare setting is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—jobs out there. You nurture young minds, provide a safe and engaging environment, and support families in their daily lives. But behind the scenes, you're also running a business. And like any business, consistent cash flow is critical. One of the biggest threats to your financial health? Unpaid fees. The Hidden Costs of Bad Debt Letting unpaid fees pile up isn’t just a paperwork headache. I