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Designing a NurseryHow to get your own commercial

childcare operation off the ground

By Nathalie Martin

Intro• There’s a huge difference between

caring for your own children and making a living from caring for other people’s kids

• However, the rewards are there for those for whom childcare is a true calling

• So when you know it’s right for you how do you go about setting up your first nursery?

First Things First• For obvious reasons you will

need to hold the appropriate qualifications in order to be able to work with children

• In order to work unsupervised as a manager in a commercial nursery you will need to hold at least a level 4 childcare qualification

• Further information on the different levels of UK childcare qualification available can be found here

Where to House Your Nursery?The location and premises for your nursery will play a very important role in the success of your operation.

• Is it easily accessible?

• Is the building fit for purpose?

• Do you have permission to use the premises as a commercial childcare facility? Day nurseries require premises to hold a D1 commercial use class

How to Kit Out Your NurseryNow comes the fun part, where you get to let your creativity run loose!

• Clean and presentable or…

• Crazy, kooky and covered in colour?

Deck the Walls…Whilst brightly coloured painted walls will always go down well, there are also a great many options when it comes to children’s wallpapers, whether you’re after floor to ceiling funky designs or simple borders and friezes to add a touch of imagination to your classrooms.

Furniture Fit For Sticky FingersWhen it comes to picking nursery furniture you’re probably not going to be looking at two tone stained pine tables and ornate wrought iron chairs, so head straight for the gear that’s aimed at early years children and grab yourself the jazziest chairs and tables that take your fancy.

Even Funkier Furniture

Whilst plastic may be practical, and comes in every colour under the sun, there’s a lot to be said for cosy, cushioned soft fabrics

• Brightly coloured patterned upholstery fabrics can lend a real air of cool to otherwise tired looking old furnishings

• Scatter cushions, bean bags and other soft play items can be themed or completely random in their choice of colours and styles

Flooring ConsiderationsWipe clean laminate floors or tiles are ideal for mucky pups, but can also present more of a slip hazard

• Opt for a smooth and easy to clean floor surface complimented by washable rugs and cushions

• Remember that darker colours will hide stains better!

Something for the Grown UpsBecause you’re ultimately going to be selling your expert services to the parents as much as the children you’ll be looking after it’s also important to give off the right impression within your back office and reception areas.

• A great tip for sprucing up an area to meet parents is to pick up ex showroom furniture at significantly lower prices than were you to buy the items from new

• You can use children’s artwork to decorate the walls and show off the achievements of your classes

• Don’t forget the tea and coffee making facilities!

Getting the Balance Right

For all the fun you want to make your nursery for the children who’ll be in your care, you also need to consider your own sanity and that of any staff you may employ.

• Keep some areas free of too much busy colouring with some softer neutral tones

• Encourage relaxation with a paler palette in areas not devoted to full scale fun!

Thanks for ReadingI hope you’ve enjoyed by top tips for new nursery owners. If you’d like to check out more of my work have a look at my other SlideSharepresentations and be sure to follow me on Twitter!

@MartinNathalie9