Stage 1

In the first instance a full business health check was undertaken on all identified nurseries. This included an in-depth look at their current funding streams, position in the local childcare market and opportunities for growth, fees levels and optimum charging, staffing structure, levels and costs, occupancy levels, opportunities and threats and governance.

Stage 2

The following stage included an in-depth feasibility study on focus providers who require an increased level of support and financial planning required. The feasibility study included reviewing the long-term viability of each of the providers, future development plans (including business plans), and maximising available funding streams, such as the Sure Start Capital Grant, to improve the quality of the learning environment.

Stage 3

The third and final stage of this support package was a financial planning workshop. This workshop was developed based on the areas of need highlighted as part of the business health checks and feasibility studies and will feed into the development of individual business plans for each of the nursery providers. The session included; understanding of the commissioning framework, understanding of the formal tendering process, business planning for sustainability, help with childcare costs, involving parents in the development of childcare services and debt recovery.