When we normally speak about pre-schools and nurseries, we often mean government funded establishments. Day nurseries in comparison are privately owned and usually provide longer hours of care, to cater for working parents. All childcare establishments must now be resourced to provide a structured playing environment from which children can learn. This means all the equipment and resources in a nursery must fulfil a developmental or educational purpose and not be provided for children’s entertainment.
What type of person would it suit?
As a nursery owner you do not need any formal qualifications to open a nursery, but if you do not have the qualifications yourself, you will need a qualified manager and appropriately skilled staff to carry out the childcare duties.
While working with children has it’s rewards, you have to be a certain type of person to be able to handle the screaming, the crying and tantrums for part of your day, even if you do not work directly with the children. However, if you choose to work with them, this will be acompanied with your clothes being ruined by paint, playdoh and children’s ‘goo’ from either feeding them or changing their nappies etc. But if you can cope with these in conveniences, then this sector will provide you with more than financial gain.
If you do not want to manage staff or follow the strict governmental guidelines expected of childcare providers, but would like to be involved in the development and care of children, then setting up a creche or playgroup maybe a better option. However, these do not allow you to work full-time.
Alternatively, you could work alone from the comfort of your own home as a registered childminder, but will need to follow the guidelines set out by a governmental body like Ofsted.
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