Setting up a Nursery
July 28, 2022 1:47 pm
Setting up a day nursery is an exciting venture – with endless opportunities. But how much do you know about the essential criteria required to start a nursery?
In this article, we will explore key factors that you need to consider when opening a nursery. We look at what the EYFS is, what this term will mean to you and how it can alter the way you choose to run and manage your nursery. We also look at Ofsted, the minimum qualifications required for opening a nursery, as well as other key information that you will find helpful at this stage in your planning.
What is The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?
The Early Years Foundation Stage is a mandatory framework which sets the standard for the learning, development and care of children from 0 to 5 years of age. All Ofsted registered settings including nurseries, pre-schools and childminders must adhere to the EYFS statutory framework.
The EYFS is based on six key areas of learning which all activities should be based around. These include:
-Personal, social and emotional development
-Communication, language and literacy
-Problem-solving, reasoning and literacy
-Knowledge and understanding of the world
-Physical development
-Creative development
It is important that all childcare providers know and understand the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. This will be an essential document to refer to as you start to plan your nursery. In addition, the Department for Education also produces a wealth of resources – including statutory and non-statutory guidance – which you will need to implement into your new nursery.
Who is Ofsted?
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Ofsted will carry out your inspections and will report directly to parliament; they will give you an overall rating from the following grades: outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate.
After the inspection has taken place, they will send a copy of the report to all the parents/guardians of the children who attend your setting and also publish them on their website within 5 working days. Receiving a good report from Ofsted plays a crucial role in retaining a trusted and first-class reputation in your setting.
From September 2015
Since September 2015 Ofsted is changing the way they inspect settings by introducing the Common Inspection Framework (CIF). The common inspection framework sets out how Ofsted inspects maintained schools and academies, non-association independent schools, further education and skills provisions and registered early years settings in England. By using a more consistent inspection process across the board, will make it easier for all authorities, as well as parents and carers, to compare inspection results across sectors. When starting a new nursery, you will need to refer to the Common Inspection Framework and its corresponding inspection handbook for further details about what inspectors will expect from your setting.
What qualifications are required to start a nursery?
In order to manage a day nursery, there is a certain level of qualifications you must have, as well as at least 2 years’ experience in this sector.
One of the requirements is to obtain a nationally-recognised Level 3 qualification in childcare. Examples of qualifications would include:
-Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
-Degree in childcare, child development or a related subject.
You can visit the National Careers Service for further information about any other relevant qualifications you may need and you can find courses and training programmes here also.
EYFS reporting simplified
Nursery Resources produces a number of publications that can assist you when opening a nursery, as well as other helpful resources. Helping you to save time and money, these products can also give you peace of mind that all your paperwork will be produced to a professional standard, to view our extensive range of resources please click here.
Sources of further information
Alliance Membership & Insurance: Telephone Number – 020 7697 2585 Email – [email protected]
Ofsted: Telephone Number – 0300 123 1231 http://www.ofsted.gov.uk
Childcare Business Grants Scheme: Telephone Number: 01633 652143
Email:[email protected] www.childcarebusinessgrants.dcms.gov.uk
Department for Education (DfE): Telephone Number – 0370 000 2288 www.education.gov.uk
HM Revenue & Customs: www.hmrc.gov.uk
Charity Commission: www.charity-commission.gov.uk
Food Standards Agency: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/sfbb/sfbbcaterers
