Setting up or expanding a nursery or pre-school
Lancashire County Council offer pre-registration and business support packages to meet your needs and ensure you receive all the help and guidance you need, in developing a new childcare setting or enhancing an existing one.
Packages of support - These packages have been designed so you can purchase the appropriate type of support that you need. There are 7 different packages of support, 3 are to help you register a high-quality provision with Ofsted and 4 packages of support are available to help you set up the business.
The type of package you choose will be dependent on a number of factors such as your previous experience in childcare/ business knowledge and the complexity of the project you are proposing to develop. Prior to choosing your childcare support packages we recommend you book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your project and work out which package/s would be most suitable to meet your needs.
Please contact us at EarlyYearsCentre@lancashire.gov.uk to arrange your free consultation
These packages of support will guide you in meeting all the relevant Ofsted requirements to successfully register your new setting.
Package 1
This is suitable for those with limited or no experience in childcare and/or where extensive changes to the building may be required. Cost: £310
This package includes:
Three childcare support visits (2 hours each) to provide advice on aspects such as building plans, premises and safety and your suitability to meet Ofsted requirements. (One of your support visits could be from a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to advise on set up of your learning environments and resources to support learning and development)
Named Childcare Project Officer who will provide bespoke support through the registration process
Information about the Ofsted application process
Guidance on providing a safe and suitable environment for all ages
Support for the registration interview for the person who will be interviewed by Ofsted as part of the registration process
Childcare toolkit to assist you in meeting Ofsted legislation requirements
One visit to the Early Years Professional Development Centre
Recorded Bitesize Training on The Statutory Framework for the EYFS
20% discount on the Setting Service Guarantee (SSG) once registered
Summary report following each visit
We will also offer you a follow up post registration visit
Package 2
This package is most suitable for those with previous experience of owning or managing a nursery, who are confident in their knowledge or have a building that requires minimal changes. Cost: £245
Two childcare support visit (2 hours each) to provide advice on aspects such as building plans, premises and safety and your suitability to meet Ofsted requirements.
Named Childcare Project Officer who will provide bespoke support through the registration process
Information about the Ofsted application process
Guidance on providing a safe and suitable environment for all ages
Support for the registration interview for the person who will be interviewed by Ofsted as part of the registration process
Childcare toolkit to assist you in meeting Ofsted legislation requirements
One visit to the Early Years Professional Development Centre
20% discount on the Setting Service Guarantee (SSG) once registered
Follow up post registration visit
Summary report following each visit
Package 3
This package is most suitable for current nursery providers who are purchasing new premises, moving or extending existing premises or changing the age range of children. Cost: £185
One childcare support visit (2 hours)
to provide advice on building plans and premises regarding safety and suitability to meet Ofsted requirements.
You will receive a summary report following the visit.
Download the 'Setting up Quality Childcare in Lancashire' (PDF 689KB) booklet for further information including the process to apply to Ofsted.
These packages have been designed to provide you with the appropriate level of support depending on your experience and knowledge of business in the Early Years and Childcare Sector.
Package 4
Setting up new childcare provision business support - this is the full package of support for providers who have limited or no experience in childcare business. Cost: £310
Market Research Tool Kit
Demographics Data including population and deprivation levels
Understanding the local childcare market
Up to 1 Microsoft teams/face to face consultations to support marketing and demographics
Business planning tool kit
Financial forecast including cost analysis and breakeven calculation
Up to 2 Microsoft team/face to face consultations to support Business and financial planning
Marketing and promotion of your business tool kit.
Package 5
Market Research and Demographics – this package is for providers who may have knowledge of the business and financial aspects but are looking to set up new provision in another area. Cost: £185
Market Research Tool Kit
Demographics Data including population and deprivation levels
Understanding the local childcare market
Up to 2 Microsoft teams consultations to support marketing and demographics
Package 6
Business and Financial Forecasting – this package is for providers who feel they need help with the business and financial planning. Cost £245
Business planning tool kit
Financial forecast including cost analysis and breakeven calculation
Up to 2 Microsoft Teams/face to face consultations to support Business and financial planning
Marketing and promotion of your business tool kit
Package 7
Marketing and Promotion of your business – this package is for providers who would like help with marketing their business. Cost £185
Marketing and promotion of your business tool kit.
Up to 2 Microsoft teams consultations to support Marketing and promotion of your business