Expanding business

[lwesthorp]

Hi all, I'm after some advise. I am looking to expand my childcare business due to the big demand (waiting list) on my estate.

A big 5 bed house has come up on the estate we live on and we are thinking of buying this and converting it into a small day nursery.

We have looked at the outgoings and income & everything looks great. All I'm unsure of is.... Would this be classed as childminding still or running a nursery? Can I employ other childminders/nursery nurses so we can increase our numbers? Does anyone know how many children staff per square metre? I think I would only want to have about 15 children per day with 4 staff including myself. Does this sound realistic?

Would we need permission from council to run a business from the house?

Any advise is greatly appreciated.

[Bumble Beez]

All sounds wonderful if you're wanting to expand that much...

If you want to stay being classed as a childminder then you can only work with 2 other adults at the same time and the square meter ratio's would be the same as they are now...

If you're looking into childcare on domestic premises then take a look at this link...
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/f...estic-premises

You can stay as a childminder as well as being registered as CODP however you'll have two separate inspections and reports.
There are different fee structures also and make sure you check with your LA as there may be business rates imposed etc...

Sarah x

[tulip0803]

If you are converting the house to solely be a childcare premises and not a home then you will have to apply for planning permission for change of use as it would no longer be a domestic dwelling.

You will need to speak to you LA in any case as even if you moved into the house as well you may have to apply for change of use due to the amount of children being cared for on the premises - in my area I am restricted to 6 minded children of any age and if I wanted to increase my numbers to even care for a 7th child that is over 8 I would have to apply for planning permission for change of use. This does vary from LA to LA but if you are planning to care for 15 children with 3 more staff then I think you will almost certainly have to apply for planning permission (which costs money & they ask neighbours about objections). If you have to go for change of use as bumble bees says your rates will change to business rates and you will have to pay for things like rubbish collections and hazardous waste collection for nappies.

Glad you are so busy though

[Tealady]

Are you busy as you are one of a few childminders or is there a real lack of Childcare? If the latter then you may be sucessful but if parents want a small Childminding setting will they be interested if you become a small nursery?

[lwesthorp]

Thank you all so much for your advise. x

[Bumble Beez]

Keep us all posted on what you decide Hun x

Sarah x

[lwesthorp]

Will do so much to consider!!! My brain is hurting ha! X

[lwesthorp]

Hi all, another question relating to my expansion. If I get an assistant/additional childminder can they be self employed? I have read that I will need to employ them if they earn over £110, is this true??

I have also found it really hard to source further info regarding planning permissions. I have looked on my councils site & there's nothing there?? I m based in Essex.

Thanks x