Starting a Child Care Business

The fascinating thing about more and more women returning to work after having children, is that the demand for good quality childcare has skyrocketed!

The good news is, that this huge increase in demand means there has never been a better time for setting up your own child cre business.

This Diploma from UK Open Learning is designed specifically to help guide you through the process of setting up your own quality childcare business.

Develop an enjoyable and rewarding new career

As any parent knows, the early years of a child’s life are absolutely crucial in that his/her future health and happiness. So whether you simply wish to become a childminder or nanny, or have ambitions to run your own nursery, this Diploma course is designed to help you take that important first step in a whole new career.

What will I learn on the course?

The Diploma in Starting a Childcare Business takes you step by step through the process. By taking the course you will learn how to research the childcare market and how to set up and launch your own business. The course covers a wide range of practical and interesting topics such as the registration process involved, health, safety and hygiene matters, and how to provide good customer service and involve parents. The Diploma also helps you understand the financial aspects of running your own business, and provides a reading list of useful books on the subject.


Course Content
Unit One: Researching the Market
Registered Childminder

Childminding Business

Nursery

Financial

Unique Selling Point


Unit Two: Setting up your business
Acquiring Premises

Working Alone

Location

Parking

Traffic

Outdoor Space

Disabled Access

Planning Consent

Creating the Right Image

Giving Your Business a Name

Building a Professional Portfolio


Unit Three: The registration process
Suitable Person

Organisation

Care, Learning and Play

Physical Environment

Equipment

Safety

Health

Food and Drink

Equal Opportunities

Special Needs

Behaviour

Working with Parents and Carers

Child Protection

Documentation

Babies


Unit Four: Launching your business
Advertising

Interviewing Potential Customers

Positive Aspects of Childminding

Settling a Child into Your Setting



Unit Five: Health, safety and hygiene
Childminders

The Kitchen

The Living Room/Playroom

The Dining Room

Sleeping Area

The Bathroom and Toilet

The Hall and Stairs

Making Your Garden or Play Area Safe For Children

Poisonous Plants and Trees


Unit Six: Toys and Equipment
Start Up Grants

Basic Toys and Equipment

Rattles

Construction

Educational


Unit Seven: Customer service and parental involvement
If Things Go Wrong

Difficult People and Situations

Contracts

Areas of Conflict


Unit Eight: Financial Matters
Expenses

Inland Revenue

Assets

Liabilities

Financial Help for Childminders

Using a Care for your Business

Tax and National Insurance

VAT

Profit and Loss

Promoting Your Business


Who can take the Diploma in Starting a Childcare Business?

The Diploma in Starting a Childcare Business is from UK Open Learning, one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. The course could lead to you playing an important role in the development of young children as well as running a successful business. No prior knowledge is required and the course is open to anyone.
How does the Starting a Childcare Business course work?

The great thing about distance learning is that you can study from home or work, at your own pace and in your own time. You will also have your very own professional personal tutor offering unlimited support via email and post, seven days a week. He or she will be happy to answer any questions you may have and give you advice as to how to complete the course successfully. The course is divided into eight self-contained units and students are asked to complete five assignments which will be marked by your tutor. The overall grade from these assignments will lead to the awarding of your Diploma.

How long do I have to complete the course?

12 months. We suggest that you read through the entire course initially to familiarise yourself with the contents. After this, work your way through the units in numerical order. The course can be studied at your own pace and there are no deadlines for assignments.