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| Home | Services | Industry Topics | Careers | Tax Rates |
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| Nursery
Care Demand for child care has soared over the last decade and, in response, there has been a significant expansion in the number of nursery places offered. Out-of-school clubs and holiday schemes have experienced similar growth. Most of this growth has been in the private sector. The launch of the government's National Childcare Strategy in 1998 has resulted in significantly greater public funding for child care and early education and this has provided the stimulus for the emergence of corporate day care providers. The early years of the 2000s saw the introduction of National Standards with which child care providers must comply. Day nurseries provide a full day care service for babies and pre-school children. They may also offer out of school and holiday care to older children. Nurseries must be registered and must comply with the requirements of the National Standards which cover all aspects of child care provision, including staff ratios and space requirements. Fees vary considerably around the country and are generally higher for under twos than for over twos. Income for day nurseries arises primarily from child care fees although small amounts of revenue may come from sources such as the sale of T-shirts or commission from photographers. Turnover may be affected by a number of factors, including a change in occupancy levels, an increase or decrease in the number of child care places offered, a change in the services offered or the age range catered for, or an increase or decrease in local competition. Customers are primarily working parents, some of whom may pay part or all of the fees by way of child care vouchers provided by their employer. Those approved day nurseries offering educational facilities may receive local authority funding in respect of pre-school education for three and four year olds. Staff costs are likely to represent the single biggest cost for day nurseries because of high staff:child ratios. According to industry sources, staff costs might amount to as much as two thirds of turnover. The relationship between staff costs and wages may be affected by a number of factors including the age profile of the children cared for, the nursery's policy on refunds and discounts, the pricing policy and the sector of the market targetted. Niche operators targetting the top end of the market can charge higher than average fees.
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For further information or to become a part of our winning team contact us at: Hadrian House, Front Street, Chester Le Street, Co. Durham, DH3 3DB Te: (0191) 388 3377 Fax: (0191) 387 1745 Email: straughans@straughans.co.uk Straughans Limited (trading as Straughans) is a limited liability company registered in England and Wales under No 0354727. Registered office: Hadrian House, Front Street, Chester le Street, Co Durham, DH3 3BB | ||
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