Business

Sustainability

It is important providers consider their business model to ensure that it not only provides the best service to children and families, but it remains sustainable.

Consider:

• Adjusting the staffing structure to suit the needs of the children and business
• Monitor income and expenditure
• Calculate the breakeven and have systems in place to rectify any loses
• Review the current offer by consulting with children and families to ensure that it continues to meet the demands of families

If you have sustainability concerns, please email your WDW to discuss.

We have developed four Business Bites training courses which will support you to keep your business sustainable.

Marketing and promotion

Providers and schools need to think creatively about how to market their group. Key factors in the decision-making process are:

• Who is the potential audience?
• How to reach them?
• What is the budget?
• What media to use?
• What is the desired outcome?
• How to measure success?

It is important to make information as generic as possible for longevity. If using images to support your marketing, choose ones that are appropriate and good quality (ensuring you have permission to use them). Make the language clear and simple and the content short. Remember to utilise any 'free' opportunities as part of an overarching strategy such as social media and local businesses. Please ensure all the details about your provision are kept up to date via the provider portal to ensure parents using the Norfolk Community Directory can read your offer. The information regarding wraparound care should be advertised on your website and could sit under Parents/Carers, so that it is readily available and easy to find.

Tax Free Childcare

For every £8 the parent pays into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year.

Childcare choices have a wealth of information for parents and carers, please signpost to their website.

For parents and carers to claim, providers must register for the scheme (it's free of charge) and can only do so if registered with Ofsted.

Universal Credit Childcare

Universal Credit Childcare can be used by working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17 years old. Up to 85% of eligible childcare costs can be reclaimed. Parents will need to speak to their work coach for more information.

Find out more information from the Childcare Choices website

It is important to make sure that information regarding entitlements is readily available for parents and carers on the wraparound provision part of your website.