For those starting a business in early years childcare, having a passion for the job is important. But sustaining a business successfully takes more than natural enthusiasm. Many childcare businesses struggle due to lack of formal training or confidence in the business world. This accessible and practical guide shows exactly how to develop your organisation, leading to success within the competitive market and ultimately a higher quality childcare service.Jacqui Burke reveals what parents really want from professional early years childcare, and the core marketing, finance and management skills needed to realize these ideals. Studying what businesses have done right and wrong to date, the book includes example activities and market-savvy checklists that clearly show how to analyse your organisation, master day-to-day management, attract new customers, and take your business to the next level. With invaluable advice on how to better the experiences of your children, parents and staff alike, this guide will help you make your organisation stand out from the crowd.

Jacqui Burke is a learning and development consultant with over 25 years of training experience, who specialises in business, management and leadership skills development for the Early Years and Childcare sector. Following an initial career as a training and development specialist in the Financial Services industry, she later became a consultant with one of the UK's leading HR consultancy practices, and in 2001 set up her own business, Flourishing People.

Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. The principal elements of a sustainable early years business. 2. Tools and techniques for understanding your early years business. 3. Options for structuring your early years business. 4. Financial management. 5. Finding and keeping customers. 6. Recruiting, managing and developing employees and volunteers. 7. Running an early years business on a day to day basis. 8. Managing commercial risks in an early years business. 9. Taking the pain out of change. Bibliography.