Introduction

Now that you have chosen the area(s) where you plan to open your nursery, you can begin the next major step: finding a building.

For many people I’ve supported, this is the part they find the most challenging. It can feel overwhelming because there are so many things to consider, legal requirements, Ofsted expectations, building suitability, safety standards, planning permission, and more. However, once you understand what to look for and what to avoid, the entire process becomes much easier and far more achievable.

By the end of this topic, you will have the tools and knowledge to confidently identify a building that is safe, suitable, and financially realistic for your nursery business.

What you will learn

At the end of this session you will:

• Understand the legal obligations involved in choosing and running your own childcare building

• Know the types of buildings that are suitable for nursery use, and which ones to avoid

• Learn how to find your ideal building, including smart search strategies and how to assess potential properties

• Understand what insurance you will need at different stages of setting up

• Know the key things that Ofsted will look for in a building

• Be aware of common property issues that can cause delays or failures and how to avoid them

This topic is designed to remove the confusion and guesswork.
By the time you finish, you will be able to:

• assess any building confidently

• judge its suitability for Ofsted

• understand the risks

• and make an informed decision that protects your time, money, and long-term success