How to Start a Nursery in the UK in 2025

How to Start a Nursery in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Introduction
How to open a nursery in 2025? The nursery field is always changing fast, and it can be difficult to keep up. This year alone, there have been major updates that directly affect how you open a nursery. From new Ofsted regulations to the introduction of new childcare categories, it’s essential to stay on top of these changes to ensure you’re ready. On top of that, the government’s expansion of funding means there will be a huge increase in demand for nursery places, creating exciting opportunities—and new competition.

Welcome to the channel! I’m so glad you’re here. In today’s video, we’re diving into how to open your nursery in 2025. We’ll break down the latest updates you need to know, explore the new opportunities that are arising, and, of course, walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up a successful nursery in today’s fast-moving market.

By the end of this video, you’ll have all the insights and actionable steps you need to open your nursery with confidence. So let’s get started!

Step 1: Conducting Market Research
Before you open your nursery, you’ll need to know your market inside and out. The demand for childcare is growing, especially with the new government funding coming into effect in September 2025. Working parents with children over 9 months old will now be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare, which means more children will need places at nurseries. This creates huge opportunities—but also more competition.

• Evaluate Demand: Look into local birth rates, employment statistics, and the number of working parents in your area. Keep an eye on how the funding might impact your community’s childcare needs.
• Analyse Competitors: Check out nearby nurseries, especially since there will be new categories for childcare providers, such as childminders on non-domestic premises. This allows childminders to run businesses outside their home, which could add new competition in your area.
• Engage with Parents: Host informal surveys or focus groups to find out what parents want from childcare services.

Real Story: One of my clients was planning to open a nursery in an area where childcare demand was already high. But after digging deeper into local funding changes, we discovered that many families would soon qualify for 30 hours of free childcare, creating a boom in demand. This insight helped my client fine-tune their services and increase their competitive edge.

Step 2: Registering with Ofsted
Before you can officially open your nursery, one of the most critical steps is registering with Ofsted. This is a legal requirement for all childcare providers in the UK, and it ensures that your nursery meets the necessary standards for safety, quality of care, and educational practices. To register, you’ll need to submit an application that includes:

• Proof of your safeguarding, health and safety policies
• A detailed risk assessment plan
• Background checks for you and all staff members

Once your application is submitted, you will undergo an Ofsted registration visit. This visit is an essential part of the process, and it’s where an Ofsted inspector will come to your setting to assess your compliance with their regulations. During this visit, the inspector will focus on key areas such as:

• Your safeguarding practices and risk assessments
• The suitability of your staff and their training
• The overall environment, including safety, health, and space for children

But that’s not all. 2025 brings with it some significant updates to Ofsted’s inspection process, and these changes will have a direct impact on your registration visit and what inspectors will be focusing on.

• Risk Assessments: Ofsted is now placing greater emphasis on how comprehensive and effective your risk assessments are. It’s not just about having a document on file; they will be looking at how you actively manage and mitigate risks on a daily basis, particularly in areas like physical safety, safeguarding, and staff training.
• Cuckooing Awareness: Ofsted has introduced a new focus on safeguarding against “cuckooing.” This is when vulnerable individuals, particularly children, are exploited or taken advantage of in childcare settings. Ofsted will expect you to have clear procedures in place for identifying and addressing this and other safeguarding issues. Staff training on this subject will be essential.
• Numeracy and Early Maths: One of the biggest updates for 2025 is Ofsted’s focus on the development of early numeracy skills. Inspectors will now be looking for how well your nursery fosters mathematical understanding in children from a young age. This includes everything from counting games to problem-solving exercises and introducing basic concepts like shape, space, and measurement.

Pro Tip: Being prepared for these changes is critical. If you have a strong focus on your risk assessments, safeguarding policies, and early numeracy development, you’ll be in a great position to pass your Ofsted registration visit with flying colours.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Location
Your nursery’s location is critical to your success. But it’s not just about finding a good spot. It’s about ensuring it meets all regulatory requirements and can accommodate your growing business. You’ll need a space with ample room, both inside and outside, as well as a safe and accessible entryway for children and parents.

• Key Features: Make sure the space is large enough to accommodate the number of children you plan to enroll and meets all safety standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Check that the building is compliant with fire safety regulations, accessibility standards, and other local regulations.
• Community Proximity: A location near residential areas or workplaces will make your nursery more accessible to parents.

Real Story: One of my clients struggled to find the right location that met Ofsted’s strict standards. After exploring several options, we discovered a community centre willing to lease out a portion of their building. The arrangement met all safety requirements and was located in an area that would attract a lot of parents, making it the perfect fit.

Step 4: Building Your Team
The team you build will be the heart of your nursery. From day-to-day operations to meeting Ofsted’s requirements, your staff must be well-trained, motivated, and share your vision. You’ll need to ensure that they’re equipped with the right skills, especially in safeguarding and early childhood education, as these areas will be under greater scrutiny in 2025.

• Recruitment: Hire qualified staff who have the right skills and passion for childcare.
• Training: Regular training on safeguarding, EYFS, and risk assessments will keep your staff informed and compliant with the latest standards.
• Retention: Foster a positive work environment that keeps staff happy and reduces turnover.

Real Story: A client of mine was struggling with high staff turnover. After I helped them implement team-building activities and better communication strategies, staff morale improved, and turnover dropped significantly.

Step 5: Developing Your Curriculum
A well-rounded curriculum is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and providing an enriching experience for children. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating an environment where children can thrive. Ofsted is focusing more on numeracy skills, so it’s important to integrate these into your curriculum in fun and engaging ways.

• EYFS Compliance: Follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, especially as Ofsted is placing more emphasis on numeracy.
• Enrichment Activities: Offer creative activities that support the development of language, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Inclusive Practices: Ensure your curriculum is adaptable to children with different needs and backgrounds.

Step 6: Marketing Your Nursery
Once your nursery is ready, you’ll need to attract families. Marketing is key to standing out from the competition, especially as more childminders and other providers enter the market. Building a strong online presence is essential, along with leveraging local partnerships and word-of-mouth.

• Build a Professional Website: Your website should showcase your services, staff, and testimonials from parents.
• Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share updates and success stories.
• Local Partnerships: Collaborate with nearby businesses and schools to increase your visibility.

Step 7: Ongoing Operations
Once you’re up and running, it’s important to stay on top of operations. Regular staff training, facility upgrades, and feedback from parents will ensure you stay ahead of any challenges that arise.

Why Expert Guidance Matters
Starting a nursery can feel overwhelming, especially with the many changes coming in 2025. Having someone with experience guiding you through the process can save time, reduce stress, and maximize your chances of success.

If you’re serious about opening your nursery and navigating these changes, I’m here to help. I offer a variety of ways to support you throughout the process. Simply fill in the form via the link here telling me a little bit about yourself or what you want to do, and we’ll see how we can best work together to bring your nursery dream to life.