Choose the right training for where you are now
Start free if you are still exploring, follow the complete nursery-opening course when you are ready to move forward or choose specialist training for childminding, home nurseries and early years teams.
- Practical UK nursery-opening guidance
- Self-paced online learning
- Courses for founders and early years teams
- One training account for your learning
Three levels of learning, depending on how ready you are
You do not need to buy the biggest course on day one. Start at the level that matches your commitment then move deeper when opening a nursery becomes a real project rather than just an idea.
Free Starter Guide
A simple introduction for people who are interested in opening a nursery but still need to understand the main steps before committing money.
- 10 short starter lessons
- Costs, property, Ofsted, staffing and marketing
- 2 useful budget downloads
- No certificate – this is an introductory course
Nursery Starter Guide
A low-cost step up from the free guide for people who want a clearer understanding of the opening process, costs and early business planning.
- Beginner-friendly paid starter course
- The 6 key steps to opening
- Start-up cost guidance
- Business plan basics and clearer next steps
Open a Nursery in the UK in 6 Months
The main nursery-opening course for founders who are serious about turning the idea into a real nursery and want the complete process organised.
- 50+ step-by-step lessons
- 30+ editable templates and documents
- Property, funding, Ofsted, staffing and marketing
- 6-month roadmap with lifetime course access
Still unsure which level you need?
The main difference is depth. The free course explains the landscape, the £11.99 guide gives you a stronger foundation and the £249.99 course is designed to guide an active nursery-opening project.
| What matters | Free Starter Guide | £11.99 Starter Guide | £249.99 Full Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Exploring the idea | Early planning | Actively working towards opening |
| Opening process overview | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Detailed property guidance | Intro only | Starter level | ✓ Detailed |
| Funding and financial planning | Intro only | ✓ Starter guidance | ✓ Detailed |
| Ofsted preparation | Overview | Starter level | ✓ Detailed |
| Staffing, policies and recruitment | Overview | Limited | ✓ Detailed |
| Templates and practical documents | 2 budget downloads | Starter resources | 30+ templates and documents |
| Recommended when | You are deciding whether to pursue it | You want a low-cost next step | You want to actually work towards opening |
A commercial nursery is not the only way to start
These courses are for people who want to build a childcare business from home or take a smaller first step before considering a larger nursery.
Open a Nursery from Home in the UK
Understand the Childcare on Domestic Premises route, what to think about before applying and how to decide whether a home nursery is right for you.
Explore the home nursery course
Become a Registered Childminder in the UK
A step-by-step course covering registration, preparing your home, checks, business setup and the practical route to becoming a childminder.
Explore the childminder courseTraining for practitioners, managers and nursery teams
This is a separate training route from the nursery-opening courses. Use it for individual learning, staff development and practical early years training.
Safeguarding Level 2
Early years focused safeguarding training covering responsibilities, abuse and neglect, disclosures, allegations, recording, reporting and safer professional practice.
View Safeguarding Level 2
Complete Baby Room Training
Four practical modules covering responsive care, learning and development, safer practice, observation, progress, SEND and early support for under-twos.
View Baby Room TrainingOther courses and programmes
These sit outside the main nursery-opening pathway, so they are kept separate to make choosing your core course easier.
5 Day Nursery Website Builder Challenge
Learn how to build a nursery or childcare website using WordPress without needing to learn coding. Useful once your childcare business needs a professional online presence.
View the Website Builder ChallengeSome decisions are easier with somebody looking at your actual situation
Courses give you the process and knowledge. Personal support becomes more useful when you have a real property, financial decision, Ofsted deadline or a nursery project that needs individual feedback.
Keep planning even before you buy a course
Use the free resources to test your numbers, organise your thinking and understand the nursery-opening process more clearly.
Nursery Calculators & Free Tools
Use the ratio, space and earnings calculators alongside free planning resources for your nursery.
Explore free tools →Nursery Documents
Browse policies, templates and practical documents for opening and running a nursery.
Browse nursery documents →Free Business Plan Template
Organise your nursery idea, market research, staffing, premises and financial thinking in one structured plan.
Get the free template →Choosing and accessing your training
Which nursery-opening course should I start with?
Choose the Free Starter Guide if you are still exploring. Choose the £11.99 Starter Guide if you want a low-cost introduction with more structure. Choose the £249.99 6-month course if you are actively working towards opening and want the full step-by-step route.
Do I need childcare experience before taking the nursery-opening courses?
No. The courses are designed to explain the nursery-opening process from the beginning. You will still need to build the right qualified team and meet the relevant registration, staffing and operational requirements.
Where do I go after I have purchased or enrolled?
Use your Training Dashboard. It is the main place for returning to courses, continuing lessons and accessing your training account.
What is the difference between nursery-opening courses and Early Years Training?
Nursery-opening courses are for people creating a childcare business. Early Years Training is for practitioners, managers, childminders and nursery teams developing professional knowledge and practice.
Can I buy training for my nursery staff?
Yes. Safeguarding Level 2 supports individual and group purchasing. Baby Room Training is also available for individual learners and teams. Use the Early Years Training & CPD hub to see current training options.
What if I need personal advice as well as a course?
You can book a consultation for a specific issue or explore the mentorship programmes if you want ongoing personal support through a larger part of your nursery-opening journey.
Already enrolled?
Go straight to your Training Dashboard to continue your lessons and access the courses linked to your account.