Why Now Is STILL the Best Time to Open a Nursery

🎥 Video Script: “Why Now Is STILL the Best Time to Open a Nursery (Even During a Recession)”

Intro

“Recession. Budget cuts. Childcare pressures. Rent’s up. Bills are up. Food’s up.

We’re constantly being told now’s not the time to take risks.
But what if I told you… that this moment — right now — might be the best chance you’ll get to open a nursery?

👉 What if I told you that nurseries are not just surviving through the recession — but in many areas, they’re thriving?

And what if I showed you how people just like you — people without big savings, no business background, even working full-time — are building their future through childcare… right now?

Because in this video, I’m going to prove that despite the economy, despite the headlines, and despite what you might believe about your finances…

👉 This is still the perfect time to open your nursery.”

[WHAT THIS VIDEO IS ABOUT]

“In this video, I’ll walk you through:

• Why nurseries are one of the most recession-proof businesses in the UK
• How government funding actually works in your favour during a downturn
• Why childcare demand is exploding right now — and not being met
• And how starting a nursery costs a lot less than most people think

I’ll also be sharing the mindset shifts you need to move forward — and stories from people I’ve worked with who have opened nurseries during the hardest financial times of their lives.

And most importantly, I’ll show you how this could be your best chance to take control of your income — and stop waiting for the economy to fix itself.”

[CHANNEL INTRO]

“Welcome back to Open a Nursery with myself, Curtly Ania — where I help you open, run and grow your very own nursery in the UK, without overwhelm or confusion.”

“If you’re new here, make sure you subscribe and hit the bell. I release regular videos helping people just like you get clarity, confidence, and a real plan to finally open the nursery you’ve been dreaming of.”

“If this video speaks to your situation, definitely check out:

• ‘How to Start a Nursery with £10,000 or Less’
• ‘The Truth About Government Funding and How to Make It Work for You’

I’ll link them down below and at the end.”

🔥 PART 1: THE ECONOMIC TRUTH NO ONE’S TALKING ABOUT

Let’s talk honestly about what we’re facing right now:

• UK inflation has been high for over a year.
• Average rent is up more than 9% across many regions.
• Food prices are up.
• Disposable income is at one of its lowest points in years.

So it’s no surprise that people feel stuck.
Afraid.
And convinced that this can’t possibly be a good time to start a business.

But that mindset is built on a big myth.

Let me explain.

Myth: All businesses suffer during a recession

✅ Truth: Some do. But others become more important than ever.

People cut luxuries.
They cancel gym memberships, push back renovations, downgrade cars.

But do you know what they don’t cancel?

Childcare.

Because they can’t.

When both parents are working — or when a single parent is trying to stay afloat — they need a safe, reliable place for their child to be.
They’re not choosing between childcare and Netflix.
They’re choosing between childcare and being able to work at all.

So while the news is telling you to be cautious…

👉 The smart ones are preparing to step into one of the most in-demand sectors in the UK.

Let’s look at the numbers.

As of this year:

• Over 16,000 childminders have left the sector in the last 6 years.
• Nursery closures are up by 30% in some local authorities.
• And yet… waiting lists are longer than ever.

In many towns and cities, parents are being told:

“We don’t have space for your child until next year.”

Imagine that. A mother, returning to work.
Can’t get a funded place. Can’t afford private fees.
And every nursery she contacts says: We’re full.

Now ask yourself:

👉 What if you were the one to open the nursery that made space?

🙋‍♀️ Client Story: Aisha (London)

Aisha came to me during the 2022 cost of living crisis.
She was on maternity leave, struggling with bills, and seriously considering not going back to work because childcare was going to cost more than she earned.

We looked at her options.

She had Level 3 experience. She was passionate about children.
But she was terrified — thought she needed £40,000, a brand, a huge space.

We built a plan together.

She launched a preschool model inside a community centre.
Just 3 mornings a week to start.
Her setup cost? £7,800 total.

Within 6 months, she had a full list.
Within 12 months, she had doubled capacity.
She didn’t just beat the recession — she escaped it.”

🏡 PART 2: NURSERIES ARE RECESSION-RESILIENT (AND HERE’S WHY)

There are a few reasons nurseries are built to thrive even when the economy dips:

✅ 1. Essential Service = Constant Demand

Unlike beauty salons or luxury retail, nurseries aren’t “nice to have.”
They are a requirement for many families to function.

That means even when parents are making cutbacks — they still prioritise your service.

✅ 2. You Get Paid From Multiple Sources

When you run a nursery, your income isn’t just from parents.

You also receive:

• Government funding
• Universal credit support from parents
• Top-up payments
• Optional extras (lunches, outings, activities)

That means you’re not relying on one unstable stream — you’re working with diversified income. That’s the dream during a recession.

✅ 3. Community Roots Make You Irreplaceable

Local nurseries are trusted.
People walk past your building every day.
They speak to your staff at pick-up.
They recommend you in the WhatsApp group.

You become embedded in the daily life of your community.

When people know your face, your name, your values — they choose you. Even if a cheaper option opens up across town.

✅ 4. You’re Filling a Gap Others Are Afraid to Enter

Right now, many people are backing away from nursery ownership.
They think the paperwork is too much. Or the timing’s wrong.

And that’s why there’s space.

I work with clients all over the UK — and I can tell you with certainty:

The most successful ones are the people who start during quiet times.

By the time the economy picks up again, they’re already fully established.

💷 PART 3: THE COST TO START IS LOWER THAN YOU THINK

Let’s tackle the big fear: “But I can’t afford to start right now.”

You don’t need:

• £50,000
• A commercial lease
• 5 staff
• Or a fancy logo

What you need is:

✅ A model that fits your life
✅ A space that’s affordable
✅ A pathway that avoids mistakes

Here are 3 low-cost ways I’ve helped clients start:

1. Community Hall Preschool

A client in Birmingham launched with £9,200 — including rent, insurance, toys, staff DBS, and marketing.
She used one room, 9–12pm sessions, three days a week.
She filled her space within 8 weeks.

2. Wraparound After-School Club

Another client used school premises to run care 3:30–6:00pm.
They started for under £6,000 — and by term two, had over 30 children enrolled.

3. Term-Time SEN-Focused Setting

A third client created a sensory-focused preschool in a converted office room attached to a church.
They received council referrals because of their SEN experience.
They were cashflow-positive by month 3.

Do you know what made the difference for these people?

It wasn’t luck.

It was knowing what steps to take — and in what order.

And that’s exactly what I help people figure out.

🧠 PART 4: MINDSET SHIFT — FROM FEAR TO ACTION

Here’s what I know after helping hundreds of aspiring nursery owners:

Most people never start — not because they’re incapable —
but because they think they’re too late, too broke, or too behind.

But the truth is:

👉 You’re not late. You’re on time.
👉 You’re not broke. You’re resourceful.
👉 And you’re not behind. You just need a real plan.

Waiting until you feel ready is a trap.
Because life will always give you a reason to wait.

But here’s what will happen if you start:

• You’ll start seeing buildings differently
• You’ll feel excited when you hear “Ofsted” instead of panicked
• You’ll begin imagining your launch instead of just watching others do it

All of that starts the moment you take the first serious step.”

I know this all sounds big.

And it is.
Opening a nursery takes commitment, strategy, and a clear head.

And if you’re watching this thinking:

“Okay Curtly, I believe you. But I still don’t know what I’m doing”
That’s okay.

You don’t need to know everything today.
You just need to start with someone who does.

That’s why I offer what I offer:

• Consultations to make your plan clearer
• Templates to help you start fast
• Courses to guide you through setup
• Feedback so you don’t make avoidable mistakes

And everything I teach is based on what I’ve done — not theory.
I’ve built nurseries myself.
I’ve helped people do it.
And now I help you avoid what I learned the hard way.

You don’t need me forever.

But if you want this to work —
It helps to have someone in your corner.”

So, let me ask you one last time:

Are you going to wait for the economy to calm down?
For rent prices to drop?
For funding changes to be “perfect”?

Or are you going to build something that gives you more control — no matter what’s happening around you?

Opening a nursery isn’t just a business move.
It’s a life move.

It creates:

✅ Income stability
✅ Work-life balance
✅ Purpose
✅ And freedom

And yes — even in a recession.

So if this video helped you shift your mindset, please like it, subscribe, and leave a comment.
Tell me what you’re planning — and when you’re ready to make your move, I’ll help you do it the smart way.

Because in this climate?

👉 Smart is better than scared.

And building your own nursery?

👉 Might just be the smartest thing you’ll ever do.”