Ask the Experts: Keeping a nursery sustainable

We are desperately trying to manage parents’ requests for flexible nursery places – but how can I keep us sustainable while offering choice?

The government has said parents have the right to choose the times that suit them and many local authorities have been quite firm as to how they want this managed, but the reality is that you run the nursery and you have to make it work. If you go bust there will be no places and no-one will have a choice.

Look at how you balance your staff. They are your biggest cost so you must use their availability wisely. Analyse the busy times and the most popular slots requested by parents. Some staff will be open to split shifts, working the busy first two hours or the end of the day. School hours and term-time offers may also be attractive.

It has also got to work for the children. If afternoon sessions start too early when toddlers need a nap for example, that could make for unhappy children. The best way is to decide on some core hours and then negotiate as necessary with parents. 

Choice has to be managed and you are not obliged to provide for every need.

Answered by June O’Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation