1. Introduction
1.1. Nature of Business
We are childminders registered with Ofsted under the name of Faith Kiddies Childminding Services. We are registered on both the Early Years and childcare registers.
1.2 Background
We have completed the Local Authorities Pre Registration Programme and will be registered with Ofsted after completion of my course. We will provide quality childcare for up to 5 children under 6 years old, of these 5, a maximum of 3 may be under 5years and of these 3, we can care for 1 baby under the age of 1. We will offer both flexible and affordable, quality childcare for children aged 0-6 years of age within my home. As part of the course, we will be taking full DBS Clearance.
In addition we have applied to become members of the National Childminder Association and will have close links with the Early Years and Childcare Team. The services which we will offer will vary dependant on the needs of the parent / carer. This can be part time, full time places between the hours of 8am and 7pm. As an extra help to families. If overnight care is required, this can be negotiated as we are willing to become registered with Ofsted to offer this service.
All our work will be based around the Early Years Foundation Stage. The child’s development and progress whilst in our care will be recorded as part of the child’s Journal, we will provide a written report on the progress at the end of each term.
2. Strategic Planning
2.1. Mission Statement
To provide quality childcare for children and their families at affordable prices.
2.2. Goals and Objectives
Non- Financial
To maintain a high standard of childcare and develop links with other childminders within the area.
Financial
To be affordable to parents within the locality and to become self-sufficient within the practice.
2.3. Competitive Advantage / Unique Selling Points
Register as Childminders in January 2015.
Offer quality childcare for children aged 0-6 years in a home environment
Service provided available between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm 5 days a week
3. Situational Analysis
3.1. SWOT Analysis
The SWOT analysis can be split into Self, Service and / or Competitor
3.2. Customer
Localy, there are 2 primary schools, 1 children’s centre, 2 private nurseries within 1 mile and there is currently no other childminders within the area. Each school has a nursery that has children under the age of 6 years.
3.3. Environment
Faith Kiddies aims to provide quality play opportunities to children throughout the day indoors and where possible outdoors. In addition we will visit the local environment eg, park, supermarket, shops as much as possible, this with the agreement of parents.
3.4. Marketing and product objectives
We will provide a wide and varied selection of activities within a home environment to support the children’s development and help them to enjoy their stay with us.
3.5 Target Market
All parents with children under the age of 6 years
Before and after school
Morning, afternoon
Full day
3.6 Points of Difference
Our home is a walking distance from one of the school; therefore we can take and collect the children from school if needed.
3.7 Positioning
There are currently no other Childminders within the area
There are 2 primary schools within 1 mile and there is also 1 Children’s Centre
There are also 2 private day nurseries.
4. Marketing Program / Strategy and Tactics 4.1 Product
Full time
Part time
Hourly care
Local to schools
4.2 Pricing
To complete a business plan to identify running costs
To identify current market charges
To provide an affordable yet competitively priced service
4.3 Place
To introduce the service we provide to
Local schools
Children centres
Childminder drop in session
4.4 Promotion
To print flyers and