Introducing Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries
Our experience in the child-care sector dates back
to 1978, when a previous generation of the Crosby family opened
their first day nursery in Cambridgeshire. More nurseries opened
subsequently and those in Hertfordshire comprise the highly
successful current core business which provides strong foundations
for our franchise development.
As one would expect, child-care is subject to
considerable statutory regulation covering both staffing and
premises. Compliance with the demanding and specific guidelines of
OFSTED, the sector's regulatory authority, is obligatory and
opening a day nursery is therefore no longer a simple
matter.
However, as franchisor we are here to show our
Franchisees precisely how it is done: how to set up from scratch
and how to run their businesses efficiently, following best
practice. We also provide the know-how that aims for our
Franchisees to manage their businesses at optimum profitability and
achieve a first-class return on investment. In this regard, you
will see that we also go further, with a vital element of support
that facilitates positive cash flow. All in all, the Monkey Puzzle
Day Nursery Franchise provides an outstanding opportunity for those
seeking a management franchise with an exceptionally promising
future.
The Market
With more mothers choosing to return to work,
there is an unprecedented demand for nursery places - especially
those with high quality resources. Our highly successful
core-business in Hertfordshire has provided all the right
ingredients for the Monkey Puzzle Day
Nurseries Franchise, which is now developing
nationally with British Franchise Association
Accreditation.
As you would expect, child-care is subject to
considerable statutory regulation covering both staffing and
premises, and compliance with the requirements of OFSTED is
mandatory. However, Monkey Puzzle Franchisees
benefit from a substantial package of know-how and support that
addresses literally everything - initial setting up, comprehensive
training, staff recruitment, local publicity and an excellent
programme of continuing back-up that aims for best practice and
sound financial performance.
Monkey Puzzle Day
Nurseries is essentially a "management" franchise and
previous childcare experience is not a requirement. Some of our
Franchisees are involved personally in the day-to-day running of
their nurseries, while others employ a manager to head up their
childcare team.
Finance
Requirements The overall outlay will obviously depend on
premises costs and the liquid capital requirement is typically from
£18,000, with the balance funded by way of a bank business
loan. |
The Directors
Rebecca Crosby was previously a stockbroker in the
City of London before leaving to establish the first Hertfordshire
branch of what is now Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries. With no previous
childcare experience she recruited 2 qualified nursery nurses to
assist her. Rebecca has been responsible for putting in place all
the operational procedures and is the OFSTED registered person for
the core business, personally heading up the training and
operational support functions as Operations Director.
Mark Crosby also has a career background in the
City, which he relinquished to become involved full time in the
expansion of Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, taking responsibility for
an ambitious expansion programme which saw the nurseries in
Hertfordshire grow from offering 30 places initially to filling 150
places in less than three years. As Franchise Director, Mark heads
the commercial and marketing functions.
Mr Crosby said: “We wanted to expand the
business, but didn’t want to go the organic route as we felt
there would be problems finding good quality managers.
“Franchising seemed the best option as we felt that as owners
of their own business, franchisees would be more dedicated than any
manager.”
“We haven’t had to chase any
business, but at the same time we are very aware of how important
it is to choose the right people to care for young children,”
said Mr Crosby.
Training
The objective being for all Monkey Puzzle Day
Nurseries to set up and operate to uniformly high standards, you
may be assured that we place considerable emphasis on training. The
course follows a detailed syllabus, based on our Operations Manual,
comprised of three main elements:-
Initially: at our H.Q., with classroom sessions
to provide you with a thorough insight to the business, OFSTED
compliance issues, marketing and day-to-day running.
Moving on: to one of the nurseries in our
Hertfordshire core business, where you will shadow the manager and
gain "hands on" operational management experience.
And finally: on site at your premises, with a
member of our support team in attendance to advise you regarding
employee recruitment, guide you through the setting up phase and be
on hand when the first children take their places in your
nursery.
Would YOU fit the Franchisee
Profile?
Firstly, although working with young children
must obviously appeal to you, a background in the child-care sector
is not a requirement. Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery is essentially a
management franchise and therefore some experience in managing
members of staff is particularly advantageous. Also, you must be a
good communicator and feel at ease running your team of nursery
nurses. A particularly important personal attribute is a warm and
understanding disposition, essential when dealing with parents who
expect individual attention as their child settles in.
