Childcare

Introducing The Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Franchise

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.

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.

Finance Requirements

Franchise fee:

£18,500

Available areas

Franchise opportunities available in all areas of the UK.