The results of a recent audit of providers in Darlington show that the Early Years Service is viewed by team settings as being helpful & a good source of information, particularly around childcare issues. However, it was felt there is a need for more specialist diagnostic help around general business issues. It was felt that business support is focused on start up businesses & there is a need for a more specific service amongst established businesses.
Childminders are of the opinion that business planning support is focused towards childminders who are setting up their business. More tailored, diagnostic support is needed for established childminders. There is also a need for help with financial management & tax returns amongst the more established childminders.
All organisations develop at different rates and have personnel with different skills. The Early Years Service (with assistance from Northumberland Early Years) has developed a 'Sustainability Health Check'. This contains a series of questions covering the followings areas:
- Business Planning
- Financial Planning & Management Funding
- Management & Organisation
- Organisation & Recruitment
- Student Placements, Training & Developments
- Registration
- Premises & Equipment
- Marketing & Market Research
- Quality Assurance
By working through the questions you can identify your strengths & highlight any areas that you need to approve. If you need any support to complete the health check or have identified any development areas please contact a member of the development team. Not all questions will be relevant to every organisation however, the majority will be.
There are 2 versions, one for team settings & one for childminders.
Team Settings Sustainability Health Check (pdf document)
Childminder Sustainability Health Check (pdf document)