Nursery World - Editor's View (207)

Six months on from the last Nursery Chains and uncertainty in the private sector remains. The UK's nursery groups (see League table, page 21) still feel that Government-funded initiatives are proving more of a threat than an opportunity. Concentrating on quality has to be the best way to maintain success. In 'Big issues' (pages 4-6) the chief executives of Asquith Nurseries and Nord Anglia explain how they are rising to the challenge of difficult commercial conditions, and we talk to staff and management at Child Base, which has come 72nd in The Sunday Times list of 100 Best Companies to work for.

Concentrating on quality has to be the best way to maintain success. In 'Big issues' (pages 4-6) the chief executives of Asquith Nurseries and Nord Anglia explain how they are rising to the challenge of difficult commercial conditions, and we talk to staff and management at Child Base, which has come 72nd in The Sunday Times list of 100 Best Companies to work for.

Along with enhanced training, some nursery groups are also offering staff opportunities to improve their fitness, helping to retain a happy and healthy workforce ('Good health', pages 17-18).

While the UK private nursery sector is waiting to play a necessary role in the Government's Ten-Year Childcare Strategy, the award for global growth goes to Australian-based ABC Learning Centres that is taking three continents by storm. The world's largest chain is developing at the frantic rate of four nurseries a week ('Fast forward', pages 8-9).

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