Holding annual staff appraisals can also lead to a happy workforce. We show you how to set goals, praise good work and encourage progression on page 15.
Of course, operating a quality setting also rests on the standard of your management. If you feel you'd like to improve your business skills then maybe you could learn from practitioners in Essex who are doing just that with the assistance of a new evaluation tool, see page 10. Also, check out page 20 to ensure that you are up to date with employment legislation and know how not to discriminate when recruiting staff.
Owning a nursery is just a dream for many people. To find out what hard work is actually involved turn to page 33 and read our start-up directory.
We have compiled an essential list of what to do and who to speak to - from initial market research and compiling a business plan to actually staffing and equipping your nursery.
New and prospective owners also explain how they gained funding, tackled builders and recruited a cohesive staff team. They turned their dreams into reality and so could you.
