Nursery World - Positive benefits

Nurseries are offering bonuses and perks in a bid to retain staff. Judith Napier investigates what's on offer

Judith Napier investigates what's on offer

Operators in the childcare sector are beginning to copy practices from the wider commercial world by offering a range of benefits. And, according to some, it's not before time. One nursery operator recalls, 'Our staff said their last boss couldn't even spell the word bonus.'

Private nursery operators are increasingly keen to offer benefits to recruit and retain staff at a time when salaries lag behind local authority jobs and, indeed, shelf stacking. They may want to pay more, but are limited by what the market will bear in terms of parent/fee charges.

A recent Nursery Business survey asked nursery owners about the sorts of benefits they offer. The answers ranged from pension schemes to free car parking, free uniforms, or free fresh fruit.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included