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Tirlebrook Pre-School goes from strength to strength following training programme

March 2011

When Angela Worrell heard about the Professional Managers Programme being run by Gloucestershire Enterprise she felt that it could help improve her workplace skills and her business. Tirlebrook Pre-School Playgroup and Toddlers has 70 children on its books and has been running for 3 years. Angela built the business after the previous playgroup disbanded.

As is often the case with new businesses training is needed in the more practical side of running a business. Angela received a flyer from Better Business in Childcare detailing the course and attended Programme 1 which started in February 2010.

On completion Angela commented: “I found the Professional Managers Programme extremely useful, the most helpful advice came in how to manage staff and the financial side of things. It has improved my confidence in how to relate to parents and staff. Since doing this course, we have achieved Outstanding in our OFSTED report and also attained our Quality Assurance Award. It was a great for networking knowing that we could get in touch with the tutors and others on the course for help and advice.”

Gloucestershire County Council is investing in the Better Business in Childcare service in order to ensure the right volume and quality of childcare provision is available where it is needed most. The aim of the contract is to ensure childcare providers can sustain their business (and grow) by providing good quality business advice and support that’s timely and accessible. It is also there to ensure new business start ups get off on the right footing.

For further information about Tirlebrook Playgroup, please call Angela on 01684 851837 or visit their link at www.tirlebrook.co.uk For further details of the services provided, please visit www.betterbusinessinchildcare.co.uk

Northway Playgroup invests in the Professional Managers Programme to help run the business

March 2011

Northway Playgroup looks after over 100 families and has been running since 1973, looking after babies and children aged up to 4. The Playgroup is managed by a Board of eight Voluntary Trustees and has 11 qualified staff so that the group can look after everyone from Bumps & Buggies to children in their pre-school year. Joyce Sprason, Business Manager and Angela Aldridge, Session Manager for the group heard about the Professional Managers Programme from Gloucestershire Enterprise and decided that they should invest time in learning more about running the playgroup as a business.

Joyce commented: “We realised that whilst we were very good at looking after children we really needed to learn more about the business side of things for the playgroup to become more successful. The course was great covering all aspects from finance, marketing, admin, staff and fee structures.

Angela continued: “I found the finance side of things the most useful, it was fairly heavy going but by the end of the whole course it all slotted into place and has increased our confidence. It was very helpful to look at the workings of the business and has certainly helped us to move onwards and upwards.”

Since attending the course Joyce and Angela have completely revamped their induction process for staff, re written all their application packs, contracts and Terms and Conditions. All tools provided by the Professional Manages Course have helped with this. Their Trustees have also been taken through all their policies and procedures in accordance with OFSTED.

The Professional Managers Programme is aimed at people who manage day nurseries, playgroups and out of school settings. Managers who've benefitted have included play leaders and administrators who run the business aspects of their settings and committee members.

The settings benefit because the programme enables key leaders to focus on how to improve the business aspects of children's services - planning business improvement, managing finances, developing relationships with parents and families, attracting new parents, taking the lead on health and safety management, managing change, quality improvement and managing staff teams.

For further information about Northway Playgroup please call 01684 273570 and for further details of the Professional Managers Programme, please contact Carrie Artus on 0845 838 9964 at Gloucestershire Enterprise Ltd.

Mitcheldean Early Learners reap the benefits of Professional Managers Course

March 2011

Mitcheldean Early Learners has been running in one form or another for over 40 years, currently with 30 children on their books. Whilst fundraising for a new building Rebecca Brinton of BBiC mentioned the Professional Managers Programme to Laura Wintle, Business Manager of the organisation.

Laura agreed that once all the fundraising for their new building had taken place she would take the course and has not looked back since completing the Professional Managers Programme in September 2010

Laura commented: “One of the best things about taking this course is that it has helped me to guide the committee and other staff that we need to run as a business to ensure that we offer pre-school education to a high standard and manage our finances professionally. It has given me great confidence and a number of reasons to take the business forward.”

She continued: “My networking skills have improved greatly which has enabled me to talk to other pre-school groups to share knowledge and advice. It has made us much more professional in our approach to all areas of the business. I am delighted to say that we have had a vast improvement in profits during our last financial year and the knowledge that I have learnt on the programme will help us to handle the peaks and troughs associated with the childcare industry. We now plan for the troughs and reap the benefits during the peaks.”

For further information about Mitcheldean Early Learners please visit http://www.findmyschool.co.uk/schooldetails.aspx?id=68919 For further details of the Professional Managers Programme, please contact Carrie Artus on 0845 838 9964 at Gloucestershire Enterprise Ltd

Ode to P.M.P

8th March 2011

On September 8^th, I walked through this door,

Worried about looking a fool,

With some trepidation, introducing myself’

“Hello, I’m Julia from Airthrie School.”

I’d dipped my toe into Early Years,

After being ‘corporate’ for far too long,

And I was anxious that, being self-taught,

I wouldn’t be aware what was right and what was wrong.

Collette soon settled those opening nerves,

With her natural style and chat,

She welcomed our class with genuine warmth,

And Collette – I thank you for that.

Our first week of learning, what was it?

-I’ve gone blank…

Oh yes, the man who, quarter a century ago,

Gave me a job with Barclays Bank!

We number crunched for 3 LONG weeks with Phil,

A patient man,

As he taught us skills so vital,

To write our business plan.

Next came Ellen, we all warmed to her,

Not least because she brought us sweets!

She confirmed what I knew from my previous life,

About difficult people we meet.

I’ve learnt that in life, when someone’s upset,

To get them onside quicker,

Listen and act and mean what you say,

And ALWAYS stroke their sticker!

Quality improvement saw Kaizen steps, and charts

With post its galore,

Allan taught me that process will keep us on track,

When crisis knocks at our door.

Then over to Tony, our own Michael Caine,

Or should I say ‘Our Lily’?

He lifted the haze on contracts and more,

Employment law made silly!

Our health and safety, I won’t forget,

Dave and the class came my way,

I felt very proud to show you all round,

And took on board what you say.

‘Giving more and taking back’, a breeze? Hah!

Mine was the very first week,

I still recoil at the very thought, sitting upfront, facing you all,

For once unable to speak!

So I decided preparation was key,

When asked this second time,

Gill’s advice in my head, I learnt my 4 P’s,

And wrote it all in rhyme.

A couple of things of note which I’ll say,

For they deserve a mention,

Are Sandra driving here for the very first time,

And Debra, suck on a bridge, requiring attention!

The lunches have been a success, there’s no doubt,

And cakes – we’ve eaten our fill,

But whoever would guess cold hash browns could taste good?

I’m pondering that one still!

On a serious note, I know for a fact,

The success of P.M.P.

I have set up new processes and questioned the old,

And love the empowerment it has given to me.

I sat with our accountant just last week,

And confidently told him that I,

Had put into place new procedures and plans,

Backed up with clear reasons why.

So my thanks to you all, I want you to know,

I appreciate all that you’ve done,

I’ve learnt such a lot to help me and our school,

Made good friends and had loads of fun!

Julia White

Airthrie School

Professional Managers Programme - Course feedback

Spring 2011

"I couldn'r separate any sections, the whole course was very impactful, thank you"

A really comprehensive course with excellent lecturers, the most valuable aspect was meeting regularly with others working in the same industry"

"Everything makes sense now in my business"

"A fantastic programme delivered to a high standard"

"It has been focussed and to-the-point in all areas. I feel I have a real understanding of management issues due to PMP 4"

"Thank you for the chance to be with like-minded people who all want to better themselves and their settings"

Delegates from PMP 4

3rd February 2011

Just to say thank you for the support of your online resources. We have used your debt collection letters to chase an outstanding debt and have today received payment from the client! Many thanks!

Preschool Playgroup

17th January 2011

Clive Elliot, a local businessman in Fairford was shocked to hear that his daughter’s nursery was closing in seven days back in May and resolved to rescue the popular childcare facility. After exploring all avenues and talking to lots of other parents he and his wife, Catherine decided to take over the nursery themselves.

Whilst Clive already runs two businesses, he knew nothing about the Childcare industry and decided in August to call Business Link to see what they could do to help. Business Link in turn called upon Gloucestershire Enterprise Ltd (GEL) who deliver the Better Business in Childcare service (BBIC), which is designed to help childcare settings throughout the county.

Through Better Business in Childcare, Clive was introduced to Gill Kendall, now his BBIC adviser and Michaela Cozens, Business Support Manager of Gloucestershire Enterprise Ltd, who completed a review of the whole business including all their accountancy details, history of the company and plans for moving the business forward. They soon established what needed doing. The business was making a loss, monthly revenues were not stable and the intake for September was down with a number of children leaving to start school.

Clive Elliott said; “It was extremely useful to have a complete evaluation of the whole business. We asked the Manager, Amanda Blackwell to stay who had been with the nursery since it opened. Amanda has since attended a Professional Nursery Managers Course for the last 13 weeks which has helped with the day to day running of the nursery and her admin skills. The tutor came in and helped put together action plans. It has been great to have contact with professionals who have helped stabilise the business. “

For further information about Flying Start Nursery, please visit - www.fairfordnursery.co.uk and further details of the services provided, please visit www.betterbusinessinchildcare.co.uk

Clive Elliot
Flying Start Nursery

Professional Managers Programme - Course feedback

Autumn 2010

" Highly recommend this course to anyone else in a management role"

The course has made a huge impact to myself and the setting. I would recommend the course to anyone."

Thank you, this has been a fantastic journey"

"I really enjoyed the whole course and found it very relevant to my situation"

"Fabulous course that has had a huge positive impact on me personally and my setting"

The most valuable aspects of the course were:

"Networking and a clearer vision of management & leadership"

"Networking with other settings and inspiration from Ellen, our trainer"

"Business Planning with Philip"

"The opportunity to meet and network with other providers and to learn from our shared experiences"

"Being given the tools to become a better manager"

"Building confidence in my role"

"Learning to do a business plan"

Delegates from PMP 1 and PMP 2

Karen Heaton Jones, proprietor of All My Friends Childcare based in Gloucester first heard about Better Business in Childcare through Janet Sharpe, Workforce Training and Development Manager (Early Years and Childcare) Children and Young People’s Directorate from Gloucestershire Country Council. Better Business in Childcare is delivered by Gloucestershire Enterprise Limited (GEL).

All My Friends Childcare was formed in July 2006 with the aim of offering early years care and education that parents trust and children enjoy. Whilst Karen welcomed the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and concurrent Government drive to upskill the early years sector, these developments, have presented independent and voluntary sector early years settings such as All My Friends Childcare with significant financial challenges.

Through the Better Business in Childcare Scheme, Karen was introduced to Philip Timson, Director of GEL, who completed a review of the whole business including all their accountancy details, history of the company and plans for moving the business forward. From this meeting their first piece of advice was to get their website up and running.

Karen said “All the help we have received from BBiC has been very useful. We now have our website up and running - a major achievement - and we are now beginning to really see some results. It was also helpful to be able to take a financially aware business consultant with me to meetings such as with our Bank to take notes and ask questions.”

Gloucestershire Enterprise Ltd Director, Philip Timson helped Karen with the meetings and planning; “This is exactly what this service is all about and we were delighted to be able to help Karen move her business on to the next level. I hope that other settings in the area will get in touch to see how we can help them.”

The Council is investing in the Better Business in Childcare service in order to ensure the right volume and quality of childcare provision is available where it is needed most. The aim of the contract is to ensure childcare providers can sustain their business (and grow) by providing good quality advice and support that’s timely and accessible. It is also there to ensure new business start ups get off on the right footing.

Karen Heaton Jones
Proprietor of All My Friends Childcare

12th August 2009

"We have been working with Rebecca Henderson on a recent disciplinary case within our playgroup. The help, advice and support she provided has proved invaluable.

As volunteer committee members, the prospect of a disciplinary case was daunting and the employment law at times confusing. We were acutely aware that correct processes had to be followed, but not confident we had the expertise needed to ensure this happened.

We were put in touch with Rebecca as soon as we asked Gloucestershire Better Business in Childcare for help. From that point on, we received all the help and advice we needed – from wording letters correctly to chairing meetings (Rebecca chaired the key meetings for us). She helped to make sense of the disciplinary policies and ensured we followed the appropriate procedures at all times.

The knowledge that Rebecca was on the end of a phone/email to provide us with professional advice was extremely reassuring. Should we encounter any further personnel issues/problems we would not hesitate to contact Rebecca and her department again for advice."

The Committee
Penguins Pre-School

"Just to write about the excellent service our playgroup recently received.

Julie Hale has been an invaluable source of help to committee members who were filling in for me as chair of our playgroup whilst I was on a brief period of maternity leave.

Today Julie came along to our AGM and really played a fantastic role in helping us to elect a new committee, an area that could have been a particularly long and drawn out process were it not for her proposal.

We have a new committee to go forwards for our pre-school group and this has secured the medium term future of our group – the long term future is up to the new committee!

I have also just had some further invaluable help and advice from Julie regards how to proceed with some immediate steps that our pre-school group needs."

Elaine Noone
(ex) Chair of St Joseph’s Pre-School Group.

“We were having difficulties with our internal budgets and decided that we needed some help. BBIC were great; they visited us and worked out what was needed. They then did an evaluation of our charging rates and staffing levels and created a chart to implement their recommended changes.”

Sarah continued “It was an extremely useful exercise for us as a business as it made us look at our current position, consolidate what we have and then devise an plan on how to move forward. We are very pleased with the advice we have received and found it extremely helpful.”

Philip Timson, Business Adviser said " Almost 600 childcare facilities are able to access the services and it is our first priority to let them know what's available and how they can access it. All facilities have access to a dedicated local Business Adviser, who will work with them to review their business support needs and help them develop and grow their business."

Sarah Penston, Manager
Little Apples, Cheltenham

"Just to say that we have used the NEF funding split setting spreadsheet to calculate our bills over the past year and it has been a big help to us, especially when 2 parents have queried their bills at other settings with us this week!!"

Kathy Haig
Withington Pre-School Playgroup

Julia White

Airthrie School