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Lancashire County Council offer pre-registration and business support packages to meet your needs and ensure you receive all the help and guidance you need in developing a new out of school provision. This support is suitable for private individuals and organisations.  

Information regarding out of school provision and the requirements you must meet (Gov.UK).

Packages of support - The packages have been designed so you can buy the appropriate type of support that you need. There are 6 different packages of support, 2 are to help you set up a high-quality provision and 4 packages of support to the business side of your setting.

The type of package you choose will be dependent on a number of factors such as your previous experience in childcare/ business knowledge and the complexity of the project you are proposing to develop. It will also depend on the age of the children who will attend and whether you are required to register with Ofsted or not.  So that we can advise you on the most suitable package to meet your needs we recommend you book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your project and work out which package/s would be most suitable to meet your needs.

Please contact us at EarlyYearsCentre@lancashire.gov.uk to arrange your free consultation.

Package 1

This package is most suitable for those new to providing out of school provision and will support you to provide high quality provision and registration with Ofsted. Cost: £245

The package includes two support visit (2 hours each) to provide advice on aspects such as premises and safety and your suitability to meet Ofsted Early Years Foundation Stage and/or Childcare Register Requirements. Your visits could include:

  • Guidance on providing a safe and suitable environment for all ages

  • Information about the Ofsted application process and support for the Ofsted registration interview

  • One of your support visits could be from a Development Officer to support you to set up your club with a play work ethos, resources and environment

This package also includes:

  • Named Officer who will provide bespoke support

  • Toolkit to assist you in meeting childcare legislation requirements

  • One visit to the Early Years Professional Development Centre

  • 20% discount off the Out of School Membership once registered

  • A summary report following each visit

Package 2

This package is most suitable for those experienced with providing out of school provision Cost: £185

The package includes one support visit (2 hours) to provide advice on aspects such as premises and safety and your suitability to meet Ofsted Early Years Foundation Stage and/or Childcare Register Requirements. Your visit could include:

  • Guidance on providing a safe and suitable environment for all ages

  • Information about the Ofsted application process

This package also includes:

  • Named Officer who will provide bespoke support

  • Toolkit to assist you in meeting childcare legislation requirements

  • A summary report following each visit

Package 3

Setting up new childcare provision business support - this is the full package of support for providers who have limited or no experience in childcare Cost £310

  • Market Research Tool Kit

  • Demographics Data including population and deprivation levels

  • Understanding the local childcare market

  • Up to 2 Microsoft teams consultations to support marketing and demographics

  • Business planning tool kit

  • Financial forecast including cost analysis and breakeven calculation

  • Up to 3 Microsoft team consultations to support Business and financial planning

  • Marketing and promotion of your business tool kit.

Package 4

Market Research and Demographics - this package is for providers who may have knowledge of the business and financial aspects but are looking to set up new provision in another area Cost £185

  • Market Research Tool Kit

  • Demographics Data including population and deprivation levels

  • Understanding the local childcare market

  • Up to 2 Microsoft teams consultations to support marketing and demographics

Package 5

Business and Financial Forecasting - this package is for providers who feel they need help with the business and financial planning.  Cost £245

  • Business planning tool kit

  • Financial forecast including cost analysis and breakeven calculation

  • Up to 3 Microsoft team consultations to support Business and financial planning

  • Marketing and promotion of your business tool kit

Package 6

Marketing and Promotion of your business - this package is for providers who would like help with marketing their business Cost £185

  • Marketing and promotion of your business tool kit.

  • Up to 2 Microsoft teams consultations/face to face meetings to discuss marketing and promotion of your business