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Delivering the best possible care and education for children and families is a vital part of early years provision — but so too is operating as an efficient and sustainable business.

At a time when the financial pressures on early years settings are greater than ever, it is crucial your provision is built on a solid business-smart foundation.

That's why the Early Years Alliance has launched Business Blocks — a suite of business support resources to help providers build and maintain effective business models for their settings.

Whether you're a nursery, pre-school or childminding professional; a setting owner, committee member/trustee or educator, we have resources to help you build a strong business foundation, or if you are further along in your business management journey, identify and address any gaps in your current business approach.

Our Business Blocks resources include:

Pricing

— Our invaluable Budget Toolkits come with a one-hour induction discussion, all for just £55 for Alliance members excl VAT (£185 excl VAT for non-members - includes one year of Alliance membership) - plus 20% off our Operating a viable early years provision publication if purchased within one month.

— Or design your own Business Block of resources from as little as £70! Contact us today about building your bespoke package of support. 

Simply fill in the form below or email connect@eyalliance.org.uk.

Business Blocks Insights 

Business Block Insights virtual training courses are one-hour training and networking sessions delivered as part of our wider , but can also be delivered as bespoke in-house training sessions on request.

Business Block Insights cost just £12 per person for Alliance members and £24 per person for non-members.

Insight sessions available on a range of other business topics:

Overview of the roles and responsibilities of an early years committee

In this Insight session, we will example the key roles within an early years committee and discussed what is required of these valuable voluntary roles, including key responsibilities around business management, employment duties and Ofsted. 
 
The session, which will also include opportunities for discussion, is a must-attendee for anyone thinking of joining or already on an early years committee. Educators at the setting are also invited to attend in order to help ensure good working partnerships between the setting and committee. 

Charity Structures and Key Elements of becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

This Insight session focuses on charity structures and the key elements of becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Providing childcare and early education through charitable activities empowers parents and carers to shape their provision and provide better outcomes for children and families, ensuring that the organisation runs solely in the best interests of the charity. Becoming a volunteer is also a good way to meet like-minded people, make lasting friendships and improve career prospects.

This is a great opportunity to find out about the benefits of being a charity, the role of trustees, the barriers created by different structures, and the potential personal liabilities and how to overcome these. 

Key elements of effective budgeting

Budgeting and ongoing understanding of finances is a must for any business.

This Alliance Insight session explores what should be considered when setting an early years budget. Through an informative presentation and a wider open discussion, we will delve into the elements of income, expenditure and cashflow that you should consider in order to support the longer term financial success of your setting.

An introduction to a business health check for childminders 

Delivering quality childminding provision and running a sustainable business can be a balancing act.  

This Insight session identifies the key areas that childminding professionals should include in a business health check, and help you to make judgements on what you are doing well, where changes could be made and how to ensure that you are meeting your business requirements. 

Key elements of attracting new committee members and effective handover 

Are you a committe-run pre-school? Do your staff and families understand the important role that committees play in running a successful provision? 
 
During this Insight session, we will look at understanding the roles of the committee and how we can share the benefits of being part of a committee as a way of attracting new members. We will also explore the importance of an effective handover as committees change, and how good communication and partnership between setting staff and the committee is key to good governance. 

How an apprentice can be good for your business 

This session will focus on the many benefits of employing an apprentice in your provision, whilst also reflecting on the issues you will need to consider when taking on an apprentice.  

Recruiting and working effectively with volunteers

Have you considered the value a volunteer could bring to your setting? 

Every year volunteers give up valuable time and contribute their talent, skills, and knowledge to change the lives of families and young children in early years settings.  

By offering volunteering opportunities within your own settings, you too could see these benefits. 

We will be exploring the value that volunteers can bring to your setting, give practical advice and guidance on their recruitment, training, and support. While also considering how to involve them effectively as part of your wider team. 

Business health check for early years settings 

Early years education and business can be a balancing act. This Business Block explores the key areas of a health check and will help you to make judgements on what you are doing well, that you are meeting requirements and where changes could be made.

Organising and managing a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are crucial events for organisations, providing an opportunity for members to gather, discuss important matters and make decisions that shape the future of your organisation. This Insight training session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, prepare and execute a successful AGM.

During the session, we will cover the key aspects of organising an AGM, including understanding the purpose and legal requirements, creating an agenda, managing nominations and voting.  Whether you are a main trustee, committee member, or staff member involved in AGM planning, this session will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to streamline the process and enhance member engagement.

A walk-through of the EYFS for those new to the early years

Are you new to the world of early years education?

If you are part of an early years setting registered on the Early Years Register, you will need to abide by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS is the National Framework that all registered early years settings and childminders in England work to.

The EYFS comprises the Statutory Framework which contains legal responsibilities for children's health, safety, learning and development as well as guidance documents that can help you to meet the statutory requirements.

During this session, we will walk you through the whole EYFS document to ensure you have a good understanding of your legal responsibilities.

Effective staff management though supervision and appraisal

Supervisions are a requirement of the EYFS - so how can you ensure these are effective?

In this Alliance Insight session, we will explore how to conduct positive, effective supervisions in a way that benefits you and your team, and supports staff wellbeing.

We will also look at the difference between supervisions and appraisals though information sharing and networking. This session is a must for all those working with families and children, and those who have line management and employer responsibilities.

Exploring other income streams

With an increased focus on communication and language development in the early years, how can we as early years providers find and share the joy that language can bring as we connect to and build on their imaginations?

In this session, we will discuss techniques to develop both our own confidence and that of our children to engage with, and embrace, the joy of language. 

We will also explore how we can rediscover the fun of playing with words through rhymes and stories, using creative language to bring these to life as we recognise the wonder of vocabulary, sound effects and words that “dance” on our tongues!

Contact us

Contact us today and we can discuss your individual needs and build a bespoke package of support for your setting.

We also have extensive experience working with local authorities to build support and training packages for local providers.

Simply fill in the form below or email connect@eyalliance.org.uk.