Buy an existing small day nursery

Parents paying fees, plus local authority funding for government-funded early years hours.

Fees and funded hours from children already on roll, with room to improve by filling spare places, adjusting fees or adding sessions once you understand the business.

• Early years knowledge and a childcare qualification
• Reading accounts and negotiating a purchase
• Managing and keeping an existing team
• Building trust with parents during a change of owner

• Registration with the regulator in your nation may need to be sorted before or at takeover, so check the process before you commit
• Staff transfer rules (TUPE) may apply, so take professional advice
• The lease terms and condition of the building, including any unfinished inspection actions
• Price based on how many children are on roll, which can drop after a sale, so check how parents are likely to react
• Funding and financing: lenders may want a detailed plan and personal guarantees
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance, safeguarding duties and DBS checks

Startup costs are typically around £50,000 to £250,000, depending on the price agreed, how many children are on roll and the condition of the building. These are estimates. Lenders may want a detailed plan and personal guarantees, so check financing early.

Monthly revenue is typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on how many children are on roll and the fees and funding involved. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, so check the accounts carefully before you buy.

Check whether registration with the regulator in your nation needs sorting before or at takeover, and whether staff transfer rules (TUPE) apply, taking professional advice. Also check safeguarding duties, DBS checks, insurance, the lease terms and any unfinished inspection actions.