Full-Day preschool in your own premises

Parents paying fees, plus government funded early education hours and any employer childcare schemes parents use.

Fees per child per day or session, plus funded hours. Income depends on occupancy, while rent, wages and running costs are fixed, so a steady waiting list is key.

• Early years leadership and a suitable qualification
• Budgeting, staffing and managing a team
• Dealing with parents, inspectors and local authorities

• Planning permission or change of use, and landlord and lease terms, check before signing
• Registration and inspection by the right regulator for your nation, plus food hygiene registration if you serve meals
• Staff to child ratios, enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding, and employer's and public liability insurance
• High fixed costs, so running below capacity for the first months can be a real strain
• Funded hours often pay less than private fees, so check rates before setting your prices

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on the lease, any conversion work, equipment and staffing. Treat this as an estimate and check lease terms and any change of use before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on places filled and your mix of fees. Funded hours often pay less than private fees, so check rates before setting prices. Expect around 40 hours a week.

Check planning permission or change of use, and your lease terms before signing. Also check registration and inspection by the regulator for your nation, food hygiene registration if you serve meals, staff ratios, enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding and insurance.