A four-storey, end-of-terrace Regency house in the centre of Brighton is undergoing refurbishment in preparation for its launch as a childcare service with a difference. In addition to providing a nursery staffed for up to 18 children, the premises will offer a co-working space with internet and computer facilities, private meeting rooms and IT support.
Director Elizabeth Moody-Stuart says that her new business, Officecreche, is aimed at parents with children up to the age of five, who may be freelance or working unpredictable hours. Alternatively, they may be mothers who want a few hours to themselves in the first few months after their child's birth before going back to a full-time job, or mature student parents who have changeable timetables.
She says, 'I am aiming to create a community of like-minded families - for example, giving a mother the chance to ease herself back into work without stopping breastfeeding, or for a father to give his partner a rest from childcare while still getting a chunk of work done. It means families can pay for childcare exactly when they need it.'
A monthly paid-for membership gives users eight hours of childcare/co-working a week, and these hours can be rolled on for a quarter of a year. Hours are booked online by mid-day Friday of the preceding week, and additional time can be booked at an hourly rate. To maximise the convenience of booking, Ms Moody-Stuart has invested in a sophisticated online booking system which she feels will give her service an edge.
An additional benefit is that parents or carers can volunteer to be an assistant carer on the nursery floor, under the eyes of a qualified staff member, and earn equivalent hours of childcare/co-working for themselves and their own child at a later date. Officecreche will arrange for every parent or carer who does this to have a CRB check and a baby first aid certificate.
Ms Moody-Stuart believes the house, which was a nursery before, will provide a superb environment when the revamp is complete. 'The top two floors provide the office space and the children will be located on the ground and lower ground levels,' she says. 'There is a lovely outdoor area which we are currently making more secure. We are also aiming eventually to be environmentally friendly by using rainwater and solar panels.'
Initially there will be six full-time staff and Ms Moody-Stuart is about to begin the recruitment process. 'The success of the business will depend on the staff and we want to get top-notch people, who will be rewarded with a good salary,' she says.
