Nursery Management: Editor's view
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
In the current economic climate nursery managers are battening down the hatches and finding ways to be resourceful. This means making savings wherever possible and getting the most out of staff.
In our lead feature on sustainability (p4-6) there is plenty ofpractical advice on how to make operational efficiency the cornerstoneof survival.
While the financial benefits of 'going green' are seen as more of along-term proposition for nurseries participating in the Eco-Schoolsprogramme (p10-12), the benefits to practice for children and staff areimmediate. At Balmedie Primary School in Aberdeenshire, a neweco-friendly nursery provides a custom-built environment that enhancesthe curriculum and helps children to understand about recycling.
Most are agreed that we need more men in nurseries. On p18 weinvestigate a chain which has established no fewer than four males inkey positions.
If your office could do with a makeover, take inspiration from our lookbehind the doors of two, very different managers' offices (p20) and findout what makes them user-friendly.
Communicating with existing and potential clients is a vital part ofevery nursery's marketing drive and a newsletter can be an effective wayto spread the word. On p25 we provide a guide to getting started.
Inevitably tough times mean that unpaid fees are an increasing problemand our final feature (p29) offers legal advice on how best to pursuethem.
