Work Matters: Management focus - Gathering momentum

Just over three months to go now before our client, Bethesda Ministries, opens its new nursery. As you can imagine, there's been lots to catch up with after Christmas and I've been busy co-ordinating between the many parties involved in the project to chase up decisions and ensure things are shaping up in a logical order.

Much of the action depends on when the building work will be completed, as this then triggers a whole series of events. At the moment, despite some grotty weather, a rogue chimney stack to demolish and extra effort needed to protect a next-door neighbour's fish pond from falling debris, the contractors are still confident they'll be done and dusted by Good Friday. So now we can get on the phone and confirm delivery of all the furniture and resources we're ordering. Understandably, builders aren't usually keen to take responsibility for boxes arriving, and it's much better to keep things out of their way. There are also security implications if you're storing new equipment on site, and insurance to worry about if you do.

With confidence in a completion date, we're also now able to firm up start dates for staff, assuming that we successfully recruit some in time. Also, I can now push for a decision as to which Saturday will be our open day for prospective parents and special guests. If we're going to have one, it's essential we get the wheels in motion and send out invitations.

Most importantly, we can now adjust our schedule and agree a realistic target date for when children will start with us and generate some income. The finance team will be pleased! Subject to sign-off from the setting's newly formed management committee, we're aiming to open fully towards the end of April. This is almost a month after the building work will be completed, to allow sufficient time for the manager and initial staff members to familiarise themselves with the premises, complete our thorough induction and set up their rooms ready for Ofsted's registration visit. We also have to work around the school holidays in Lewisham, as it seems pointless planning to open during the break, when families are likely to be away.

Any spare time will be well used, anyhow. We're allowing a week before we officially open for settling-in visits to be conducted - which is a luxury, but should mean a relaxed introduction for new children and parents. It's also wise to build in contingency time for those last-minute jobs that will inevitably crop up.

- Derek Hayes is senior consultant/trainer at the Childcare Consultancy. For information e-mail info@childcareconsult.co.uk.