Sunflower Nursery
Jane Riley co-founder of Sunflower Nursery
Sunflower Nursery
Braunstone Childcarers' Forum and Braunstone Sure Start (Government national childcare initiative) identified a desperate need for additional childcare places in the Braunstone community early in 2002. Lack of affordable childcare meant significant numbers of people were excluded from opportunities that the regeneration initiatives in Braunstone were creating.
Nursery education was also needed to give children's education an early boost in this disadvantaged area. The Forum and Sure Start canvassed local parents to discover what kind of childcare provision they wanted, and where best to provide this community resource. Ideally, the nursery would be run by members of the community, benefiting local people. They wanted the community to have a voice in the project and also to guarantee high quality, affordable childcare provision.
With help and guidance from CaSE-da the group developed a business plan. They decided on the most appropriate ownership structure; bringing in community, parent and employee representation on the Board reflecting their desire for local democratic control. CaSE-da provided the framework for these discussions, setting out the various options open to the group and explaining their legal and financial implications.
CaSE-da is also facilitating training for the group in all aspects of running a successful co-operative- from administration and accounting to employment issues, marketing and co-operative decision making, and continues to give the group all the ongoing support it requires to ensure the long-term success of this venture as a co-operative.
Sunflower Nursery 0116 291 0603