My Playroom Childcare is a thriving home-based childcare business, valued by the local Muslim community in a busy Leicester neighbourhood.
Registered in 2021 with @Home Childcare, the setting is run by Shazia and Aalia, who have built My Playroom into a successful business which now employs assistants, earns £40k+ per year and will be expanding into a nursery in the coming months.
Tell us how you have grown your childminding business over the years?
Over the years, my childminding business has undergone significant growth, evolving from a sole operation into a comprehensive childcare service. This journey began with the invaluable support of @Home Childcare Ofsted childminder agency, which opened the door to offering traineeships and apprenticeships to young individuals eager to enter the early years sector. By providing these opportunities, I was able to extend my team with two apprentices. This step was instrumental in accommodating the increasing demand for my services, as the business quickly became fully booked.
Recognising the need for additional qualified staff to cater to more children, I embraced the early years apprenticeship scheme. This initiative has not only facilitated business expansion but has also ensured that all team members are highly qualified.
What was the process of registering like?
The process of registering my home-based childminding business was remarkably supportive and detailed, especially given my lack of early years or childcare experience prior to starting. From the outset, the @Home Childcare team played a crucial role in guiding me through the registration process with a very hands-on approach. Notably, the level of personal attention and support provided was exceptional. The team made efforts to visit my home, allowing them to get to know me personally. This visit wasn’t just a formality; it was an opportunity for them to understand my vision and discuss my business plan in depth, ensuring that all aspects of the childcare service I aimed to provide were thoroughly planned and considered.
One of the most beneficial aspects was the training provided. This wasn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it was designed to build my confidence in child development which equip me with the skills necessary to deliver high-quality childcare. It covered various aspects of childminding, from EYFS learning & development activities to safeguarding, health and safety topics, ensuring that I was well-prepared to offer a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for the children in my care.
You're about to expand into a nursery, how did this come about?
The demand for our services continued to rise, evidenced by a substantial waiting list of families seeking quality childcare. This overwhelming interest led to an exciting new venture: acquiring a nursery business in partnership with my daughter. We are in the process of renovating this space to align with our brand and anticipate opening by the summer.
The expansion from home-based childminding to owning a nursery represents a significant milestone in our journey. It reflects not only the demand for quality early years education but also the potential for business growth within the childcare sector. This new chapter allows us to extend our reach and impact, providing a nurturing and educational environment for even more children.
How do you provide value to the children you care for and to the wider community?
We cater to the needs of modern-day working parents through innovative solutions such as morning and after-school clubs, weekend care, and extended hours. This flexibility is a cornerstone of our service, enabling parents to balance their work commitments without compromising on quality childcare.
Our setting is vibrant and celebratory, recognising the importance of making every day special for the children. We organise various thematic setups and interactive events that not only entertain but also support learning and development. These activities have not only made us a recognisable figure in our community but have also grown our social media presence, allowing us to share our unique approach with a broader audience.
We take pride in supporting our children’s transitions to school through creative initiatives like school role-play events and hosting an annual pre-school graduation, complete with unique experiences such as pony riding. These efforts highlight our commitment to creating memorable moments for our children while easing their progression to the next stages of their education.
In summary, our childminding business delivers unparalleled value through personalised care, flexibility to meet the evolving needs of families, and a rich, engaging environment that fosters learning and development. This tailored approach has led to a high demand for our services, with many parents preferring our setting over traditional nurseries for its attentive care and nurturing environment. Our approach not only benefits the children in our care but also serves the wider community by setting a high standard for childcare and early years education
