UK nursery start-up support

Open your nursery with a clear plan, practical support and fewer costly mistakes

Whether you are exploring the idea or already preparing for Ofsted, get the guidance, tools and personal support you need to move forward with confidence.

  • Understand the process
  • Choose the right property
  • Plan your finances
  • Prepare confidently for Ofsted
Curtly Ania inside a nursery setting
Practical support from real experience Curtly has personally opened and managed nurseries and now helps other founders do the same.
Trusted nursery start-up support
4.7 29 independent reviews on Trustpilot
1,000+ Aspiring nursery owners supported through courses, resources and guidance
Real results Nurseries supported from the first idea through to opening
UK focused Practical guidance for the English registration and Ofsted process
Start at the right level

Where are you in your nursery journey?

You do not need every service at once. Choose the route that matches where you are now.

I am exploring the idea

Learn what opening a nursery involves, understand the likely costs and decide whether it is right for you.

Start the free guide

I need personal support

Get direct advice on your property, business plan, finances, Ofsted preparation or the next decision holding you back.

Book a consultation
Real people, real nurseries

Support that leads to real progress

These are not anonymous case studies. They are real nursery founders who used the guidance to move their plans forward.

Curtly with Mohsin outside Little Peaches Nursery

Mohsin, Little Peaches Nursery

Built a scalable nursery brand, passed Ofsted first time and filled every place within three months.

Curtly with Venus outside Fulham's Angels Nursery

Venus, Fulham’s Angels Nursery

Received focused building and Ofsted support, passed on her next attempt and opened in Fulham.

Curtly supporting Mary at Senter Light Childcare

Mary, Senter Light Childcare

Moved forward with a clear plan for her building, registration and transition from childminding to nursery ownership.

Choose the support you need

Practical help at every stage

Start with self-paced learning or get direct support when the decisions become more complex.

Consultations

Get focused answers on property, finance, registration, business planning or Ofsted preparation.

Book expert advice
Curtly with Kabore at Ramas Daycare
Why work with Curtly

Guidance built from experience, not theory alone

Opening a nursery involves property, finance, staffing, registration and countless decisions that are difficult to judge from a checklist alone.

  • Personally opened and managed nursery settings
  • Supported founders through property decisions, business planning and Ofsted preparation
  • Straightforward advice without unnecessary jargon
  • Support designed to help you avoid delays and expensive mistakes

The aim is simple: give you the structure, honest feedback and practical support that would have made the process easier when starting out.

Independent reviews

Trusted by nursery founders and early years professionals

Read independent reviews and feedback from people who have used the courses, consultations and support.

Trustpilot
4.7
★★★★★
Excellent, based on 29 reviews
Read reviews on Trustpilot
Curtly’s advice was practical, clear and based on real experience. We successfully passed and his support played a part in helping us feel prepared for the Ofsted inspection.
Springlane Nursery Croydon
By the end of the consultation, I had a clearer view of what the nursery would look like. I now had the confidence to proceed with the contract and building work.
Lilian Umekwe
The consultation was incredibly helpful. Curtly was knowledgeable, patient and answered all of my questions thoroughly. His advice gave me a clear direction and boosted my confidence.
TeaTalk Academy
Curtly has created a rich resource for people looking to open a childcare business. The content is insightful, practical and kept up to date as legislation and policy change.
Ann-Marie Kinlock
Free nursery start-up resources

Make progress before spending anything

Use the free tools to understand the process, test your numbers and organise your early planning.

01

Free Starter Guide

A practical introduction to costs, property, staffing, Ofsted and the main steps involved in opening.

Start learning free
02

Business Plan Template

Organise your idea, research, financial assumptions and opening plan in a clear structure.

Get the free template
03

Nursery Ratio Calculator

Estimate the staffing ratios required for different age groups and attendance levels.

Use the calculator
Watch and learn

Practical advice and honest nursery owner stories

Learn through detailed guidance and hear directly from people who have opened and run nursery settings.

Practical nursery start-up guidance

Step-by-step videos on planning, property, finance, Ofsted and running a nursery.

Hear from real nursery owners

Honest conversations about opening, overcoming setbacks and building a nursery business.

Common questions

A few things people usually ask first

Do I need childcare experience to open a nursery?

You do not need to be a qualified early years practitioner to own a nursery. You do need the right qualified team, a suitable premises and a clear understanding of the registration and operational requirements. The Free Starter Guide explains the main steps and what you need to consider first.

Where should I start if I only have an idea?

Start by understanding the process, researching local demand and testing whether the finances could work. The Free Starter Guide is designed for this early stage.

Can you help me assess a nursery building?

Yes. Support can include reviewing the proposed property, considering capacity and layout, identifying obvious risks and helping you decide what to investigate before committing. You can book a consultation for focused advice on a property you are considering.

Can you help with my business plan and Ofsted preparation?

Yes. You can use the free business plan template, book dedicated Ofsted registration preparation or explore the mentorship programmes for ongoing support.

You do not have to work it all out alone

Start with the free guide or book a consultation to get clear, practical advice on the next step in your nursery journey.

Launch offer

CPD certified Safeguarding Level 2 is now live

First 50 learners can use code SAFEGUARD50 for 50% off. Use code SAFEGUARD50 at checkout.