Why community-based nurseries are a win-win solution

Recently there’s been much talk about the expansion of the early years sector – with new funding entitlements for working families, and the Labour Government’s plan to open 300 nurseries in unused primary classrooms. But there hasn’t been a lot of talk about the wider benefits of community-based nurseries, for families, children or the wider community itself. 

This is the first in a three-part series of articles where we want to showcase the huge social value community-based nurseries bring, and what any private, voluntary or independent (PVI - any nursery which isn’t a maintained nursery school or children’s centre) nursery provider who might partner with a primary school could consider.

About Raised In

Raised In is a social enterprise. This means that there aren’t any shareholders taking money out of the business, and any profit we make is ‘purposeful’ – reinvested into our communities for the benefit of all. We aren’t backed by private equity and remain proudly independent, able to make business decisions against the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. 

Raised In was created because our founders saw a challenge they wanted to solve - vital community spaces were closing due to insecure funding, while at the same time, there weren’t enough early years places to meet demand. Raised In was born, and we’ve since grown to four nurseries, all located in community spaces and paying market rent to community anchor organisations. This means that our impact goes far beyond the children in our care. We believe it is a model to not only be proud of but also for others to take note of as the childcare industry expands to try to meet demand.

The Raised In Model

Across the country, vital public spaces are being lost, and the Community Asset Transfer programme may not be able to save all these sites. Having a viable and in-demand business supporting a community space through rent, footfall and other contributions might be a solution to protecting these spaces. Having a nursery present can safeguard not only a building but an organisation, providing long-term guaranteed and sustainable rent, local employment and that much-needed childcare service. This could be a way to help safeguard our communities, provide quality childcare and meet the demands of the childcare expansion. 

While using empty primary school classrooms might benefit the balance sheet of primary schools, this might end up being a short-term solution if the population begins to increase again. We exist to be a long-term fixture in a local community, providing continuity of care and education for families as well as for our team members, the community partners and other local businesses in our supply chain we support. Nurseries in community spaces therefore may be better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities of population change, while consistently delivering for their local community partners and communities.

The benefits to local communities

We’ve spoken a bit about the benefits to our community partners - secure, market rent and an engaged tenant; but what about the wider benefits? Nurseries based in the community can have huge wider impacts on local people. Most parents want a nursery located close to where they live to help with easier drop-offs and pickups. Being able to walk to nursery is also a key consideration, and something we encourage wherever possible. But this can only be achieved if the nursery is based in the heart of a community, centrally located and convenient for parents then finding their way to work. 

Much has been made of the increased funding entitlements supporting parents (especially mothers) to return to work. And while this is true, and benefits communities with increased employment rates, there’s also a huge range of evidence showing that high-quality childcare has massive positive benefits for the children too! 

At Raised In, we’re also passionate about developing our team. This is why we work closely with local colleges, universities and apprenticeship training providers to give opportunities to young people entering the early years workforce. At any given time we have up to 12 apprentices completing their early years qualifications with us, plus visiting students. We want to help develop talent from within our local communities, and inspire the next generation!

Lastly, a core feature of Raised In is our commitment to local and ethical procurement. This includes our excellent food provider, Cucina Bambini from the renowned family-run Bristol restaurant group Bianchi’s, through to our energy being provided by the energy project at Easton Community Centre, working with a local IT company and making great use of the local Children’s Scrapstore! Community based nurseries like Raised In ensure that the circular economy can become a reality, keeping money within the community for the benefit of all!

So let’s think again about how we can make the childcare expansion work for everyone – for families, for communities and most importantly for the children themselves! 

We have nursery spaces available at our Bristol city centre nursery and our North Bristol nursery. Fill out an enquiry form to register your interest or get in touch with our admissions team if you have any questions. admissions@raisedin.org.uk or call 0800 048 7968 to speak to a member of the team. 

We’re always looking for passionate early years educators. Get in touch with us on recruitment@raisedin.org.uk or visit our careers page if you’re interested in a new challenge!