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Running a family day-care business from your own home can seem like a relatively simple business option, one that will require limited funds to start. Furthermore, as the running costs will be low, there appears to be a high level of profits available to a person who makes a success of this particular venture. However, it is not as straightforward as it might seem. There are important issues you will need to consider before commencing a family day-care centre.

Perhaps the most important issue is health and safety. Any business of this nature, particularly when it involves looking after children, is required by law to comply with rigid health and safety regulations. These regulations cover a number of business areas. The suitability of the property is one aspect that needs consideration. Safety measures on stairs, such as child proof gates to avoid accidents will be required, as will be safety locks on all doors that lead to areas of danger, for example ones that might allow children to get out onto the road or into a garden that has a pool or pond that is unsupervised. Similarly, any objects around the house which might be considered dangerous, irrespective of the fact that they are part of the family home, might need to be moved or altered in some way.

Other objects around the home and business that might seem harmless will need to be thought about. Open garden pools and ponds will require some sort of child safety mesh to eliminate the potential of an accident. The safety of toys bought for the business is another area to be considered.

Then there is the matter of hygiene to consider. In this area it is not only the standard of cleanliness in the house that inspectors will be considering but also the condition and safety of kitchen equipment and cooking facilities. Fire safety, in terms of alarms, extinguishers and exits, as well as first aid facilities, is also important. If these areas do not comply with the required standards of health and safety the authorities have the power to close the business.

A day-care business should also be licensed. This provides parents who are leaving their children in the care of the day-centre with the confidence of knowing that the business has been inspected and approved for the intended purpose. There is usually a cost for the licence, which will be extra to the cost of bringing the property and facilities up to regulation standards.

Two other important issues that need to be addressed when considering starting a day-care centre in your own home are planning consent and indemnity insurance. In terms of planning it will be necessary to secure permission for change of use from a home to the type of business you are considering. You need to be aware that neighbours will be asked for their views and any objection in this respect will be taken into account when the local authority makes the decision as to whether to grant the permission.

Indemnity and public liability is necessary for a day-care business irrespective of its location. Whenever a business is dealing with members of the public this protection is essential to protect the business owners and their customers, in this case family and children. No one can foresee the future and, although every possible precaution will be taken to eliminate the risk of accidents, they do happen.

As can be seen from this explanation, there are a number of issues to be addressed and considered before starting a day-care business at home, even before the owner commences the opening and promotion of the business. The best advice is to make sure you are willing to fulfil these commitments and are able to deal with the risks before you decide to commence trading a business of this nature.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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