The 'Sovereign Connects' Nurseries sector lunch

Sovereign Connects recently hosted a lunch for over 20 business leaders from the nurseries sector to discuss the opportunities and challenges for businesses and the market. Cheryl Hadland, founder of the All Parliamentary Group for Early Years and Managing Director of Tops Day Nurseries, led the discussion, chaired by Sovereign Partner Alex Hay, and gave her perspectives and insights on recent developments and upcoming initiatives across the sector.

Cheryl founded Tops Day Nurseries in 1990, having been unable to find high-quality day-care provision for her children; today, there are 17 Tops Day Nurseries and 10 play clubs across Dorset. Cheryl plays a significant role in the day nurseries sector, speaks internationally on eco-sustainable day nurseries, and was recently named the most influential person in childcare by Nursery Management Today.

We took the opportunity to conduct a straw poll at the event to garner sentiment around staffing challenges, potential legislative changes and funding in relation to Government rates. Respondent findings included:

• 50% saw recruitment as the biggest issue facing the sector
• Over 30% questioned the financial sustainability of nurseries

To read our blog on the straw poll findings and the nurseries sector, click here.

To find out more about Sovereign's approach to partnering high quality Education & Training businesses and management teams to support growth, please contact James Dargan.