How To Start A Nursery School In South Africa
What is a Nursery School?
A preschool, also known as nursery school, pre-primary school, or play school, is an educational establishment or learning space offering early childhood education to children before they begin compulsory education at primary school. It may be publicly or privately operated, and may be subsidized from public funds.
How To Start A Nursery School In South Africa
1. Have a suitable building and ensure it has been approved
Before you even consider starting to dream about your own Nursery School you need to find a suitable building to use, or at least a suitable site where you intend building your school.
Not only does it have to be suitable for use as a school, it has to a site or building approved by your Local Municipality to be used as school.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules & regulations around pre-schools to ensure your application goes swiftly and without unforeseen challenges.
This is absolutely the most important aspect, since rezoning:
- Delays the opening of your school
- Is expensive
- Might not be approved
Let us assume you have found the ideal premises, it has been zoned for use as an Educational institution and you have approval of your neighbours on all sides.
What is your next step?
2. Set up a business plan
Your next step would be to do your business plan and to consider the following:
- What ages are you going to cater for?
- We recommend you group according to the following ages: 0-9 months, 9-18 months, 18-36 months and the 3 and 4 year old together
- How much space should you allocate per age group?
- What would the maximum number of learners be that you could cater for considering the space you have (inside as well as outside the classrooms)?
- How many teachers would you need and what kind of qualifications do you expect your teachers to have?
Calculating the running expenses will now be easy since you have some idea of your possible income generated from the number of learners that can enroll.
You should budget major expenses such salaries, rent, water and electricity, consumables, and please do not forget insurance.
All of these aspects are financial, so if you struggle with finances, make sure you enroll the assistance from someone that has financial experience or bring on board a (part-time) bookkeeper .
3. Start with the initial set up
You will need furniture, educational support material and teacher supplies. But don’t forget safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
The tricky part is to determine what is absolutely necessary and what you can add later when you are stronger financially.
If you need help, simply pop me an email on heleen@educanda.co.za. I have been an Occupational Therapist over 35 years and taught in many schools.
I was the Principal at Spitskop Special Needs School in Thamazimbi in Limpopo. I now live in Centurion, Johannesburg.
Since 2012, I consult on a full-time basis for Educanda on Special Needs Education, develop new play material and empower Educators in their day-to-day Teaching life through dedicated workshops and training.
Educanda charges a small consulting fee of R150 per hour, but will simply reimburse you when you place your order.
4. Develop internal policies
It’s important to have clear internal policies and procedures in place. Not just for yourself, but also your staff, the children you care for and their parents.
Make sure to write out an emergency plan and familiarize yourself with doctors and hospitals in your area.
5. Ensure you adopt a curriculum
Luckily the National Curriculum Framework, a UNICEF approved framework, provides clear guidelines for teaching the 0-4 year old.
Educanda has developed a two day Introduction to the Curriculum of the 0-4 year old child with SACE accreditation (15 CPTD points). Simply pop us an email to workshops@educanda.co.za so we can come to your pre-school and train your new staff! This will ensure you have ease of mind that your staff has been trained adequately and is able to support and stimulate the development of the 0-4 year olds.
6. Hire staff
Now that you have defined your internal policies, procedures and curriculum you can look for the appropriate staff.
Educanda offers a lot of training and workshops to up-skill your staff
7. Market your school & get enrollments
Word of mouth is an important tool, but don’t be shy to use Social Media to promote your preschool.
Once you have a few enrollments, make use of personal testimonials from parents! It’s a very useful method to get your pre-school on the map!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I need to open a nursery in South Africa?
- a business plan containing: the business hours of the partial care facility. the fee structure.
- the constitution containing the: name of the partial care facility.
- an original copy of the approved building plans
- an emergency plan.
- a clearance certificate.
- a health certificate from the local municipality.
What certifications do I need to open a daycare in South Africa?
Ways of obtaining a day-care license South Africa
- Pass a Home Inspection.
- Complete First Aid and CPR Training.
- Career Advancement.
- It may take up to three months for your registration certificate to be issued.
- The process is free.
- Forms 16 is available at your nearest department of social development or municipal office.
How much does it cost to start a daycare in South Africa?
Total start-up costs for a creche could range anywhere from R20 000 to R40 000.
How much does it cost to open a preschool in South Africa?
Preschool fees in South Africa
Such levies can add an extra R2,000-R3,000 a year. You should also budget around R2,500-R8,000 for the registration process.
Can I study ECD without matric?
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3 or equivalent. NO MATRIC CERTIFICATE OR EQUIVALENT NEEDED.
How do I become a day mother in South Africa?
Ways of obtaining a day-care license South Africa
Pass a Home Inspection. Complete First Aid and CPR Training. Career Advancement. It may take up to three months for your registration certificate to be issued.
At what age does a child start Grade R?
A Grade R applicant must be at least four years old and turn five or older by 30 June the next year
What is Grade R in South Africa?
Grade R is another word for Reception Year in South Africa, and it is part of the Department of Basic Education’s national curriculum. Preschool classes give children a firm foundation for their education.
What qualifications do you need to be a preschool teacher in South Africa?
What Qualifications Do You Need To Become A Preschool Teacher In South Africa?
- 3-year Diploma in Grade R Teaching OR.
- 4-year Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase Teaching (B. Ed. Foundation Phase) OR.
- Bachelor degree other than a B. Ed.