Special needs centre

[chellebea]

Hello! I am currently a special needs teacher who is looking to spread my wings and bring an idea which I have been forming for years to life.

I am wanting to set up an all inclusive hub for children and young people with special needs and disabilities. The hub would provide a non judgemental and completely accessible space that offers play/therapy and social experiences.

We aim to have a apprenticeship programme that would hire young people and adults with learning difficulties to work within admin, therapy and catering positions.

To bring passive income in we would provide long term and daily rentable spaces for therapists such as speech and language, occupational therapists and spaces for multi professional meetings eg CAHMS, community paediatricians, portage. We would also act as a space to rent for meetings and training around inclusivity.

Our ethos of accessible for all would run through every strand of the business. As an experienced teacher and SEND consultant I know that parents are desperate for a space which they can access and are willing to pay for it.

My question is how on earth do I turn my ethos into a solid business plan so I can seek grants and investment.

 

[ctrlbrk]

Hi, welcome - probably the likes of @Mark T Jones can help get you on the right track.

 

[Ian J]

As an experienced teacher and SEND consultant I know that parents are desperate for a space which they can access and are willing to pay for it.

I agree with the first part of your sentence but are the parents willing to pay for it as I thought that this type of facility was normally accessed via funding from the local authority

 

[chellebea]

I agree with the first part of your sentence but are the parents willing to pay for it as I thought that this type of facility was normally accessed via funding from the local authority

Unfortunately there are extremely limited resources available to families - funding has been cut and many local authority services have stopped such as respite care/ play sessions. Most funding is put into direct payments for families to have a set amount of support within the community or home in the form of a carer.

Soft play centres/play centres are not accessible for children in wheelchairs/ with feeding tubes or on the autism spectrum just to name a few. There are no local restaurants who offer braille menus etc The hub would provide all of these services under one roof and also provide job opportunities. It would be a safe and accepting environment where families are free from judgement and their children can be their authentic selves.

 

[chellebea]

Hi, welcome - probably the likes of @Mark T Jones can help get you on the right track.

Thank you for taking the time to reply

 

[Clinton]

Unfortunately there are extremely limited resources available to families - funding has been cut and many local authority services have stopped such as respite care/ play sessions. Most funding is put into direct payments for families to have a set amount of support within the community or home in the form of a carer.

Soft play centres/play centres are not accessible for children in wheelchairs/ with feeding tubes or on the autism spectrum just to name a few. There are no local restaurants who offer braille menus etc The hub would provide all of these services under one roof and also provide job opportunities. It would be a safe and accepting environment where families are free from judgement and their children can be their authentic selves.

All sounds great, but this is a business forum. So tell us about the business, not the fluffy stuff!

How much do you have to invest? What market research have you done? What do you know about business? You start off with the first person singular pronoun and then talk about "we". Who's the we and what are the others bringing to the party?

You can be as non judgemental as you want, put he/she pronoun name badges on every employee, in braille, have ethos oozing through your earholes and paint the whole place in rainbow colours, but what are the economics? Give us the numbers you've put together so far.

(on second thoughts, don't put braille name badges on your female employees!)

 

[chellebea]

All sounds great, but this is a business forum. So tell us about the business, not the fluffy stuff!

How much do you have to invest? What market research have you done? What do you know about business? You start off with the first person singular pronoun and then talk about "we". Who's the we and what are the others bringing to the party?

You can be as non judgemental as you want, put he/she pronoun name badges on every employee, in braille, have ethos oozing through your earholes and paint the whole place pink, but what are the economics? Give us the numbers you've put together so far.

Good evening Clinton, thank you for your response. The 'fluffy' bits are the USP and an explanation of the ethos and reason behind why the business would be successful. My question was how do I move from this idea stage to the business plan.
I made it clear it is at the idea stage and am here as I have no business experience, I was looking for some helpful pointers on how to go about getting the correct market research and work out costings etc.

May I say that I find your reply to be rather argumentative and condescending.

 

[chellebea]

I agree with the first part of your sentence but are the parents willing to pay for it as I thought that this type of facility was normally accessed via funding from the local authority

All in all parents would pay a premium for these services and spaces. I have spoken extensively with families I have worked with via my consultation and all are calling out for extra facilities and accessible places to access with their children.

 

[MBE2017]

Whilst parents might say they are willing to pay for this, take that with a pinch of salt. This idea is probably better suited to a non profit organisation, and local companies and the council would probably help with grants, materials and general help. Try to also realise if the UK suffers a bad downturn, such funds and promises might become hard to get.

As for help going forward, I would suggest talking to a similar type organisation, ask plenty of questions, help to fill the gaps in your basic understanding, and then look for charitable individuals who might help you out, for instance a bookkeeper or accountant, trades people such as electricians and plumbers, fund raisers etc. There are a lot of very generous people, many could be amongst the children’s parents, use them to your advantage.

 

[Clinton]

I was looking for some helpful pointers on how to go about getting the correct market research and work out costings etc.

You didn't answer the other questions. You didn't say how much you've got to invest. That should pretty much be the starting point, instead of the fluffy stuff you call USP!

You're talking about renting space out to therapists etc. So you're obviously looking to hire large premises. Large premises come with a hefty monthly rent (or "lease payments"). Maybe ten grand a month or more depending on where in the UK you're based. And you'll have to sign a commitment for a long period - it could be 10 years. The landlord would want security to cover that £1.2 million. You'll probably have to sign a Personal Guarantee (at the very least).

So, back to the question: How much do you have access to to cover the initial deposit, to fit out the premises, to pay for marketing and to cover all expenses in the initial period when you'll be making no profit?

If you don't have a decent chunk of capital, or an institutional backer, there's no point working out costings, IMHO.

 

[DazRave]

May I say that I find your reply to be rather argumentative and condescending.

He's just very direct and text on a webpage always comes across blunt.

His points/questions, nevertheless, are very valid.

 

[MBE2017]

Just to add chellebea, as a father with an autistic daughter, who has now grown into a wonderful young woman and runs a baby room at a private nursery with a ten year unbroken work record, I applaud your idea and truly wish you well.

My daughter is a great hard worker, asks for and gets no favours, indeed two out of the three nursery’s she has worked at had no idea of her disability, and would be a credit to any company. I know several handicapped workers, all have an enormous desire to simply work, but most never get given a chance.

A social worker/school therapist who trains SEND teachers, assistants, therapists for our local council who has known my daughter since she was born uses her story to try to inspire parents and helpers alike that it is possible for autistic children to have a viable future. I insisted from a young age to educate her differently in main stream schools from the “normal” approach, and thankfully it paid off, but that takes nothing away from her, her achievements are down to her and her alone.

 

[Ian J]

Unfortunately there are extremely limited resources available to families - funding has been cut and many local authority services have stopped such as respite care/ play sessions. Most funding is put into direct payments for families to have a set amount of support within the community or home in the form of a carer.

We must be lucky then as there is limited funding available in South Staffordshire for day centres for young adults. My son is autistic with learning difficulties and he is fully funded to attend a day centre three days a week although it is nowhere near as extensive as what you are suggesting.

Good luck with your venture

 

[Mark T Jones]

Hi, welcome - probably the likes of @Mark T Jones can help get you on the right track.

Thank you for the mention.

In this case it looks like the OP needs grant/sponsorship funding (definitely not my area) - presumably that will come from various areas of Government & organisations who specialise in the relevant conditions.

As has been alluded to, the starting point is a business plan - which is my area - which, as far as I can establish, requires detailed research and narrative on:

- The customer - being whoever arranges/pays for the facilities. (Remember, it's infinitely easier to get approval and theoretic support than hard cash)

- The premises - which will need to be carefully chosen and/or adapted.

- Policies - Safeguarding, welfare H & S etc.

- Staff.

As always, getting to grips with a cashflow projection is a good way to get a feel for the economics of the business.

 

[BubbaWY]

Me and my former wife looked at doing something similar - focused on sensory equipment. At the time there werent great facilities around (nationally). Yes, there are sensory rooms withing wider facilities, but we wanted to create a full centre which people from all around the country would come to.

(Sounds ambitious, but my wife had worked with disabled children and would annually travel 200 miles for a day visit to something similar to what we wanted to create.)

We conducted extensive market research and there was huge demand. We got on board one of the countries top sensory equipment designers (who luckily for us lived reasonable local) and was putting together out business case prior to starting to look for funding.

Unfortunately our circumstances changed where we had to move and spent the next couple of years renovating a property and we never returned to the idea.

I think there will be some funding out there for you. But do some networking in your local area; any special needs schools - make yourself known to the headteacher, see what facilities they have and what facilities they would love to have in the local area to be able to use. Speak to the relevant department at the council - they may be able to help point you in the right direction for funding. Speak to parents - see what they would like to see and what facilities they would use.

Good luck.

 

[chellebea]

We must be lucky then as there is limited funding available in South Staffordshire for day centres for young adults. My son is autistic with learning difficulties and he is fully funded to attend a day centre three days a week although it is nowhere near as extensive as what you are suggesting.

Good luck with your venture

That's fabulous! I am afraid services are a postcode lottery and local county councils are making difficult choices. The hub I am proposing would be for children aged 0-18 and we would support older adults in the form of jobs, apprenticeships and a social space in the evenings. Thank you for your well wishes.

 

[chellebea]

Me and my former wife looked at doing something similar - focused on sensory equipment. At the time there werent great facilities around (nationally). Yes, there are sensory rooms withing wider facilities, but we wanted to create a full centre which people from all around the country would come to.

(Sounds ambitious, but my wife had worked with disabled children and would annually travel 200 miles for a day visit to something similar to what we wanted to create.)

We conducted extensive market research and there was huge demand. We got on board one of the countries top sensory equipment designers (who luckily for us lived reasonable local) and was putting together out business case prior to starting to look for funding.

Unfortunately our circumstances changed where we had to move and spent the next couple of years renovating a property and we never returned to the idea.

I think there will be some funding out there for you. But do some networking in your local area; any special needs schools - make yourself known to the headteacher, see what facilities they have and what facilities they would love to have in the local area to be able to use. Speak to the relevant department at the council - they may be able to help point you in the right direction for funding. Speak to parents - see what they would like to see and what facilities they would use.

Good luck.

Morning, thank you so much for your response it was well needed. I agree there is a huge demand and like you I aim to make this a place nationally recognised a centre of excellence and award winning!
Luckily I work as a lead teacher across three special schools in my local area so have a full and detailed understanding of what is needed. I have many a conversation with families who feel unable to access the community due to their child's needs and the weight of social pressures and judgement. I have taken all of this and weaved it into my business plan to hopefully cover as many areas as possible. I truly believe that this is both wanted and needed and would be financially viable.

Thank you so much for your pointers I will contact the council and set up a meeting. I now need to devise a questionaire for parents and get this ball rolling.

 

[Ozzy]

Hi @chellebea
I volunteer in this space, and am also a Governor of a school that runs a vocational unit similar to what you describe. It's only viable due to donations and funding from the school and education - without that it runs at a loss and isn't viable.

About 4 years ago I put together a business plan to create a location not too dissimilar for excluded children. I had the funding requirements drafted, site plans, even a board of trustees in place, and running costs. In the end I found I could only sustain it once I've won the lottery (or sold my business and did it as a passion project). I could obtain short term funding from pockets of funding here and there, but I needed nearly £1.5M to get it off the ground, and then the running costs were several hundred thousand each year which could not be guaranteed for more than 3 years.

The USP is great and is indeed needed, coming from someone who works in that sector (voluntarily) for several days a month, but for you will need to put that to one side and build a business case to get it off the ground - cold hard numbers. I've been down that road and couldn't make the numbers viable myself but I truly do wish you do and can.

 

[BubbaWY]

Morning, thank you so much for your response it was well needed. I agree there is a huge demand and like you I aim to make this a place nationally recognised a centre of excellence and award winning!
Luckily I work as a lead teacher across three special schools in my local area so have a full and detailed understanding of what is needed. I have many a conversation with families who feel unable to access the community due to their child's needs and the weight of social pressures and judgement. I have taken all of this and weaved it into my business plan to hopefully cover as many areas as possible. I truly believe that this is both wanted and needed and would be financially viable.

Thank you so much for your pointers I will contact the council and set up a meeting. I now need to devise a questionaire for parents and get this ball rolling.

Sounds like you are already well connected - great stuff. Sadly I dont have the files, research, business plans that Id put together otherwise Id have let you have everything.

 

[chellebea]

Just to add chellebea, as a father with an autistic daughter, who has now grown into a wonderful young woman and runs a baby room at a private nursery with a ten year unbroken work record, I applaud your idea and truly wish you well.

My daughter is a great hard worker, asks for and gets no favours, indeed two out of the three nursery’s she has worked at had no idea of her disability, and would be a credit to any company. I know several handicapped workers, all have an enormous desire to simply work, but most never get given a chance.

A social worker/school therapist who trains SEND teachers, assistants, therapists for our local council who has known my daughter since she was born uses her story to try to inspire parents and helpers alike that it is possible for autistic children to have a viable future. I insisted from a young age to educate her differently in main stream schools from the “normal” approach, and thankfully it paid off, but that takes nothing away from her, her achievements are down to her and her alone.

thank you so much for your reply, it was so wonderful to read. It is a story that I work everyday to replicate through my support of children and their family/carers. I would aim to provide training to local companies to support them to feel confident to employ people with disabilities as well as being an employer myself. I now need to get this into a business plan that shows how viable it is. time to get learning. I have booked myself on to a introduction to starting a business course so hoping that will kick start me.

 

[chellebea]

Hi @chellebea
I volunteer in this space, and am also a Governor of a school that runs a vocational unit similar to what you describe. It's only viable due to donations and funding from the school and education - without that it runs at a loss and isn't viable.

About 4 years ago I put together a business plan to create a location not too dissimilar for excluded children. I had the funding requirements drafted, site plans, even a board of trustees in place, and running costs. In the end I found I could only sustain it once I've won the lottery (or sold my business and did it as a passion project). I could obtain short term funding from pockets of funding here and there, but I needed nearly £1.5M to get it off the ground, and then the running costs were several hundred thousand each year which could not be guaranteed for more than 3 years.

The USP is great and is indeed needed, coming from someone who works in that sector (voluntarily) for several days a month, but for you will need to put that to one side and build a business case to get it off the ground - cold hard numbers. I've been down that road and couldn't make the numbers viable myself but I truly do wish you do and can.

Hi Ozzy, thanks for your reply. Great advice and food for thought. During the day it would run in the form of a play centre and capture the 0-11 age range, and also a social space for local day care centres and people within the community to access with their carers. The local area has nothing in this form and people travel hours to reach similar spaces. In my very loose plan which is currently all in mind map form, we would rent out spaces to supporting businesses on a long term basis and also spaces for rent on a daily basis so that this provides a constant passive income. I completely agree I need to build the business case and make the numbers work.

 

[MBE2017]

I now need to get this into a business plan that shows how viable it is. time to get learning. I have booked myself on to a introduction to starting a business course so hoping that will kick start me.

Best of luck, due to the nature of your start up I think you will find many people you approach very supportive and willing to be of help. You might have to consider starting a smaller version of your original idea and then extend into new areas as funds allow.

As mentioned by others, don’t believe every promise, a lot of people and businesses will potentially have less money at their disposal, so you do need to focus on the costs very hard. No criticism intended, but I have often found people from the public services have little idea on how hard raising the money can be, since naturally they come from an experience of everything being paid for them. I’m sure you will overcome such issues.

 

[chellebea]

#Sounds like you are already well connected - great stuff. Sadly I dont have the files, research, business plans that Id put together otherwise Id have let you have everything.

Thank you! Such a shame haha If you suddenly remember anything you feel may be of use i am all ears.

 

[chellebea]

Best of luck, due to the nature of your start up I think you will find many people you approach very supportive and willing to be of help. You might have to consider starting a smaller version of your original idea and then extend into new areas as funds allow.

As mentioned by others, don’t believe every promise, a lot of people and businesses will potentially have less money at their disposal, so you do need to focus on the costs very hard. No criticism intended, but I have often found people from the public services have little idea on how hard raising the money can be, since naturally they come from an experience of everything being paid for them. I’m sure you will overcome such issues.

Thank you! Oh I have absolutely no idea on raising funds but do realise that it will be extremely hard and need a lot of focus and hard work. This is what has put me off doing it for so long. I am now at the point of wanting to delve a little deeper and actually give it a good go. I am starting SEND play and stays in my local area in June to create a client base and start raising funds towards getting a small premises and then build it from there.

 

[chellebea]

Thank you for the mention.

In this case it looks like the OP needs grant/sponsorship funding (definitely not my area) - presumably that will come from various areas of Government & organisations who specialise in the relevant conditions.

As has been alluded to, the starting point is a business plan - which is my area - which, as far as I can establish, requires detailed research and narrative on:

- The customer - being whoever arranges/pays for the facilities. (Remember, it's infinitely easier to get approval and theoretic support than hard cash)

- The premises - which will need to be carefully chosen and/or adapted.

- Policies - Safeguarding, welfare H & S etc.

- Staff.

As always, getting to grips with a cashflow projection is a good way to get a feel for the economics of the business.

This is fabulous!! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I will start gathering the research as outlined.

 

[chickenlady]

I am also ex SEND teacher. We used to take school groups to Tristan's Light House in Blackpool which seems similar to your idea I think. Parents / schools can hire for their group needs and they will travel - our school was an hour or so away.

 

[Deleted member 277242]

@chellebea If you don't mind me asking where in the UK are you based?

 

[Porky]

Hi @chellebea
I love your idea and really hope you can make it work. I can tell you want to make a difference. Hats off to you.

It’s a real tough one. The post from @Ozzy in #18 does illustrate some typical challenges on the finance side.

A short while ago, I was looking to see if I could start up a small non profit youth centre, children in my area playing in the town nowhere for them to go. Anyhow, I put my business plan together, I was prepared to put up £250k in, with my business plan I was able to chat to support for funding, grants etc in staffordshire however, despite all the usual business challenges you face, staffing, marketing etc when it came down to it, even once set up costs fully covered off, my overheads for the running costs were, even on an absolute bootstrap basis materially higher than any revenue I could get in. This meant that I would have to secure sizeable ongoing donations each year from businesses to keep the project alive and where my plan fell down. Just like @Ozzy I needed a massive amount of cash to make it work each year. This is where I fear your biggest challenge will be. It might not be insurmountable in your situation if you can use a village hall or keep it minimal to start with but it will be a factor.

What I would do first is build a proper detailed business plan. The needs side due to your background you can probably cover off in spades but you will still need to do your costing analysis, your staffing costs, premises, size, heat/ light, cleaning, equipment, insurance and get a feel for the numbers. This will take time to do, not a five min job but once you have that, if it’s still a runner you can then talk to people about financial support and will have a more informed idea of the initial start up costs and the ongoing annual costs.

Business plan template:

Planning templates & free guides

Download our free business planning templates and access help and advice on how to complete a business plan and cash flow templates for your start up.

www.startuploans.co.uk

The above template can be used to secure a start up loan up to £25k. You would need far more than that obviously but what the template will do is get your business plan started with a focus on the key elements and you can build out each section from there.
If you want a business/ charity/ HNW backer/s you will need to provide them with a plan like that to be taken seriously.

Once complete, You can also go to sites like crowdfunder or go fund me for additional community finance support but those sites are only likely to add lower levels of top up capital for what you will likely need, it’s ongoing bigger financial support you will to secure but all very good luck to you. I really wish you well with your project. You are at least trying to make a difference and I respect and applaud that.

Crowdfunder UK

Start Crowdfunding on Crowdfunder UK

Fundraising for start-ups, businesses, charities, communities, social enterprises, sports clubs, political movements and individuals.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk

Go Fund Me

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www.gofundme.com

Take Care now

 

[Heyes]

Although I'm all for 'have a go - try it' encouraging people, I'm concerned.

So, constructively...

In addressing your question of 'how on earth do I turn my ethos into a solid business plan so I can seek grants and investment?'... the answer is simple and unambiguous: you learn what's required and then apply that knowledge appropriately.

Currently, you're waaaaaaaaay ahead of yourself... literally 'you don't know what you don't know'.

Even with research of the market etcetera... writing a business plan would be akin to icing a cake you've not yet made (because you don't know how to).

And the follow-on, of approaching sources of money/resources, is similar: you may be able to identify them, but don't know how to approach/negotiate with them.

Research will provide information, but likely not the appropriate understanding and perspective to be able to interpret and apply it wisely and beneficially.

An 'introduction to starting a business course' won't be enough.
You'll need to learn more. Much more.

As an example... for years I had decent guitars in a corner of my office - they sat unplayed, because I couldn't/wouldn't put in the time and effort to learn how to play. Yes, I could pick one up and noodle around with it and make noises - but I had no real idea what I was doing. And even if I'd learned a few chords, I'd still not have the ability to go gigging.

'I had no real idea what I was doing' is how many/most approach business. (Forty-plus years ago, I did.)
Some are lucky. And some are very lucky. They cluelessly prosper. (I did for a while - made ridiculously good money.)
Most aren't though, and they survive until the money runs out - that money usually being savings/loan. (I'd not put any in, so didn't have it to lose.)

That you know very little about business is ok. (I often wish I knew little.)
Learn as you go is fine.
Making mistakes is ok.
But please, have some basic awareness (and the ability to apply perspective) of your relative lack of understanding.

Seriously, there's only three things you need to know in business…
'What to do. How to do it. And some appreciation of why.'

Sounds easy. And it is, relatively. But it takes time to learn, lots of.

There's a guy in this forum who posts helpful stuff - I don't remember his name, but his signature makes the point that 'rather than getting paid for what he does, he gets paid *because* he can do what he does - the time and effort he's put into his learning to gain appropriate ability'.

Your question of 'how on earth do I turn my ethos into a solid business plan so I can seek grants and investment?' should be something for later. Right now you ought to be asking 'what do I need to do to become competent, and how do I become able to do that?'.

Without asking and answering that, and applying yourself accordingly... five'll-get-you-ten you'll fail, and with luck it'll be quick - you'll probably not get the money for the resources you need to begin the business, and so will emerge relatively unscathed.

There's a post elsewhere, 'You won't get investment because...' (https://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/threads/you-wont-get-investment-because.385696/). It's well-worth a read and think-about.

The particular business you're trying for is hard to make pay.
That's a bummer, because it's a genuinely beneficial service.
The chances of getting investment, particularly with your relative naiveté, are low.
Similarly, with grants.
And it's very unlikely you'll get enough paying customers.

My blunt advice would be: 'Don't even try. Stop now. Do something else.'

There's three ways you can approach this (and any business):
1 Learn and develop your ability.
2 Pay somebody to do what's required.
3 Hope you get lucky.

The wise choice is to do all three.

If you'd written 'I have the cure to every disease known to man, and or which the IP is fully protected, but I have no idea how to exploit it commercially'... clearly a much stronger basis for success, the situation would be the same.

But you haven't. And instead have plumped for something relatively difficult, in which chances of failure are high even if you manage to actually start the business.

I'll not wish you 'good luck' - because that would simply be an insincere encouragement to embark on a foolish endeavour.

 

[Heyes]

I'll not wish you 'good luck' - because that would simply be an insincere encouragement to embark on a foolish endeavour.

I should have (and wish I had) tailed this with something about 'not intending to be harsh'.