The everyday world of a nursery manager is a busy one. You’re pulled in many directions, with many objectives… often time-sensitive. Anything that can ease the stress of those challenges, therefore, will make a difference. And software that’s been designed and built by people who’ve worked in the sector is definitely one of those things.
Key software features to look out for that help
The application is cloud-based
What does this mean? And why does it make such a difference? What it means is that the application your nursery is using is accessible on the internet via a secure login. It isn’t sitting on a server or PC located at your premises. And the difference this makes is significant.
- It’s accessible by authorised personnel wherever they are… as long as they have access to the internet. That could be at home, in the office, a coffee shop, or hotel etc. This offers tremendous flexibility, therefore, to nursery managers keen to limit the number of people on site unnecessarily.
- Data is updated real-time, so anyone logging in will get the latest information and be assured that what they’re looking at is accurate.
- For businesses with several sites operating, only one application is needed. Information can be viewable by log in and can be site specific or across the entire business.
Financial management is easy
Having the ability to manage payment frequencies, invoicing, debtors and cash flow from wherever you are is invaluable to a busy nursery manager. Good software can feel as though an extra employee is working in your business! So look out for things like:
- Automated billing and funding. Once a booking pattern and funding model is in place, the system can simply tick over behind the scenes on your behalf.
- Direct debit functionality that creates files for you that you can then upload into your bank direct debit software.
- Credit control functionality that enables you to send pre-written reminder letters at the press of a button. No starting from scratch each time.
Communication is simple
Being able to communicate with staff and parents without having to reinvent the wheel every day is a boon to a busy nursery manager. Examples of how good software can make this easy include:
- Enquiry functionality that enables you to track and manage enquiries, compare month on month figures, track sources for enquiries.
- Emailing and texting from within the system, either individually or in bulk to large and small pre-defined groups.
- Complaints area that enables you to monitor trends, identify issues early, and communicate information to those involved.
Operational support
A system that differentiates the type of user by their log in means you can set roles and preferences from the start and people only have access to the information they need. But the grouping of data isn’t just about who is logging in. It can also be used to track cohort groups, room usage, KPIs, you name it. And with functionality such as multiple registers available, even outings can become less stressful with parent contact details printed on an outing register. But there’s the health and safety side to think about too, for functionality that enables you to track staffing ratios, for example, is critical. And don’t forget other aspects like tracking shifts, monitoring cover, and managing absence. To be able to do this quickly and easy will cut your admin time each day meaningfully.
If you’d like to find out more about how nursery management software could make your working day easier, then please give us a call. We’d be delighted to talk through your needs in more detail.