Expression of interest
Community
ProposedBecome our nursery partner
Salam Centre is seeking an experienced independent nursery operator to run a purpose-fitted early years setting at Salam Centre.
A purpose-designed setting seeking an experienced operator.
The nursery occupies a dedicated wing on the ground floor of Salam Centre, with its own secure entrance, an enclosed outdoor play area and no through-route from the rest of the building. It is designed for early years rather than converted from something else.
The setting sits within a 22,500 sq ft building with approximately seventy parking spaces, and a waiting list of families already registered for places.
We are seeking an established provider with a proven operating model, running this setting as their own rather than under a management contract or franchise.
- Setting
- Groundfloor wing
- Entrance
- 1dedicated
- Outdoor
- Secureenclosed
- Parking
- 70spaces
Full technical pack — floor plans, service capacities, fit-out specification and indicative heads of terms — is issued to shortlisted operators.
What the operator takes on
The responsibilities in full.
Set out at the outset, in advance of heads of terms.
Operate independently
You hold the registration, employ the team and run the business. Salam Centre is your landlord and partner, not your employer or your management committee.
Recruit and manage staff
All recruitment, contracts, supervision, appraisal and CPD sit with you, including safer recruitment checks on every appointment.
Hold CIW registration
You obtain and maintain registration with Care Inspectorate Wales, and meet the National Minimum Standards and all associated regulatory duties.
Deliver outstanding childcare
We are looking for a provider whose existing settings inspect well and are well regarded by families. Track record is the principal consideration.
Integrate Islamic values
Faith woven into the ordinary rhythm of the day — duas, adab, Arabic through song and story, Ramadan and Eid marked properly — while remaining genuinely open to families of every background.
Maintain safeguarding standards
A designated safeguarding lead, current policies, trained staff and a culture in which concerns are raised early. This receives the closest scrutiny.
Operate with financial independence
You carry the commercial risk and set your own fees within agreed parameters, working collaboratively with us on access for families who could not otherwise afford a place.
Selection process
Five stages, with defined communication at each.
- Stage 1
Expression of interest
The form below. Organisation, experience, operating model, financial standing and safeguarding. No documents needed yet.
- Stage 2
Review and shortlist
Reviewed in batches by the trustees against published criteria. Every applicant gets an answer within fifteen working days.
- Stage 3
Site visit and interview
Shortlisted operators walk the space, meet the trustees and present their model. We visit one of your existing settings.
- Stage 4
Due diligence
Accounts, regulatory history, references and safeguarding audit. References are taken up only at this stage and only with your agreement.
- Stage 5
Agreement
Heads of terms, then a lease and operating agreement setting out fees, access commitments and the review cycle.
Stage one
Submit an expression of interest
Four stages, approximately twenty minutes. No documents are required at this stage, and nothing here is contractually binding on either party.
Submissions are held securely, seen only by the trustees and the appointed advisers, and retained for twelve months. Details of unsuccessful applicants are deleted at the end of the process. We will not contact your referees without telling you first.
Organisation
Who is applying, and in what legal form.