Building Fun: Launching Your Indoor Child's Play Centre in the UK

If you're passionate about creating fun, safe spaces for children, starting an indoor play centre in the UK can be a rewarding business venture. This guide walks you through the essential steps — from understanding safety and licensing requirements to equipment, staffing, insurance and planning your launch. Whether you're opening a large play facility or a smaller family-run centre, here’s how to get started.

1. Develop Your Business Plan:

• Target Audience: Define your target age group and the type of play experience you want to offer.

• Location Analysis: Research potential locations, considering factors like accessibility, demographics, and competition.

• Financial Projections: Create a detailed business plan outlining startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue forecasts.

• Theme & Design: Plan a unique and engaging theme for your play centre, designing a layout that maximizes play value and safety.

2. Secure Your Premises and Equipment:

• Premises Selection: Choose a spacious, well-ventilated, and accessible location that meets safety standards.

• Play Equipment: Invest in high-quality, safe, and age-appropriate play equipment from reputable suppliers.

• Safety Standards: Ensure all equipment and the play area meet relevant safety standards (e.g., EN 1176 for playground equipment).

• Hygiene & Cleaning: Establish a robust cleaning and hygiene protocol.

3. Legal Requirements and Licenses:

• Business Registration: Register your business with HMRC as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company.

• Planning Permission: Obtain the necessary planning permission from your local council for change of use.

• Building Regulations: Ensure your premises comply with building regulations, including fire safety and accessibility.

• Health and Safety:

  • Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement safety procedures.

  • Comply with health and safety regulations, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) for cleaning products.

  • Ensure adequate first aid facilities and trained staff.

• Food Hygiene (if applicable): If you plan to serve food, register your business with your local council's environmental health department and comply with food hygiene regulations.

• DBS Checks: If you employ staff who will be working with children, you'll need to conduct Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

• Public Entertainment License: Depending on your local council, you may require a public entertainment license.

• Noise Regulations: Be mindful of noise levels and comply with local noise regulations.

• Fire Safety: Conduct regular fire risk assessments, install fire alarms and extinguishers, and develop an evacuation plan.

4. Insurance:

• Public Liability Insurance: Essential to protect you against claims if a child or parent is injured on your premises.

• Employers' Liability Insurance: Required if you employ staff.

• Contents Insurance: Covers your play equipment, furniture, and other assets.

• Business Interruption Insurance: Protects you against financial losses if your business is unable to operate due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Play Equipment Insurance: Some providers offer specialized insurance for play equipment.

We’ve teamed up with PolicyBee to make business insurance simple for start-ups. Learn more.

5. Staffing and Training:

• Recruitment: Hire friendly, responsible, and experienced staff who enjoy working with children.

• Training: Provide comprehensive training on safety procedures, first aid, customer service, and child development.

• Supervision: Ensure adequate supervision of the play area at all times.

6. Marketing and Promotion:

• Website and Social Media: Create a professional website and utilize social media platforms to promote your play centre.

• Local Partnerships: Partner with local schools, nurseries, and community groups.

• Birthday Parties and Events: Offer birthday party packages and organize special events.

• Online Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave online reviews.

• Local Advertising: Use local advertising methods such as flyers and local magazines.

7. Financial Management:

• Pricing Strategy: Develop a competitive pricing strategy that reflects your costs and market value.

• Accounting Software: Use accounting software to track income and expenses.

• Regular Financial Reviews: Conduct regular financial reviews to monitor your business performance.

Key Considerations:

• Safety is paramount.

• Create a clean and welcoming environment.

• Provide excellent customer service.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and safety standards.

• Contact your local council and relevant authorities to ensure full compliance.

By following these steps, you can create a successful and enjoyable indoor play centre that provides a valuable service to your community.