For many aspiring business owners, franchising offers a route to independence with the reassurance of an established network. In sectors where demand is consistently strong and operational complexity is high, that structure becomes even more valuable, giving franchisees the confidence to grow while benefiting from proven systems, training and brand recognition.
Early years education is one sector where this model has gained significant momentum. As demand for childcare continues to rise across the UK, more entrepreneurs are recognising childcare franchising as an opportunity to build scalable businesses with long-term impact.
For Grace Cole, managing director at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, it is this combination of purpose and commercial opportunity that is driving growth in the sector. She sat down with franchisees Sam El-Labban, Nicola Cooper and Laura Cardy to discuss their journeys into childcare franchising, from what drew them to the sector to the challenges they have faced and the opportunities they have built.
There is no single route into early years franchising. Sam El-Labban came from a completely different professional background, having previously worked in fintech before opening Monkey Puzzle Purley and later expanding into a second setting in Upminster.
“Coming from a completely different industry, franchising gave me the confidence of a proven blueprint and a trusted brand behind me,” said Sam. “Flexibility was important too, but for me it was really about having the right support structure to succeed in a new sector.”
For others, the move into childcare franchising feels like a more natural progression. Laura Cardy and Nicola Cooper, franchisees at Monkey Puzzle Altrincham and Timperley, worked together in a primary school for 14 years before launching their nurseries.
“Early years has always been our passion, so becoming franchisees felt like the natural next step,” explained Laura.
Despite their different backgrounds, all three franchisees highlight the importance of support when navigating the realities of running a childcare business. Recruitment pressures, alongside ever-evolving safeguarding standards and regulatory requirements, mean franchisees must continually adapt while maintaining the highest levels of care and compliance.
For Sam, access to central guidance has been key while managing rapid growth across two locations. “The support from the Monkey Puzzle head office has been invaluable, especially with operational challenges and parent communications. It frees me up to focus on my team and growing the business.”
Nicola and Laura have also faced significant challenges since opening their settings, but credit resilience and teamwork for helping them through.
“We’ve dealt with everything from COVID and recruitment pressures to our premises flooding,” added Nicola. “But having a strong team around us and staying positive has helped us overcome every challenge.”
The growing demand for childcare has created real opportunities for expansion. Families are increasingly securing nursery places earlier, placing pressure on providers while creating strong long-term demand for established settings.
For Sam, rising demand gave him the confidence to expand into a second nursery. “Growth has been fast, but we’ve worked hard to maintain the culture and quality at both nurseries.”
Meanwhile, Laura believes much of their growth has been driven by reputation and word of mouth. “Families are now registering a year in advance to secure a place. We’re trusted for the care and education we provide, and that’s been incredibly powerful as we’ve expanded.”
Success in early years franchising ultimately comes down to mindset and commitment. The franchisees who thrive are those who genuinely connect with the purpose behind what they do.
“You definitely need a strong business mindset, but you also need emotional intelligence and adaptability because this isn’t a typical corporate environment,” said Sam. “It’s best suited to people who genuinely connect with the purpose behind early years education and want to make a real difference.”
That balance between commercial ambition and genuine care is what makes childcare franchising such a distinctive opportunity, both personally and professionally.
