Business guidance

Social media marketing support

Social media can be a great online tool to boost communication with parents and raise awareness of your nursery. And the best part? It’s absolutely free!

Using social media in the early years sector, it might not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to engaging with parents that entrust you with the care of their children. Particularly due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work that you do and adhering to Safeguarding Laws. However, sharing news, pictures or videos with parents of your setting allows them to see the day to day activities taking place and is a great tool to promote your setting to potential new customers.

Childcare Works has a detailed video presentation on marketing and social media from a childcare provider's perspective. It considers strategies to attract new families and retain existing ones. It highlights how effective marketing activity which includes digital and community-based marketing, events and social media. 

The National Day Nurseries Association and Teach Early Years explain further how using social media is a powerful tool to connect with parents. 

You can download a factsheet from the National Day Nursery Association which provides guidance when using social media on behalf of your setting and as a general user. 

The Early Years Training Hub Facebook page can help support you in making decisions about your social media strategy.

Here are some useful links to training:

• Social media marketing for early years settings by The Early Years Alliance
• Marketing for Early Years Settings by The Early Years Training Hub

Childcare Works has created The HUB, a bank of resources freely available to providers. You will find a comprehensive library of the resources developed to support the roll-out of the early years and wraparound childcare expansion.