Sector:  Other
No.of Employees:  9
Region: Scotland

Summary
Rosemount Children's Centre offers a safe, healthy and happy childcare environment for children aged 0-15 years to develop.  There are plans to expand the services offered by the Centre to include adult learning facilities and to become a recognised 'Eco-School'.

Background
Opened in 1998, the centre has successfully competed against local authority childcare centres and after school activities held at local schools.  During the last five years, turnover has increased from £104,000 to £150,000, goodwill value has grown by 500 per cent and property value by 200 per cent.  The Centre cares for approximately 80 children.

Responsible business objectives 

Rosemount is run as a family-friendly workplace, driven by personalities, and operating very much for and with the local community of Dollar.

How they do it

• Personal development plans for all staff.  All employees have, or are working towards, professional qualifications in childcare or child development.

• Competitive staff salaries.  Employee salaries compare well with the childcare sector.

• Employee benefits.  Childcare is offered to all employees at cost price, plus an extra 'Christmas shopping day'.

• Flexible working hours for employees.

• Local recruitment.  The School makes every effort to employ skills from within the local community.

• Local charitable contributions. 

• Recycling of all paper and plastic, plus a compost heap for biodegradable waste.

What impact it has

• Participation in local charitable events, such as the Twilight Walk for Breast Cancer Research in Scotland. 
• Happy employees.  
• Avoidance of detrimental impact on the environment, where possible.

Business Benefits

• Well-trained workforce.  Personal development results in a highly proficient workforce, capable of providing the best quality of service.

• High staff retention.  Employee benefits create a pleasant work environment and motivated team.

• Loyal customers.  By giving something back and employing from the local area, the centre fosters good relations with the local community, upon which it relies for business.

• Media opportunities.  Charitable events and awards, such as the Federation of Small Businesses Award 2004, offer PR opportunities to promote the centre.