Here is a different story, but with a much smaller organisation.
Many years ago, a woman wanted part-time work after being out of the teaching profession while the children were small, Her last child had just started school so she decided to use her experience to start up and run morning play sessions for 3 -5 year-olds - (this was before there were many nursery classes, and the alternative was unskilled childcare). She hoped for a modest income. Starting from scratch, she bought second-hand equipment, invested in paint, clay, sand, water, and construction toys and haunted jumble sales for books. When it opened, it had only three children - and the regulation second (paid) assistant. The rent for the premises still had to be paid, although at 50p per morning (paid in advance at the start of each term), three customers didn't bring in much, and she was well out of pocket.
It had been expensive to set up, but she hoped that the debt would soon be paid off and it would start to give her that modest income.
Two years later, the reputation of the playgroup had grown, numbers had risen well, and a third (paid) person had by law to be present. There was even a waiting list of small brothers and sisters not yet old enough to join. However, the income from it had still not quite covered the debt. There were rent and assistants to be paid, and supplies to replace before she could receive anything herself. She had spent five mornings a week in what was praised as an excellent preschool nursery class, but had not made a penny out of it.
At that point, a mother asked how much she would take off the terms fees because they would be going abroad for two weeks.
What would have been your answer?
