How to buy your Lilliput building

Simple steps to a complete nursery solution
Lilliput nurseries and Children's Centres are available on purchase terms, with a variety of finance packages. Here is a brief guide to buying a Lilliput building.

1. Identify a need and a site
Examine existing nursery and community provision in your area and assess the need for new facilities. Look at the geographical area and demographics, including population density and age, road access and public transport.

2. Identify sources of funding
Look at potential capital and revenue funding. Investigate your catchment area demographics to identify possible sources of funding. For example, former mining areas may qualify for coalfield regeneration funding.

3. Seek local support
At this stage, you should start talking to people in the neighbourhood to get their input and support.

4. Contact Portakabin
Once you have an idea of your objectives, the size of the facility you want to develop, the potential site and the funding available, it's time to contact Portakabin.

5. Meet Portakabin
The initial meeting is the most important in the whole process. It is here that we gain a full understanding of your requirements. We will discuss the size and layout of the building, Ofsted requirements and initial budget indications.

6. Draw up a feasibility study
This study needs to be agreed before the design process can begin. It can be used for outline funding applications. Portakabin has the experience to assist you with these applications.

7. Produce detailed plans
We will produce detailed plans, CAD drawings and quotes up to RIBA Stage D, so we are fully prepared for planning permission applications.

8. Raise awareness
Now is a good time to hold a meeting with local residents to discuss your nursery plans, and begin to market your planned facility.

9. Gain planning permission
Submit your plans for planning permission, and undertake soil surveys. Portakabin can help with this process. Bear in mind that planning applications will take approximately eight weeks - possibly longer in the London area.

10. Place your order
Once you have received planning permission, place your order for the building and groundworks. Portakabin can provide a complete turnkey package, including groundworks - or we can supply the building only. If you choose the latter option, you must remember to order groundworks from your chosen supplier.

11. Building work begins
Building manufacture begins and groundworks are started simultaneously - to reduce project time.

12. Submit for building regulations approval
Have your building checked by Building Control for compliance with Building Regulations.

13. Request service installation
Place your request for service providers to install services, such as electricity and water. This can take between eight and 16 weeks.

14. Request Ofsted inspection
Submit your building for Ofsted inspection, to ensure it complies with their guidelines.

15. OPEN YOUR NEW BUILDING
It's now time to plan your open day and welcome children and families to your new facilities!