Nurseries operating in the UK are required by law to have insurance. There are several nursery specific insurance products on the market, and as the adage goes: ‘you never know what’s around the corner,’ so it’s vital to choose the right policy for you and your business.
Nursery insurance is designed to protect you as a business owner, your setting (assets), the people who work for you and those that use your services or come on to your premises. It can cover you for things like your legal liability for accidents (employers’ liability and public liability), fire, flooding and theft (both for the damage caused and the resulting loss of income to your business) as well as providing legal advice and paying legal expenses on a range of business legal matters.
However, as a business owner it’s important to make sure the policy you choose is right for you and your business. For example, during the COVID pandemic, many nurseries thought they would be covered for the resulting business interruption and lost income. Unfortunately, whilst some insurers did provide elements of cover, others didn’t. Whilst nobody can see what the future holds, you should discuss your individual requirements with an insurance provider and take the time to read your insurance documents to make sure you understand the cover you have bought and its limitations.
What is cyber insurance?
Cyber insurance is a specialist policy designed to support your nursery in the event of a cyber incident. It covers both first-party and third-party losses and gives you access to expert IT, legal and PR support when you need it most. Cyber insurance is just one part of your cyber risk strategy. To be effective, your policy requires that you have appropriate systems and safeguards in place. Make sure your cyber defences are up to date.
What does cyber insurance cover?
Cyber liability
Protection against claims for:
- Failing to secure or prevent unauthorised access to data
- Accidentally transmitting a virus or suffering a hacking or denial-of-service attack
- Reputational harm or breach of intellectual property rights.
Data-breach expenses
Covers the cost of:
- IT forensic investigations
- Notifying and supporting affected individuals
- Crisis communications and public relations.
Computer system damage
Support for:
- Repairing or replacing damaged systems
- Restoring lost data
- Recovering lost business income.
Cyber crime
- Covers direct financial losses resulting from cyber incidents.
Why do nurseries need cyber insurance?
Nurseries are particularly at risk due to:
- Sensitive data: Including children’s names, medical records and parent contact details
- Limited IT resources: Smaller businesses are easier targets for cyber criminals
- Online systems: Booking, billing and communication platforms are often under-protected
- High emotional impact: Breaches involving children can cause significant distress
- Real-world risk: 50% of UK small businesses were hit by a cyber attack in 2024.
What should nurseries do to ensure their insurance is cyber safe?
- Review your cyber security approach using expert guidance
- Check your current insurance policy:
- Does it include cyber cover?
- Is the cover and limit sufficient?
If not, speak to your broker today.
Pound Gates Nursery Insurance
Pound Gates are specialist insurance brokers with over 15 years’ experience supporting nurseries and early years providers. They understand the realities of running a busy setting and offer tailored cover that protects your people, property and reputation.
Their Nursery Insurance package includes comprehensive protection for property damage, business interruption and public and employers’ liability. Additional features include registration certificate protection, legal and tax support, crisis communication advice, personal accident and fidelity cover and equipment breakdown protection.
Pound Gates also go beyond insurance by offering access to legal templates, risk management guidance, counselling services and compliance advice. Their expertise and responsive support help nurseries prepare for the unexpected and continue delivering high-quality care with peace of mind.
NDNA Member Benefit Supplier
At NDNA, we’ve worked with a leading Insurance broker for over 15 years. Pound Gates Chartered Insurance Brokers provide a professional, high-quality service and have over 20 years’ experience in the early years sector. Your membership with NDNA can save you money on their premium as we’ve negotiated up to 15% discount on their policy, which is underwritten by Ecclesiastical*
As a member of NDNA you have access to:
- 10% off your premium and no policy admin fees to pay just for being an NDNA member
- Save an additional 5% if you have an anti-finger-trapping device installed
- Free advice line for your insurance queries, even if you are not insured with Pound Gates
- Enhanced legal protection cover as standard to support nursery owners when dealing with regulatory compliance and enforcement issues
- Crisis communication cover – giving you 24-hour access to PR and communications experts and up to £25,000 towards their costs in protecting your business and reputation in the event of a crisis
- The option to add Cyber insurance to your policy (at an additional cost) to protect your business against losses resulting from cyber liability, data breaches, computer system damage, and cyber crime. Cover limits up to £250,000 are available.
Please remember that if you decide to take advantage of this offer it’s in your best interests to understand what cover is included, and what’s not. Pound Gates can help by explaining the cover and answering any questions you may have but they are not able to provide you with advice.
Contact the Nursery Support Team at Pound Gates
Quote your NDNA membership number to receive exclusively discounted insurance with nursery insurance experts, Pound Gates.
Tel: 01473 346118 |
Email: [email protected]
Or visit: www.poundgatesnursery.com