GEM G8 Education, page-37

Hi Islay
We have exchanged posts previously about occupancy levels. I believe one needs to be very careful when talking about this topic. I work in a field (not childcare) where occupancy levels and waiting lists are a constant issue. In my situation I have a waiting list of 3 months. However, on any given day there may be several vacancies in the facility. It is just not possible or practical to pull someone off the waiting list to fill the vacancy. Certain processes need to take place before that can occur. So a bed may remain vacant for several days until it is filled.

In the childcare environment, I would imagine on any given day there would be any number of reasons (sickness, family issues, work etc) which would mean a child may not be brought to childcare. As in my facility it would not be possible, I believe, to just fill the vacancy on short notice.

Accordingly, I believe that what needs to be looked at is the annual occupancy rate. This takes into account all the peaks and troughs over the period and gives a more accurate appreciation of occupancy. In my field an annual rate of 90% is considered excellent. I am not sure what the rate would be in childcare, but I would be very surprised if it approached that. In my view the annual rate is critical and so far as G8 Education is concerned is only relevant if compared to other childcare centres. It should not, in my opinion, be viewed in isolation.

So referring back to your post I believe you have adopted an erroneous approach to assessing occupancy. Whose to say whether or not, on the week you chose, that winter sicknesses had not ravaged attendance numbers? In summary, I do not believe that you have made your argument in relation to occupancy.