Creches

Crèches are short sessional care or temporary childcare arrangements to cover things such as shopping trips, conferences, or training events. They provide a play area for a small group of children whose parents are busy doing other things, but are still on the same premises.

Many crèches are sited in shopping and leisure centres, with some attached to Adult Education Centres. Full-time work place nurseries are sometimes called crèches, in which case day nursery rules and standards apply. Crèches must have insurance and are inspected by Ofsted.

Not all crèches are Ofsted registered therefore not inspected. Some are exempt if they meet certain criteria.  It is advisable that parents check with Kent Children and Families Information Service to see if a crèche is Ofsted registered.

Benefits

• ideal if you need a 'one-off' care session for a particular event
• may accept a wide age range, from young babies to older children
• can be free of charge, depending on the event.

Not so suitable if:

• you need to depend on a regular childcare arrangement and want continuity of care for your child
• you need more flexibility - crèches vary in their opening hours.

Always check

• the qualifications and experience of the staff involved and whether the children seem happy and relaxed
• whether the premises seem safe, warm, well presented and clean
• the condition and availability of toys and equipment

Questions to ask

• who's in charge and what are their qualifications and experience?
• what is the ratio of staff to children?
• are all areas of the crèche fully supervised at all times?
• are there separate areas for younger children and babies?
• what activities are the children allowed to take part in?
• how many staff are qualified in first aid?
• how will you be contacted in an emergency?