Creche

Child age range

• 6 weeks  – 5 years age range, although registered up to 8 years

Facts

• Crèches provide care in order that parents can attend appointments, carry out chores or undertake training.

• Sessions provided throughout a day.

• Children receive learning and development activities suitable for their age.

• Most crèches provide places for between 12 and 16 children.

• Minimum staffing ratios are 1:4 for children aged 2 and 1:8 for children aged 3 to 5.

• Most staff are trained to work with children.

• There are also mobile crèches which are able to provide ‘one-off’ care in order for parents to attend training or events.

Quality assurance

• All crèches that are running for more than 2 hours, operating more than 6 days a year, who care for children under the age of 8 must be registered and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

• Some crèches can be registered through the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register if they meet requirements.

• Parents can ask Crèches for a copy of their Ofsted inspection report or go online

Costs

• Prices vary depending on whether the child attends a crèche as part of a health club or as part of a day nursery.

• A 2 hour session is likely to cost between £5 - £8.

Times available

• Generally throughout the day from 8am – 6pm in block sessions.

• Sometimes weekends.