Crèches

Crèches provide childcare for occasional limited periods of time in a supervised environment.

They allow parents and carers to take part in a range of activities in places such as colleges, training centres and leisure facilities. Parents and carers are not necessarily in the same room as the children.

Crèches usually run all week at diffenet times of the year and normally cater for different groups at each session.

Age ranges cared for in a crèche may be wider than in a normal childcare settings however parents and carers should remain on the premises.

Finding a crèche

To find a crèche in Wolverhampton, visit the the Childcare Link website. Further information and advice is available from Wolverhampton Children's Information Service.

Registration of crèches

If a crèche meets for more than six times a year of more than 2 hours per day, they must be registered with the local authority, depending on the type of service they offer.

Crèches offering full daycare or care to children under 2 years and 6 months must be registered as aday nursery.

Sessional care offered by crèches for children over the age of 2 years 6 months should be registered under the same rules and regulations as a playgroup.

The ratio of staff to children for the following groups should be:

• 2 years 6 months to 3 years, one adult to every four children
• 3 to 5 year olds, one adult to every eight children
• 5 to 8 year olds, one adult to every eight children.

A minimum of two adults must be present at any one time and qualified or experienced staff must always be in attendance. Statutory checks must be taken up for all staff and any volunteers working or helping at a crèche.

Crèche checklist

The following questions may help you in selecting a crèche for your child:

• Do places have to be booked in advance?
• Is registered crèche and has up to date public liability insurance?
• Is the crèche a good environment for children? Is there natural light, heating and good furnishings?
• How will the crèche contact you during your class or meeting?
• Are the staff welcoming and helpful, do they respond sensitively when children are upset?
• Are the children prevented from leaving the premises undetected, are gates and fences secure?
• Are there plenty of toys, books and play equipment, including dressing-up clothes and home comer play for children's use?
• Do the activities take into account the children's ages, cultural backgrounds and any special needs?
• Do the toys, activities and the staff show positive attitudes to children of both sexes and of all races, religious cultures and disabilities?
• Do staff know and understand the fire drill procedures?
• What information will they need from you?
• Is there anything your child particularly likes or dislikes to play with?

Making a complaint about a crèche

If you're not happy about certain aspects of a crèche your child is attending discuss the difficulties and follow the crèches complaints procedure. If you are still unable to resolve your difficulties and they relate to the quality of care or registration issues, contact Ofsted.