Crèches
A crèche provides supervised childcare for occasional limited periods of time. They enable parents and carers to participate in adult education courses, training or leisure activities nearby.
Crèches may operate all week on a sessional basis, but will usually cater for different children at each session. Crèches cater for children of all different ages.
If they meet for more than six times a year, crèches must be registered with Ofsted. They are also required to have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
Points to consider
- Do you have to book a place in advance?
- Always check whether the crèche is registered and has up to date public liability insurance.
- Is the crèche setting suitable for children? Is there natural light, is it warm etc.?
- How will they contact you in your class, meeting etc., when you are shopping etc?
- 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 etc. and the staff show positive attitudes to children of both sexes and of all races, religious cultures and disabilities?
- Do staff know and understand fire drill procedures?
What information will they need from you?
- Where you are in the building?
- Name, age of child, any pet names.
- Any special diet, allergies or health problems.
- Is your child well, ready for a sleep, have they eaten recently or are they hungry?
- Is there anything your child particularly likes or dislikes playing with?
- Anything that will help your child to settle.
What crèches are available in Southampton?
Search our childcare database, or call the Southampton Children and Young People's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833. For information on childcare outside of Southampton, please contact your local authority.
