Crèche
While crèches are designed to be flexible, you often need to book a space in advance
Always ask how far ahead you can reserve a place so you don't miss out.
What do crèches offer?
Crèches should offer a safe place for little ones to play with experienced and qualified staff, with a decent range of age-appropriate toys, and creative activities (for example, dressing up costumes), to keep them busy while mums and dads enjoy a little time off from childcare.
What should a good crèche look like?
Welcoming, bright and happy without being overcrowded! It should be clean, have attentive staff in sufficient numbers and there should be enough stimulation to keep children occupied for a couple of hours while mum's away.
The number of children a crèche can accommodate will depend on the floorspace, and age-ranges of the children it takes. You should feel confident that staff will adequately monitor and look after your child's needs. Before you go, you will need to let them know if your child has any allergies, takes any special medication or has specific dietary requirements.
Crèches can be a cheap and flexible option for busy mums and dads
All busy parents deserve the odd break, whether it's to take a yoga class, nip to the shops to buy a new outfit or have your hair cut. However, you can't always rely on friends and family to help out. That's where crèches come in – they offer an option that's cheaper and more flexible than more formal childcare such as nurseries.
What’s the difference between a crèche and a nursery?
Crèches generally only take children for a couple of hours at a time, even if they are open all day. They're designed to provide occasional childcare and you are free to leave the premises if you wish however, you'll still only be able to leave your child for a short time.
What’s the ratio of staff to children at a crèche?
Crèches should ideally follow Ofsted-guidelines, with a ratio of: one member of staff to three children for babies from 3 months to 2 years, a ratio of one to four for children aged 2 to 3, and a ratio of one to eight for those aged 3 to 5.
How much do crèches cost?
Please contact us
Can you claim childcare tax credits when you use a crèche?
No, in general you can't. However, you may be able to use childcare vouchers (where you sacrifice part of your salary to save money on income tax and NI) to pay for a registered crèche.
Can I use the 15 hours free nursery entitlement for 3-4-year-olds with a crèche? Can you claim childcare tax credits when you use a crèche?
No, in general you can't. However, you may be able to use childcare vouchers (where you sacrifice part of your salary to save money on income tax and NI) to pay for a registered crèche.