A creche provides supervised care for limited periods of time. Many operate in supermarkets, leisure centres, children's centres and company onsite facilities, where parents are involved in activities on the premises.
The manager ensures that the team provides age-appropriate activities, such as painting, physical play, stories, quiet reading and songs. DVDs, bouncy castles, trampolines and entertainment from clowns or magicians may be provided for older children.
When the EYFS came into force in September 2008, alongside the Childcare Act 2006, it included the new arrangements for the two registers; the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register. The Act includes a provision which allows the Government to specify in an Order which types of provision are exempt from compulsory registration. This Order is called 'The Childcare (Exemptions from Registration) Order 2008'. It sets out a number of exemptions where the government does not consider it appropriate for registration to be compulsory, including one which covers most crèches. Ofsted has produced a factsheet (see link below) which helps providers to decide whether or not they are exempt from registration under the terms of the Order. The exemption which covers most crèches is set out in point number 14, which tells providers they are exempt:
'If you care for children under eight for four hours or less each day and the care is for the convenience of parents who plan to stay on the premises where you are providing care or within the immediate area. This type of provision has no long-term commitment to provide care for children - for example, a shoppers' crèche, a crèche attached to a sports centre or adult learning centre, or an exhibition - and covers services where children do not necessarily attend every day.'
Providers who are exempt from compulsory registration - including crèches - may still choose to register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, if they wish to do so.
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General
Under current legislation a creche registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register must have at least one person qualified to Level 2 and at least one person with a current paediactric first aid certificate.
Julie Williams, Founding director of the Mobile Creche Company
My first experience of mobile creche provision came when I was a nursery manager. I was requested by social services to provide off-site childcare for a community training event.
In 2003, I opened my own day nursery and operated a mobile creche service alongside it. In 2005, I realised that it needed a separate identity, and the Mobile Creche Company Ltd was born. It was especially popular within the special needs and community sectors and I was soon offering the service nationally.
Each of our teams consists of a leader, a deputy, and however many support staff are needed. We hold a database of pre-checked, qualified personnel who are e-mailed their creche lists each month.
Our Vivaro long wheel-based cabin crews carry our equipment in the van compartment and up to six staff members. We duplicate an inventory of all equipment for each van. It includes role-play, physical play, arts and crafts, story corner and messy play.
This year, we launched our bespoke mobile creche franchise package in the Design Centre, Islington. We are setting up three franchises this year and have also developed an international consultancy service.
Although not a legal requirement, my company adopts the same regulating policies and procedures as static creche provision, adapting them to the heightened risks of mobile facilities. We inform Ofsted/Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales of the venue and timing, conduct full risk assessments, have additional security measures to match children with their parents, a higher child:staff ratio and support for children with additional needs. We document all our policies and procedures and run a three-week training course for staff.
I believe we are making a difference to family life by opening up events for families without them having the added worry of finding childcare.
FURTHER INFORMATION
