Child care in Crèches or Local Playgroups

Some work places provide crèches. This may encourage parents to go back to work with as little disruption as possible. These are usually near your work and some companies will help by providing flexi hours to suit you and your baby. Please ensure that you are happy and relaxed with the personnel by visiting the crèche and observing the staff, children and the facilities. Enquire about the qualifications of the staff, check that they have criminal records checks and have all the suitable policies in place.

Other crèches

Crèches may be in church or village halls. The age ranges of the children may vary so please check especially if your child is very young. There may be variation from place to place. It is always useful to try and obtain a guide to facilities for young children for your particular area. The doctor’s surgery, your Health visitor or baby clinic may have this sort of information. Your local Library should have it all on database and have pamphlets and leaflets about these.

Pre-school Playgroups

Playgroups may offer shorter sessions – sometimes 2.5 hours - in the morning or afternoon. Children can usually start between the ages of 2 ½ and 3 and may continue attending until they start school. They may leave playgroup to start Nursery School for at least a term or two before starting their Infant education.

Playgroups are very varied and are usually registered for Early Years Grant and Working Tax Credit. They are often community-based so the premises may be a village hall, local community Centre, or Church Hall. These groups are very good value for money and have a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

A good start in the process of separation to help both you and your child is having the opportunity to use a crèche or a playgroup for these few hours a day. This enables you to adjust to being apart.

All children have to learn to share, to listen each other to increase their vocabulary and to make new friends. The stage of learning about separation is essential in the maturity of your child. There however no need to make this a daily thing or for it last for a long time.

Children like a routine, need love and as broad an experience of the world as possible. They do not need to be frightened or to feel anxious. In a local crèche or playgroup they may know other children as they will all have been born about the same time and even in the same place.

Mothers have the advantage of enjoying more time. There will be the independence of a part time job or even enjoying some adult company. Joining a gym for some relaxation can become a luxury to help relax, unwind and revive!!

Use this site to talk to other parents in your area to listen to their opinions and to help you make the decision that is right for your child.