Introduction

The Tots’ Clubhouse Creche is operated by The Tots’ Clubhouse (April, 2022) and insured by Morton Michel.

Staff

The Tots’ Clubhouse Creche is operated by a team of staff who hold a Government approved childcare qualification at Level 3, DBS and First Aid training.  Two members of staff are present with the children and an additional staff member is available to provide support, if required. 

The Ofsted staff to child ratios apply to the Creche. 

These ratios are:

• 1 staff member to 3 children under 2s (level 3 qualified)
• 1 staff member to 4 children aged 2 (level 3 qualified)
• 1 staff member to 8 children aged 3 to 5 (level 3 qualified)
• 1 staff member to 13 children aged 3 to 5 (level 6 qualified)

Hours of Operation

The Creche runs for a maximum of 2-hours.  The Creche provides temporary ad hoc childcare.

Creche dates and times will be advertised and can be booked via our online shop www.thetotsclubhouse.co.uk/shop. 

Booking confirmation

Booking confirmation will be made via text message from the main Tots’ Clubhouse contact number 07831164309.

Refunds:  100% refund if cancelled 48 hours beforehand. 50% refund if cancelled 24 hours beforehand. 10% refund if cancelled less than 24 hours beforehand.  For all cancellations – if we are able to re-sell the place, we will provide a 100% refund.

Creche Emergency Contact Number

The direct Creche contact number will be provided to you upon drop-off. This number can be used for all emergency contact.

Parent/guardian/carer emergency contacts should be provided on the Child Registration Form.  In the event of an emergency, Creche staff will contact you.

You will be required to sign a form to enable us to provide First Aid to your child, in the case of an emergency.

Where there are allergy requirements, you will need to discuss these with staff and sign a form to give staff permission to provide necessary First Aid/medication in the event of an allergic reaction.

Child Registration Form

Once the booking has been made, please complete the Child Registration Form online.  This can be submitted once, if you intend to make use of the Creche in future.  You do not need to complete the form for each session booked.

www.thetotsclubhouse.co.uk/crecheregistrationform

You will be required to sign a printed copy of this form before leaving the first session.

Where there are medical requirements, you will need to discuss these with staff and sign a form to give staff permission to administer any medication.

NUT FREE

We operate as a NUT FREE building. Please do not provide any food or drink containing nuts.

What happens at the Creche?

• Drop-off and pick-up at The Clubhouse.
• Little ones will have 'play time' until all children have arrived and are settled.
• We will run with our first 30 minute to 45 minute age appropriate session.
• We will break and snack.
• We will run with our second 30 minute to 45 minute age appropriate session.
• We will break and snack.
• Little ones will have 'calm time' until all children have been collected.
• We will make use of all our spaces (indoors and outdoors) for age appropriate activities.

Sleeping

Some children will sleep during their time at the Creche.  We are flexible!

• Any child arriving in a car seat will only remain in the car seat for a maximum time of 90mins (taking account of the time in the car seat to travel to the Creche).  This is the manufacturers guidance on the maximum time a child should be in a car seat.
• Any child arriving in a suitable buggy/stroller cot can remain in this for the period of the Creche session.
• Any child that sleeps during the session will be placed in a child safe area and provided with an appropriate child safe mattress/cot.
• All children asleep will be visible to staff at all times.

Our Guide for a Calm drop-off

a. A 'See You Later' Ritual

A 'see you later' ritual means that you set a routine for a stress-free drop-off.    It builds trust between you and your child.  Saying 'see you later', the same way each time, signals your intention to leave.  Once you have completed the ritual, then it’s time to go.  Don’t mix signals by hesitating or reacting differently in the moment.

Remember – this is a routine that is built up over time and needs commitment and reinforcement each time you go.  If you use the same ritual when with family or other childcare providers, this will be the same.

b. A Comforter, Blanket or Familiar Toy

Bring along something that your little one can use to settle them.  This might be a special comforter, blanket or toy that they are used to having at home. 

Remember – if they don’t bring a comforter, they might have a favourite toy that is ours and can be something that they see each time they come to a Creche session.  Our staff will let you know, and it can be something we will have for them each time they come.

c. Resilience

Your child will be aware of your mood and signals if you are anxious about dropping them off.  We recommend taking a few minutes to pause after arriving before you bring your child inside.  Pause and create a calm mind and atmosphere so that you and your child can feel secure and happy.

Remember – if you’re not happy, it is likely your child won’t be.  A few moments to calm down can make a big difference.

d. Talking

Talk to us about how to make the transition as comfortable as possible.  We encourage you to talk to us about anything that helps your child.

 Remember - we are here to care for you and your child.  Working together is very important.

What to bring to the Creche

Here is our list of items to bring along and leave with your little one.  These are essential!

a. Changing Bag

Please leave a labelled changing bag.

Please make sure these essential items are in your changing bag:

• Wipes
• Nappies
• Nappy bags
• Change of clothes

b. Lunch Box/Bag

Please put any food in a labelled lunch box or bag.

NO NUTS

Anything for the fridge needs to be kept in a labelled lunch box.

We will inform everyone if there are any issues with allergens.

We will make time for snacks between activities.

c. Drinks

Please put any drinks in a labelled drinks bottle or milk bottle.

Pre-mixed milk or breast milk can be refrigerated and warmed, as necessary.

Please provide water (age appropriate).

d. Comforter / Blanket / Toy

Please label any personal items that come along with your child.  

Please make sure that you check that you have everything before you leave upon collection.

What to wear
Dress baby in something comfortable and easy for nappy changes.  Layers are good.
Avoid too many buttons, complicated onesies and dungaree type clothes.
Keep to cotton so that it is easy to clean afterwards.

Infection Control

Please only book for your child to attend the Creche when they are well.  Please follow NHS guidance where children need to be kept away from others to control infections.

Birmingham and Solihull CCG have some useful guidance:

https://www.birminghamandsolihullccg.nhs.uk/about-us/publications/your-health/children/151-guide-for-parents-and-carers-of-children-from-0-5-common-childhood-illnesses/file

We follow Government guidance on infection prevention and control.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/chapter-2-infection-prevention-and-control

You will be contacted if your child develops an illness during the Creche session and needs to leave.

Our Legal Obligations (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childminders-and-childcare-providers-register-with-ofsted/childcare-and-the-law)

This text is copied from the Government guidance referenced above:

The Childcare Act 2006 says that childcare is ‘any form of care for a child, including education or any other supervised activity’.

It is a criminal offence to provide unregistered childcare, or on unapproved premises, if you are legally required to register. Ofsted is responsible for making sure that only people who are suitable and ready to provide childcare are registered.

Most providers caring for children under 8 years old for more than 2 hours a day in England must register with Ofsted

For more information, see The Childcare Act 2006 and supporting regulations The Childcare (Early Years Register) regulations 2008, The Childcare (General Childcare Register) Regulations 2008, and The Childcare (Early Years and General Childcare Register) (Common Provisions) regulations 2008.

Ofsted Exemption

Ofsted have been informed of our operation of the Creche where parents/guardians/carers are not on site. This is an informed temporary provision exemption and is in place until the Creche has completed the process of being Ofsted Registered.

Childcare exemptions are set out in Childcare (Exemptions from Registration) Order (SI 2008/ No 979).

This text is copied from the Childcare (Exemptions from registration) Order 2008:

(https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/979/article/5/made):

Exempt temporary provision

5.—(1) The circumstances referred to in articles 2(2) and 2(4) are where the provision is made—

(a)for a particular child—

(i)for two hours or less per day, or

(ii)for four hours or less per day and the provision is offered—

(aa)on a day to day basis with no longer term commitment to clients, and

(bb)for the convenience of clients who intend to remain on the premises where the provision is made or within their immediate locality; or

(b)on particular premises for 14 days or fewer in a year commencing with the relevant day, and the person making the provision has notified the Chief Inspector in writing at least 14 days before the relevant day.

(2) The “relevant day” means the first day on which the provision is made on the premises in question.