Setting up Childcare at Work?

[Jolora]

Hello, I am just at the start of my maternity leave and at this stage intend to go back to full time work at the end of my leave. The company I work for have suggested that there is a possibility that they could set up childcare/crèche within our offices as there has been a recent baby boom amongst the staff.

This obviously would benefit them as well as us and I am keen that they seriously look in to it. It is a relatively small company (20-30 staff) and I have a good relationship with the partners. However, I know they are incredibly busy and despite best intentions I?m not convinced they will sort anything out in time for my return. So I have offered to help look into the options while I am on maternity leave. Our offices are located on a business park in the countryside and have reasonable sized spare rooms and garden space which could be used. I imagine that there might be up to 3 or 4 children at any one time that may use the childcare but equally it could just be my baby.

Can it be as simple as finding a single childminder/nanny willing to work in the office? What checks are needed and what is the difference between setting up a crèche and employing a childminder? I?ve had an initial look on the web but didn't get anywhere and not really sure where to start! Any advice appreciated.

I think actually you would need to set up as a nursery rather than a childminder or creache as it is full day care and on business premises.

I would speak to Ofsted and find out what regulations apply. I believe you would need two members of staff at all times, at least one qualified.

This is called 'childcare on non-domestic premises' and the requirements for registration can be downloaded from Ofsted here and here.

The blockers are likely to be the reqirement for two suitable staff (one of which must have a relevant NVQ 3 qualification) to be on the premises at all times, and unless the nursery premises are self-contained and secure, the need for everyone working on the premises to be CRB checked. In theory this also applies to consultants working with the company, the landlord's maintenance staff etc.

Could you not just find a local childminder (with lots of vacancies) and negotiate a deal with them?

Thanks, that's really helpful. It sounds like it might take a fair bit of setting up and also might not be cost effective if we can't be sure of the number of children. Would be great to have childcare on site but may have to look at the normal alternatives.