Age group - 0-8 years of age
Crèches provides occasional care for children under eight years of age. They are places where children can be cared for, usually for a short time, while their parents do other things in the immediate locality, such as going shopping or using a leisure centre.
Registration and inspection
Crèches are usually used on an ad-hoc basis and are often exempt from Ofsted registration, but they may choose to be registered with Ofsted on a voluntary basis.
Some colleges offer childcare facilities for students. These may be called crèches but are usually registered with Ofsted as a day nursery.
Typical opening hours
They may be open all day, but a child cannot stay for more than four hours.
Help with the cost of using a crèche
Only crèches that are registered with Ofsted as a day nursery may offer Free Entitlement places, if they have been approved to be part of the scheme. You may be eligible for other help with childcare costs if they are registered.