Running a crèche

A crèche is generally established to provide care for very young children whilst their parents or carers attend a service or some other adult activity – it is not set up with its prime purpose to provide teaching. However, once you have ensured a safe environment, you can start to show the love of Jesus and begin to instill a sense of trust in the infants in your care. Show them a flower, let them smell it and tell them that God made the flower: ‘thank you God’. As you give them a drink, tell them that God provides our food: ‘thank you God’. If you pick them up to comfort them, tell them that you are caring for them and that God cares for them too: ‘God loves you’. At this stage the children may not understand what you are saying and they can’t explain the good feelings that they have, but they will begin to trust both you and God. If your crèche includes children over 18 months you can also include some of the directed play ideas and Bible stories.

It is your role to provide a safe environment for infants and to care for their basic needs. The room needs to be safe for crawlers – electric sockets covered, radiator guards fitted, doors secured so cupboard contents can’t be reached and exploring fingers be can’t trapped. Any toys that you provide must be marked as safe and appropriate for the age group – graciously refuse any generous offers of home made toys – and regularly tested to ensure they remain in good working order. Check that the floor is clean and clear of any objects that could be picked up and swallowed. All blankets, toys, beakers etc must be able to be washed and disinfected regularly.