All about the role of ... Creche manager

A creche provides supervised care for limited periods of time. Many operate in supermarkets, leisure centres, children's centres and company onsite facilities, where parents are involved in activities on the premises.

The manager ensures that the team provides age-appropriate activities, such as painting, physical play, stories, quiet reading and songs. DVDs, bouncy castles, trampolines and entertainment from clowns or magicians may be provided for older children.

When the EYFS came into force in September 2008, alongside the Childcare Act 2006, it included the new arrangements for the two registers; the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register.  The Act includes a provision which allows the Government to specify in an Order which types of provision are exempt from compulsory registration.  This Order is called 'The Childcare (Exemptions from Registration) Order 2008'.  It sets out a number of exemptions where the government does not consider it appropriate for registration to be compulsory, including one which covers most crèches.  Ofsted has produced a factsheet (see link below) which helps providers to decide whether or not they are exempt from registration under the terms of the Order.  The exemption which covers most crèches is set out in point number 14, which tells providers they are exempt:  

 'If you care for children under eight for four hours or less each day and the care is for the convenience of parents who plan to stay on the premises where you are providing care or within the immediate area. This type of provision has no long-term commitment to provide care for children - for example, a shoppers' crèche, a crèche attached to a sports centre or adult learning centre, or an exhibition - and covers services where children do not necessarily attend every day.'

Providers who are exempt from compulsory registration - including crèches - may still choose to register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, if they wish to do so.

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General