Parents & Carers – The Narcotics Anonymous website for England, Scotland & Wales

Guidelines for holding a crèche at your convention.

We would suggest that if you want a crèche at your convention then you liaise with the Parents & Carers committee to ensure that it is set up correctly. (Contact details below).

Crèche Worker Information.

We have found that, it is generally advisable to employ a crèche worker who is not a member of NA to avoid any conflict of interest. A registered child minder from an agency will have been Police checked through CRB, but if you have any queries about this, get in touch. Also please check that the child minder has the relevant insurances (they should have if registered) Link for finding crèche worker is www.childcarelink.gov.uk
It is possible to use an NA member to work as a volunteer to the crèche worker if necessary. It is suggested that this volunteer is well known to the convention committee, has a suggested clean time of one year or over, and is CRB enhanced checked showing no child or sex offences. Please get in touch with us if you need further clarification on this. UK Parents & Carers –
e–mail: parentsandcarers.chair@ukna.org

Running Of Crèche At Convention.
Child registration – this is required for every child signing in to the crèche. Registration should include things such as Child's name, any nicknames, carer’s telephone numbers and other important information such as allergies etc.

We have produced a form for use by creche workers. Copies can be found by clicking here. Please be aware that the filled–in copies of these forms contain sensitive personal information about children and should be handled securely and appropriately disposed of.
We have found that it is best to restrict crèches to up to age 8, as it is very hard for a crèche worker, to occupy and keep interested children, if there is too varied an age range. If needed a youth worker can be employed, for children aged between 8 and 14 years.
Advise the crèche worker to contact one of the parents if he/she is having trouble controlling the children. The children remain the Parents responsibility.
Set up the crèche at least 20 minutes before it is due to open. Make sure the crèche worker has activities planned in advance, and the facilities to carry those out. Children generally will be much more settled in a crèche if they walk in to find games and art materials ready for them.
It is suggested to have two hour time slots at the crèche.

Insurance
We suggest you check with the venue‘s public liability covers the crèche and children.
Also please check that the child minder has the relevant insurances. This can be checked on the following web site: www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Other Information.

Vote in a member of your committee to be a ‘crèche liaison’ who is responsible for the crèche and responsible for contacting the Parents & Carers Committee for support and feedback. Suggested clean time is one year.
No animals are allowed in crèche at any time.
Please remember the children in the crèche are still the parents responsibility at all times.

Environment for your Crèche.

The following are suggestions only. We would suggest you liaise prior to the convention with your selected crèche worker/s, to get their input and ensure you secure the best venue possible.

The building should be in safe and sound condition.
Emergency exits clearly marked and accessible.
Access for children with disabilities.
Effective ventilation and light.
Toilet and hand washing facilities within easy access.
Facilities to prepare drinks.
Power outlets out of reach or fitted with safety devices.
All visible dangers to be out of reach of child or a safety gate fitted.
Lockable cupboard available for storage of any dangerous substances; such as bleach etc.
Windows secured.
First aid kit available.

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Disclaimer: 'The information on this page has been collated by the UK NA Parents & Carers
Committee. Whilst we strive to keep abreast of current changes in the law, if any of you
have specific concerns or questions we advise you seek professional advice.'