UK NA Parents and Carers F.A.Q. Frequently Asked Questions. Q. What age do the crèche’s take from? A. We have found that it is best to keep crèches to up to age 8, as it is very hard for a crèche worker to occupy and keep interested children of too varied an age.  If needed a youth worker can be employed for children aged between 8 and 14 years. Q. Do P&C provide Crèche equipment? A.   No. We would suggest the meeting buys the necessary toys and equipments.  It is worth announcing that you need equipment at meetings as parents may donate unused toys. Q. Why can’t dogs also be allowed in crèche meetings? A. Ultimately it is up to each meeting.  However, in our experience, the venue will not allow this under their insurance.  Also, you must consider holding a crèche meeting as a serious commitment.  We feel that anything that may add risk or a distraction to that commitment is to be discouraged. Q. Can P&C financially help a meeting? A. P&C cannot directly support a meeting financially.  Meetings should approach approach their Area for support with the crèche.  If the meeting is struggling to be self-supporting (outside of the cost of the crèche), it may need to consider resolving this first. Q. Do you need insurances for the building? A. We suggest you check with the venues public liability covers the crèche and children. Q. Can we use a member of NA for the crèche worker? A. We have found it is generally advisable to employ a crèche worker who is not a member of NA to avoid any conflict. Q. How much does a crèche worker cost? A. This varies around the country and availability of crèche workers.  The going rate in London is £10-£15 per hour (April 09) Q. How do we get funding to start a crèche? A. Don't be afraid to ask for money from your ASC to get you going for 2-3 months. All meetings need to aim to be self-supporting according to our traditions. Crèche Helpers may be considered as outside workers which needs to be agreed with your Area committee. Some meetings have raised money themselves; through fundraisers, sponsored walks, raffles at conventions (get in touch with the P&C Committee and we'll give you some ideas.) Q. Do parents or carers have to pay for the crèche service? A. No, although if they contribute to the meeting collection pot they will be donating towards costs. Q. Insurance implications of having a child friendly meeting, do we need to ask the venue? A. Yes, please check if children are allowed in the building.  Also check if they are covered under the buildings public liability policy. Q. We're struggling to pay the rent, how would we ever afford to pay a crèche worker? A. If your meetings is struggling we would suggest that you resolve this first, before considering a crèche.  Please contact a member of the P&C Committee if you would like further suggestions. Q.   How do you find crèche workers? A. The website for finding a child minder is www.childcarelink.gov.uk If you can’t find one – ask around – do other meetings or parents use child minders that they recommend?

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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.'