They are often located in permanent premises such as shopping centres, leisure centres, educational establishments, hotels and workplaces. However, many crèches operate on a mobile basis, providing temporary childcare at weddings and other one-off events such as conferences.

Crèches differ from nurseries and childminders because they only provide care for children on an infrequent, ad hoc basis during the day, rather than providing regular full- or half-day care involving pre-school educational activities and progress checks on children. Crèches also differ from children’s soft play centres, where parents are required to stay with their children while they play.

While crèches provide care for children on an ad hoc basis, they still need to demonstrate appropriate food safety and hygiene knowledge, if they prepare snacks and drinks for the children in their care.

This profile provides information about starting up and running a crèche in England. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support. Separate factsheets are available to cover starting up and running a crèche in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.