Parliamentary News Release
070/2004
12 November 2004
PARLIAMENT'S CRÈCHE GETS THE THUMBS UP
In the two months since the Scottish Parliament opened its doors to the public there has been one area of the building which, despite the noise, sand and constant painting going on, has received a big thumbs up from its users. That's because these things are all part of a normal day in The Scottish Parliament Crèche.
The only facility of its kind in Europe, the Crèche caters for children aged between six weeks and five years old. Members of the general public can leave their children while they are visiting the Parliament for up to three hours while MSPs and staff members can use the facility in an emergency. With a mixture of six full time and part-time qualified staff, the facility can cater for up to ten children at a time.
The brightly coloured Crèche is well resourced and has been kitted out using natural materials wherever possible. All wood fittings come from renewable resources. As in the Debating Chamber there are the distinctive designs on the walls by the Architect Enric Miralles.
The facility has three separate areas. A room for the 0 to 2 year olds complete with cot and play mats, a room for the 2 to 5 year olds with more sophisticated toys and a quiet area for storytelling and reading. Even the toilets, including the disabled WC, have been built with the special guests in mind with lowered sinks and facilities.
Hazel Fortune, the Crèche Manager said:
“We've had a very positive reaction from parents leaving their children here with many saying they will recommend the service to their friends.
“If possible we find out in advance what each child's interests are and tailor the visit to their specified needs. We've everything from play dough to puppet theatres and with our planned activities there's always something to make their visit worthwhile and enjoyable.”
One couple who found out about the crèche through the Scottish Parliament website were Steven and Shona Smith from Dalry in Ayrshire. They took the opportunity of booking in 14 month old Murray while they watched a debate from the public gallery in the Debating Chamber.
Returning to pick up Murray, Steven, who works as an electrician said:
“I think the Crèche is brilliant. The facilities are excellent and the staff members are lovely.
“We couldn't have gone into the debate with the wee fella screaming, so this opportunity was ideal. Fortunately Murray seemed quite relaxed and happy to stay!”
Shop owner Shona added:
“There are not enough things like this in public buildings. We will definitely tell our friends about this opportunity and take advantage of the Crèche again when we come back to take a guided tour.”
Background
The Scottish Parliament Crèche is operated by Kidcare Ltd and is open from Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm.
Kidcare aims to operate within an equal opportunities framework and to ensure that staff, parents, carers and children are treated with respect for their individual cultures, religions, gender, language, race and abilities.
Crèche equipment, resources and activities reflect a broad range of cultures. Crèche information is produced in a range of languages and media to assist in increasing accessibility to the service.
Free admission is either by pre-booking or when space is available on a drop in basis. Please call Hazel Fortune on 0131 348 6192 for bookings.
Find out more about the Crèche on the Scottish Parliament website at
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/creche.htm
The contact for members of the media is:
Richard Holligan: Tel: 0131 348 6269
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
email: richard.holligan@scottish.parliament.uk
For public information enquiries , contact: 0131 348 5000
For general enquiries, contact: 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk