Feedmeallergyfree

Taran had his first full session in the creche at my gym this morning and he had a super time!

When I say session, perhaps that’s a rather grand word for the hour that he spent there but for me that’s a great start. 

As a SAHM, Taran usually spends all day with me. We are very socialable and go to lots of toddlers groups, meet up with friends etc but he is always with me. At the weekend, he does sometimes get looked after just by his Dad or grandparents but it has never been for more than a couple of hours.

So I decided that perhaps it was time for him to be a bit more independent and to spend a couple of hours a week away from me. For any parent, leaving your child can be difficult and for the parent of an allergic child it is even more difficult because there is always that “What if….?” in the back of your mind.

As I am a SAHM, I didn’t want to put him into nursery and so decided to try the creche at my gym which is only available to members. I decided that two 1 hour slots a week would be sufficient and in that way could be something he looks forward to.

I don’t think the word creche properly describes the great childcare and professional staff  provided by this facility.  The creche is in fact part of a full day-care nursery and is therefore Ofsted regulated and follows thorough procedures and rules.  

Prior to Taran attending, I filled in a special requirements form detailing all about his allergies, emergency treatment and contact details. And every time, I drop him off I have to write his name & allergies on the signing-in sheet and also tell the staff in person. I also need to leave his medication in a clearly marked bag. 

 In preparation for him going to the creche, last week I bought an excellent “school bag” for his medication from a company called Yellow Cross (www.yellowcross.co.uk). The bag is excellent, just the right size and enables you to clearly mark the child’s name, allergies and treatment.

 Having said all that, he will only attend in the morning and never stay over lunchtime. Plus as the creche is a facility provided by the gym, I have to remain on the premises at all times.

So this morning I spent the hour in their lovely restaurant area and enjoyed a latte whilst reading the newspaper - what bliss!