Cape Town Creche Registration

There are various steps that must be taken when registering a creche, to ensure that it is a safe and constructive space for children to grow and develop. These include clearances for land use, fire safety, health and safety, and registration with the Department of Social Development. To guide you through this process, we have compiled forms and information from the 2013 ECD Connection’s research on creche registration, as well as administrative resources that can be used once the creche is ready to open.

Getting Started

Correct Steps to Follow if You Want to Start a Creche: Outlines clearances needed from the government before working with the Department of Social Development (DSD) on creche registration; includes contact information of departments

Planning Requirements Presentation: Presentation of information regarding creche registration

Land Use and Building Clearance

Land Use Management Application: Requests zoning of the land to confirm usability of space for a creche; this must be the first application submitted as all others are dependent on it

Land Use Application Submission Information: Guides applicant on Land Use Application and required supplements

Application for Copies of Approved Plans: Appeals for copies of approved building plans, necessary if you do not own the land or are constructing a new building

Building Work Application: Requests permission to make changes to an existing facility in any way

Town Planning Requirements: Describes application specifications based on zoning scheme

Fire Safety Clearance

Fire Inspection Form: Applies for approval of the building from the fire department

Standard Operating Procedure: Includes application logistics as well as fire safety requirements

Health and Safety Clearance

Environmental Health Application: Applies for environmental health clearance through the City Health Department

Standard Health Requirements: Outlines health requirements for a partial care facility

Application for Food Safety: Applies for permission to provide food to children in the facility, requiring information about what food is being made and who is making it

Nutrition Packet 1: Provides information on nutrition and meal suggestions for specific age groups

Nutrition Packet 2: Offers a guide to healthy eating

Nutrition Packet 3: Provides information on dietary restrictions

Nutrition Packet 4: Gives information and tools to build your own meal plans

Form 29: Determines if potential employees of the creche are under Part B of the National Protection Register, which records persons unsuitable to work with children

Form 30: Determines if the owner of a creche is under Part B of the National Protection Register

Registration with the Department of Social Services

Application for Registration of a Partial Care Facility: Clarifies what type of facility you will have, the location, and a list of necessary supporting documents

Application for Registration of an ECD Program: Reports the ECD program that you will be following, the number of children who will attend and employee information

Business Plan and Constitution Information: Gives criteria of business plan and constitution required to register a partial care facility

Administrative Requirements: Outlines books that administration are required to keep

Administrative Resources

Children’s Developmental Stages Chart: Explains what children do and need at various stages throughout the time that they attend creche (0-5 years)

Example of a Daily Routine: Describes a schedule for a typical creche day

Example of Private Center Constitution: Gives a sample of a constitution for a private center

Example of Public Center Constitution: Gives a sample of a constitution for a public center

Child Abuse Packet 1: Informs workers of the signs that a child is being abused, and information on how to handle the situation

Child Abuse Packet 2: Illustrates information on child abuse through posters

Teacher/Child Ratios: Provides recommended ratios of teachers to children at different ages, as well as other safety information

Sample Forms: Offers several helpful example forms, including a medicine administration chart, incident form, attendance sheet, and daily programs

Suggested Contents of a First Aid Box: Gives a list of supplies that should be contained in a first aid box, including suggestions for improvised first aid materials

Mobile Hand Washing Station: A how-to guide for creating a hand washing station from a water bottle