Public Servant Lifestyle

The corridors of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are no longer home merely to ministers and mandarins, with the heavy burden of world affairs on their minds.

Children at play are now in evidence, as, for the first time in its history, the FCO has opened a creche facility for its staff.

The creche, at the FCO's main building, on King Charles Street, in London's Whitehall, is seen as part of the department's commitment to providing services that make a difference to employees, and to their quality of life.

There are currently eight children in the creche, with another 14 due to start in the coming months.

National Nursery Examination Board

Between the hours of 8am and 6pm, in the week, children are looked after by professionally trained staff, half of whom are NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) trained, or have attained NVQ level 3.

Four child carers are currently on hand, with more promised, as demand for the service increases. There is also a dedicated cook.

During the day, the children are involved in a number of activities, depending on their age. These include art, craft, music, mathematical, musical and constructive activities, imaginative play, exploring the natural world, and developing physical skills.

All children of three years, and older, will work towards the foundation stages in the six areas of the national curriculum.

The children are also taken out regularly, either to the park or on outings.

Flexible Working Practices

The idea behind the creche was to help the Foreign Office to implement its policy of flexible working practices, and to help staff to take care of their family responsibilities, whilst continuing with their careers. It was also designed to enhance the attractiveness and retentiveness of the FCO, particularly to female staff.

In addition, it will help with short-term childcare provision, for those officers with pre-school children who are in the UK for a limited period, between postings, or on language or other training courses.

"The FCO recruits more women than men, and is becoming much better at retaining them for a full career," says FCO permanent-under secretary Sir John Kerr. " Seeking maximum return on our investment in training and experience is only common sense - helping with childcare gives excellent value for money.

"The initiative for a nursery here - we already have one at our other base near Milton Keynes - came from an informal ginger-group on Gender issues, that I set up. We commissioned a staff survey, which proved that the demand was real."

Convenience

Currently, there are slightly more women, than men, using the service. One woman, whose 22-month-old son goes to the creche said: "It's so important for employers to be flexible and family-friendly these days, because otherwise, women will just end up leaving when they have children." However, she added that it might be less convenient for those living outside of central London, who would have to commute in to work. Working at home might be the preferred option for such employees, she said.

However, the father of a 16-month-old girl who, himself, comes into work on the bus and by foot, said it wasn't a problem. He described the service as 'excellent', and added that: "When I tell my friends in business that the FCO has a creche, they're very impressed. It's a very forward-thinking incentive."

At the moment, the facility costs staff £24 a day, for children under the age of two, or £120 a week. For children aged two, and over, the cost is £20 a day, or £100 a week. The creche expects to be looking after 20 children by 2002. All FCO staff are eligible to use the service.

The creche was formally opened by FCO parliamentary secretary Baroness Scotland, herself a married mother-of-two.

More information available in Work Life Balance