What to Look for When Choosing a Creche in Lekki

Pleasant Places School Team

June 2026 · 6 min · Lekki, Lagos

In this guide

1. Hygiene and Safety Standards
2. Staff-to-Child Ratios
3. Staff Qualifications and Temperament
4. Daily Routine and Structure
5. Nutrition and Meal Preparation
6. Communication with Parents
7. Discipline and Behaviour Policy
8. Outdoor and Play Space
9. Sickness and Health Policies
10. Your Gut Feeling

Choosing a creche for your infant or toddler is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. In Lekki, where options range from home-based setups to purpose-built centres, knowing what to look for can help you separate quality care from the rest. Here are the ten most important factors to consider.

1. Hygiene and Safety Standards

The first thing to notice when you walk into any creche is the physical environment. Are floors clean and dry? Are toys washed regularly? Is there a separate nappy-changing area with proper disposal? A quality creche will have visible hygiene protocols, handwashing routines for staff and children, and a clean, well-ventilated space.

Safety is equally important. Check for socket covers, secured furniture, soft edges, and a secure entry system. Ask about their policy for visitors and who is allowed to pick up your child.

2. Staff-to-Child Ratios

Nigeria does not have a single enforced national ratio for creches, so ratios vary widely. As a general guideline:

For infants (0–12 months): One caregiver for every three to four babies.
For toddlers (12–24 months): One caregiver for every four to five children.
For older toddlers (2–3 years): One caregiver for every five to six children.

If the ratio seems too high, your child will not receive the individual attention and care they need.

3. Staff Qualifications and Temperament

Ask about the training of the caregivers. Do they have qualifications in early childhood education or childcare? Have they had first-aid training? More importantly, observe how they interact with the children. Do they speak warmly, get down to the child’s level, and respond to distress with patience? A qualification on paper matters less than a caregiver who clearly loves what they do.

4. Daily Routine and Structure

Even very young children benefit from a predictable daily rhythm. A good creche will have a balance of feeding times, sleep times, play times (both indoors and outdoors), and quiet moments. Ask to see a sample daily schedule. If the answer is vague or there is no structure at all, that is a red flag.

5. Nutrition and Meal Preparation

If the creche provides meals, ask to see a sample menu. Is the food age-appropriate and nutritious? Are special dietary needs or allergies accommodated? Is there a clean kitchen area where food is prepared? You are also within your rights to ask whether you can bring your own food if you prefer.

6. Communication with Parents

How will the creche communicate with you during the day? Do they provide daily reports, photos, or updates? Can you call to check on your child? A creche that is transparent and communicative is one that has nothing to hide. Many good creches in Lekki now use digital apps or WhatsApp updates to keep parents informed.

7. Discipline and Behaviour Policy

Ask how the staff handle difficult behaviours – biting, hitting, or refusal to nap. The answer should reflect gentle, age-appropriate guidance, not punishment or shaming. Any mention of harsh discipline or “time-out” in isolation for a toddler is a clear red flag.

8. Outdoor and Play Space

Young children need space to move. Does the creche have a safe outdoor play area? Is it shaded, fenced, and well-maintained? If there is no outdoor space, how do they ensure children get physical activity?

9. Sickness and Health Policies

Ask about their policy on sick children. At what temperature is a child sent home? How are medicines administered? What happens if a child is injured? A clear written policy on health and illness is a sign of a well-run centre.

10. Your Gut Feeling

Finally, trust your instincts. After you have asked all the questions and observed a session, how do you feel? Does the environment feel warm and calm? Do the staff seem genuinely happy to be there? Do the children look engaged and content? Your intuition, informed by the checklist above, is your best guide.

Choosing a creche is never easy, but visiting with these ten questions in mind will help you make a confident, informed choice for your child.