A mobile creche service has been launched with the help of grants of nearly £1,500.

Children enjoy the creche

The service has been set up in Didcot by the Didcot Umbrella Project, which helps families by running support groups for young mothers and fathers

Group spokesman Di Chesterman said: "The lack of affordable quality childcare is a barrier to parents, especially those with vulnerabilities such as poverty, poor health or lack of confidence."

The Umbrella Project has organised a range of educational activities and courses on babysitting, first aid and basic skills. But a major problem in Didcot has been a shortage of suitable venues for activities, including adult classes with creche facilities.

Mrs Chesterman said a grant of £950 from the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op and £500 from the Oxfordshire Community Foundation would enable parents to use the mobile creche so that they could attend education and support groups.

She said: "The creche will help parents throughout the town gain access to support services and education."

The Co-op grant has paid for basic safety equipment including a first-aid kit and safety manual, accident report books, rubber gloves and protective electric socket covers, as well as feeding cups and beakers, nappies, tabards for creche staff, floor mats and wheeled bags for carrying the equipment, which will all be stored at the Family Centre in Hillary Drive.

The Community Foundation grant was used to buy toys, but Mrs Chesterman said they needed more funds to purchase larger play equipment.

The creche is staffed from a 'bank' list of nearly 30 creche workers, although Mrs Chesterman appealed for more creche staff who could be available during the daytime on weekdays.

Creche workers -- who are paid -- are all qualified, and the Umbrella Project can provide creche staff training for newcomers.

The not-for-profit mobile creche will be run from an office at the Family Centre, and Mrs Chesterman said that creches could be hired by a range of groups and organisations, including local businesses holding staff training days.

To contact the Family Centre call 01235 811204.