(Image: Khalisha Bahar)
A NEW non-domestic childminding service is set to open in the centre of Bradford, offering a personalised alternative to nursery care.
Launching on September 1, Petit Pois Crèche will welcome children aged nine months to five years and aims to offer a more tailored approach to early years education.
They had a visit from Councillor Mohammed Shafiq, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, after the space had been renovated.
'First childminders in Bradford that are non-domestic'
The centre is the brainchild of Khalisha Bahar, a former primary school teacher who originally opened the space as a play café on North Parade during her own maternity leave.
Ms Bahar said: "Most childminders run from home, we are the first childminders in Bradford that are non-domestic.
"The reason why we did it is that we don't fell nurseries are very personal, you can’t message to ask how your child is doing, and as a parent you get a lot of anxiety.
"With childminders you can message them, we have a very personal relationship with parents and children.
"We can send pictures throughout the day on how the children are doing."
Play area inside the childminders.
(Image: Khalisha Bahar)
Centre will care for a maximum of 12 children
She said her time as a teacher and a mother helped her recognise the need for childcare that combines the professionalism of a nursery with the intimacy of a childminder.
Just a year ago, Ms Bahar opened the North Parade site as a play café, identifying a lack of such spaces in the area.
Now, with more play cafés emerging in Bradford, she has shifted focus to address the childcare gap.
The centre will care for a maximum of 12 children at any one time to maintain a close-knit environment.
Ms Bahar said: "With intentionally limited numbers, I am able to focus on truly personalised care, ensuring every child receives the attention, support, and encouragement they deserve."
How to enrol your child
The name, Petit Pois Creche, is a nod to Khalshia's specialisation in French, which she held during her teaching career.
Although the café will no longer operate in its original format, parents will still be able to grab a drink when dropping off their children.
Ms Bahar said: "When parents come drop their little ones off they can grab a matcha or a coffee to go, see them settled in and then leave rather than just rushing off.
"It’s just a smoother transition."
Parents interested in enrolling their child will need to complete an application form, followed by a meet-and-greet session before final selections are made.