There was outcry on social media as people criticised the crèche for being too close to the road, and not having enough green space. This week, the ADR published a press release on the matter.
The children would be subjected to noise from the road, and the playground was too exposed with too much concrete.
RTL visited the crèche on one of the warmest days of the year to scope out the situation.
The playground is shaded throughout the afternoon, but during the mornings it is in direct sunlight. Why is there a crèche in a commercial area? The mayor said this was down to demand, as many of the parents work in the area around the crèche. The crèche staff confirmed this reason as the key motivating factor for parents to sign their children up.
Although the road is noisy, the children will not spend all day outdoors and some of them even enjoy watching the traffic. Sarah Henzen, director of the crèche, said that the children enjoy looking out for motorbikes or ambulances passing by, and they cannot even hear the traffic once they are inside the building.
Despite the area not being ideal, the crèche staff organise many outings for the children, heading to the woods or elsewhere, to avoid any potential pollution.
Prior to opening its doors in June, the crèche had to adhere to ministerial criteria regarding shade and covered spaces. During the mornings when the playground is in direct sun, the children stay inside. The crèche is also expecting parasols and coverings to install by the sandpit and climbing frame.
On especially hot days, such as this week, the children stay indoors, with the windows open in the morning and then with blinds down as the sun hits.
Henzen said they also had a ventilation system with cooling or heating elements to suit different temperatures. Staff were also vigilant in helping the children to stay cool, observing their clothing and drinking habits. Children are offered drinks every 15 minutes in such hot conditions.
