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Child care - what are the options?
Choosing the right childcare for your child is a huge decision and one that most parents dread. There are many different options when it comes to child care.
There is no right or wrong option, but it's important to weigh up the pros and cons and find a solution that works for you and your family.
We hope our information guide to childcare choices helps you with this important decision.
Family
Pros
- You and your child will know them and they will genuinely care about your child.
- The enviroment will be famillar to your child.
- Your child’s routine should be easier to follow.
- Hours can be more flexible.
- This option is often cheap if not free.
- They are more likely to look after your child if its ill.
Cons
- How would you deal with any issues that you were unhappy about?
- Would you feel guilty about asking for a favour or flexibilty if you are not paying for care?
- Your child may not socialize with other children of its own age.
Things to think about...
- How will they discipline your child?
- What activities will they provide for your child?
- Will they care for your child if it’s ill?
- What hours are they prepared to to do ?
- Will they provide food for your child?
Nursery
Pros
- This is viewed as a reliable option as most nurseries are open 8am-6pm.
- Your child will be around other children to gain social skills.
- There will be a varied amount of toys and play would include structured activities.
- You will be given a daily report.
- 50% of staff must be qualified.
Cons
- You might find your child doesn’t get a one-to-one relationship with a carer.
- The set hours of nursery may may not work with your working hours.
- If your child is ill they will not be able to go to nursery.
- Lots of children means lots of bugs.
Things to think about...
- Can you have a copy of their last ofsted report?
- What is the ratio of staff to children?
- Will my child have a key worker?
- How many staff have first aid qualifications?
- What is staff turnover?
- What is their disciplinary procedure?
Child minder
Pros
- A childminder will care for your child in a home enviroment.
- Are often experienced mothers.
- They arrange activites and outings to stimulate your child.
- Your child should have the companionship of other children.
- They can sometimes offer school collection for older siblings.
Cons
- Good childminders often have waiting lists.
- You will need to take your child there so will mean early starts to the day.
- Childminders do not usually take unwell children.
- Your child’s well-being depends one person so you have to be confident that you trust them.
Things to think about...
- What experience and training do they have ?
- How many children do they care for?
- How do they manage good and bad behaviour?
- How do they keep you informed of routine and progress?
- Who else lives in the house?
Nanny
Pros
- Childcare would take place in your own home.
- Your child would have one-to-one attention.
- You set the working hours of your nanny, most are prepared to start early or finish late.
- If your child is ill the nanny will care for them in the comfort of their own home.
- Most nannies are qualified in babycare & first aid.
Cons
- This can be an expensive way of childcare.
- If your nanny is ill you could have problems covering your child care.
- Your nanny is an employee so you would need to pay their salary, tax and national insurance.
- You would need to spend time checking their references as they don’t have to be registered.
Things to think about...
- What experience do they have ?
- What do they think children like about you ?
- What activities would they do with your child?
- What is their disciplinery style?
- What do they consider to be the most important responsiblity in this job?
Au Pair
Pros
- They would live in so part of their salary is covered by their board and lodging making it a cheaper form of child care.
- Your child would have one-to-one care.
- Some housework could be covered as part of their duties
- Babystting on evenings.
- You would set rules with them eg what activities your child attends.
Cons
- You would share your house with them.
- The au pair may not have any childcare experience.
- You would need to be clear about rules and bounderies in your home.
- They could become home sick, it may be the first time they have been away from family/home.
Things to think about...
- What is their childcare experience
- Why have they chosen to become an au pair?
- Do they smoke?
- Can the drive?
- Why should we choose them as our au pair?
