Choosing childcare that is right for you and your child
Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant
It can feel so daunting when it comes to choosing childcare - there are so many options!
Thinking first about the reasons why you might need childcare, these might be anything from you returning to work, helping with socialisation for your child or helping with your family situation, perhaps to give you some time during the day or to allow time for you to welcome a new sibling etc.
Whatever your reason is for needing childcare it is important that it suits you and your child/ren’s needs.
In this blog I am going to talk you through the different options of childcare and why they may (or may not) be right for you.
Daycare (can also known as nursery)
Regulated by OFSTED.
Often available for longer hours (8-6pm being the minimum offer) than other childcare options with all meals included.
Open all year round.
Care for babies through to 4 years old.
Good opportunities for your child’s socialisation, activities planned to enhance learning following the Early Years Foundation Stage*.
Can be a less flexible option with days/hours if it is a popular setting. This can also mean that there will be waiting lists and fees can be higher that other options. Less opportunity for individualised care than some other options.
Preschool
Regulated by OFSTED.
Hours are often more in line with school hours (often 9am-3pm).
Open during term time only.
More focused on ages 3-5 (or for some it can be 2-5 years).
Can have theoretical approaches such as Montessori, Steiner etc.
Good opportunities for your child’s socialisation, activities planned to enhance learning following the Early Years Foundation Stage*.
Nursery Class
Regulated by OFSTED.
Similar to preschool but often linked to a primary school (state or independent) and can be a feeder route in.
Hours are often more in line with school hours.
Open during term time only.
More focused on ages 3-5.
Good opportunities for your child’s socialisation, activities planned to enhance learning following the Early Years Foundation Stage*.
Registered Childminder
Regulated by OFSTED.
Setting is within a home environment (childminder’s own) and has a smaller number of children than nursery / daycare type settings.
Sometimes open all year round (although some will be term time only).
Offers more flexibility for getting out and about with the children.
Ages vary, but children may mix with others of various ages and there may not be children of the same age as your child/ren. They may have their own children so this is why childminding works well for them.
Good opportunities for your child’s socialisation (depending on the numbers and ages of children who attend), activities planned to enhance learning following the Early Years Foundation Stage*.
Reliant on one (possibly 2) person / people so if they go sick then you may not have childcare cover (although some childminders have arrangements for cover built in to their childminding network – it’s worth asking about this when you visit).
Nanny
It is not a requirement for nannies to be regulated by OFSTED, although Nannies can register via the Voluntary OFSTED Register (which is a requirement if you would like to use childcare vouchers to help pay for childcare – see below).
Nannies do not have to adhere to the EYFS* although you can expect this as well as expecting planned activities etc. This is something to explore at interview and with referees (other parents who have employed the nanny before).
Child/ren are cared for at home and care is 1:1 with your child/ren.
Nannies can live in or out.
Days and hours are flexible to your needs. A Nanny is able to care for different aged children in one home, school pick-ups etc.
Nanny share options are also a possibility (where you employ a nanny for part of the week and another family employs them for the other days).
There is flexibility to continue with the normal routine in your family home, getting out and about to classes etc specifically for your child/ren.
The nanny will carry out nursery duties in the home such as children’s laundry, cooking for the children, organisation of children’s wardrobes, toys etc.
Relying on one person so if they go sick then you may not have childcare cover.
You become an employer and care takes place in your own home.
Nannies can be a more expensive option than other childcare, but this will depend on the hours you need and how many children you have. It’s worth doing the sums if this is an option you are interested in.
Wraparound childcare
Regulated by OFSTED – if providing childcare for 2 or more hours per day.
Typically for children who are school age and includes breakfast and after-school club.
Breakfast / snacks / light tea are often included.
Allows for longer school day.
Term time only (but often have the option of holiday clubs in school holidays).
Relative
Care from a close relation, 1:1 with your child/ren.
Often care is in your own home so there is flexibility to continue with the normal routine, getting out and about to classes etc specifically for your child/ren.
Can be unpaid (however in some cases people do pay relatives).
May cause difficulties when discussing difficult topics such as approach, routines, food etc., not always wanting to be as flexible or committed to times.
Not being able to use family members for things such as babysitting so as not to put extra pressure on them.
No regulation by OFSTED or requirement to follow the EYFS*.
What does ‘Registered Childcare’ mean?
I have mentioned OFSTED regulation above. Registration with OFSTED is a legal requirement for childcare settings. Registered childcare providers are vetted, registered, insured and inspected, and they must adhere to standards that have been set in place.
If you are entitled to financial support to help pay towards your childcare costs, you can only claim these benefits by using Registered Childcare (this can include nannies if they undertake voluntary registration). For more information about childcare you can get help paying for click here.
In summary!
There are lots of childcare options and every one of them has pros and cons - some will be better suited to your family situation and what’s right for you and your child/ren. It’s important to do your research and go to visit settings / hold interviews etc., before making your decision. It’s also good to talk to other parents and carers to ask for recommendations as well, but keep in mind that this is a very personal decision and one that can only be made by you.
For more information about choosing a nursery (as well as some useful questions to ask whatever setting you are looking at) have a look at our blog – What to look for when choosing a nursery and how to prepare your child/ren (and you) for their first day!
*The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
While you are here have a look at our video guides (webinars) on various topics including behaviour, sleep, play, toilet training and more - click here. Don’t forget that we also offer parent consultations should you need support with anything from sleep to behaviour and so much more! Details of the packages we offer can be found here.
We also have a podcast (with an episode all about nannies!) – listen to ‘Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between’ here.