Choosing ChildcareEmily Rittner

If there were no schools to take the children

away from home part of the time, the insane

asylums would be filled with mothers. 

Edgar W. Howe

NURSERIES

DISADVANTAGESMay have a high staff turnoverNo flexibilityLimited input into your child’s

routineMay have to travel to get thereWon’t take sick children

NURSERIESADVANTAGESCheaper then home based

childcareBroad experience with toys,

equipment, activities and peopleReliable - open at least 50 weeks

a yearCan use childcare vouchersCan accommodate different ages

GRANDPARENTS/FAMILYDISADVANTAGESMoney - can be a difficult area to navigateYour own choices maybe over ruledCan’t claim childcare vouchersChildren may have fewer play-dates

and /or activitiesMay struggle with more than

one child

GRANDPARENTS/FAMILYADVANTAGESYour child will be loved unconditionallyFlexiblePotentially no travellingYear round emergency coverYou don’t have to formally

employ someone

NANNIES/AU-PAIRS ETCDISADVANTAGESWear and tear on your homeHidden costs - drop ins/extra

classes/nanny’s foodCan be hard to assert yourselfHave to pay NI and TAXIf she is sick it can leave you in a

difficult position

NANNIES/AU-PAIRS ETCADVANTAGESVery personalised care and flexibleDoes the child/ren’s laundry, shopping,

cleaning and cookingOften long term - 1year+Can adapt to changes such as a

new babyCan claim childcare vouchers with

an Ofsted registered nanny

CHILDMINDERS

DISADVANTAGESCan be expensive if you need extra hoursCan’t care for a sick childCan’t follow your routines preciselyMay have to travel to get to herMay not be able to accommodate a sibling due to Ofsted guidelines

CHILDMINDERS

ADVANTAGESClear hours and expectationsCan be moderately tailored to your childs

normal routineMay have a lot of experience to help youCheaper then a nanny if you have one childGood access to local playgroups and other activities

Any kid will run any errand for you if you

ask at bedtime.

Red Skelton