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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Help me decide on childminder or nanny

39 replies

ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 12:46

I am returning to work in September (4 days/week) and panicking (sleepless nights) about childcare for my 5 year old (starting in Reception in September) and 18 month old. Money is an issue. I'm in London.

I've looked into various options (nannies, nursery, au pairs) and can't work out what do. I'm talking to two nannies at the moment:

  1. Nanny recommended to me by a friend's nanny. The nanny is young (22) and has 3 years experience with children the same age as mine. I've not yet checked references or had a trial. Based on one interview so far she seems lovely, mature, responsive to things I'm concerned about eg safety on the road (I like my 5 year old to be beside me at all times by busy roads and I know parents who are more relaxed). She is not Ofsted registered but says she will do that if we want her to be. We would and I've looked into the process, have located courses to suggest and we would contribute most of the associated costs.
  2. Highly experienced nanny/part-time school teacher who has completed long term posts and through an agency short term posts. She talked about her approach to childcare in a way that I appreciate. She only accepts cash, says she is self-employed and will provide evidence but should this worry me? Again I've not checked references or arranged a trial.

Or, I am waiting to hear from a childminder with her own children at my DD's new school to see if she has spaces.

Or I back track and don't return to work for a while.

I'm used to using my head not my gut instinct to make decisions. Apart from being a mother I have no means to judge quality.

It's such an important decision.

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Original poster
ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 19:57

Babyem say they can organise the DBS check as part of one of their courses. Not sure if that's necessary though and may be as easy/cheaper to sort ourselves, if we do that?

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Original poster
ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 19:55

Yes the CM does work during school holidays but not the whole time.

Nanny 1 is keen and she's already told me the rate she'd like which we can afford (based on the Mr Anchovy PAYE calculator).

OP posts:
Cindy34 · 05/08/2015 19:23

I would look more in to nanny 1, see how keen they are and if they would accept a salary that you have in mind. Meanwhile I would also wait to hear from the childminder, as that could work well for term time... would they also do most of the school holidays if you coordinate your holiday time, as you will both be restricted to holidays during school holiday periods.

Cindy34 · 05/08/2015 19:20

No.2 yes I would be worried. Whilst they may be self employed for some occasional work they do, that would not be the case for a permanent job. They too may need to go through the Ofsted registration process.

Good that you have looked in to courses, the first first aid will need to be done prior to registration and the other one done before registration completion. There is also a DBS check that is needed to be done before registration can begin, so adds more time, though they can come through quite quickly if someone has not moved around that much.

Artandco · 05/08/2015 17:06

Iggy - au pair would only be used for 5 year old mainly, and collecting 18 month from nursery if it closes before op is home

Original poster
ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 16:37

My new employer seems family friendly and I've said upfront the hours I'd like which are recognised in the contract. It's a new job so things will unfold when I start but my attitude towards work/life balance is more firm than it was.

I also wonder whether the childminder would help my older daughter become settled into school as the CM will be looking after others at the school and is very involved in the school herself. She's not able to commit (if at all) until nearer my start date.

OP posts:
Iggly · 05/08/2015 16:28

What is your job like? Are your hours quite stable? If so then a childminder. If not, then the nanny.

Both DH and I work. Having a nanny is by far the easiest option for us. We had a temp childminder when our nanny was off on maternity leave and it was a nightmare logistically even though she was close to the station. Doing morning drop offs was tough for us as we would be late for work then have to be out early. As it was only temp, our employers were very understanding.

Original poster
ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 16:26

Thanks for your message. According to my calculations the cost of nanny 1 equates to the cost of the nursery/au pair arrangement. I also need to sort school holidays-logistics and payment. I worry a lot about selecting a reliable au pair.

OP posts:
Iggly · 05/08/2015 16:25

I wouldn't have an au pair for a toddler. Too young.

I'd go for the younger nanny if her references hold up or the childminder.

Artandco · 05/08/2015 16:19

Personally I would get an au pair and combine with nursery for your cheapest option

Au pair can do 3-6/7 pm with 5 year old, and collect youngest from nursery at 5pm.

£50 a day nursery -£250 a week
Au pair -£100 a week

£350 a week total

A nanny in comparison will be about £500 net, £650 ish including tax and insurance

( nanny cannot be self employed if they can't decide times and days themselves. So if you need every week and nanny can't turn you down she had to be employed)

Original poster
ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 16:02

Completed not come red!

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Original poster
ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 16:01

I understand registration can take 12 weeks. We would expect the courses to be come red prior to her start date and would include a 12 week grace period to become registered.

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Original poster
ConfusedAboutChildcareDecision · 05/08/2015 16:00

She doesn't have formal training. As I understand it babyem provides short courses (a day for core skills and a day for first aid) that cover what is needed to meet the criteria.

OP posts:
Cindy34 · 05/08/2015 14:35

Does nanny1 have childcare training at level 2 or above? Ofsted registration can take a while and they would need to meet the criteria before registering.