To consider a nanny?

[Strugglingonagain]

Hi everyone.

Appreciate advice from anyone who has had a nanny.
Looking at childcare for my 2nd child, first is at school. Been approached by a nanny. She has her own child she would bring.
Is it more expensive than nursery/childminder (I'm guessing yes). What are the advantages / disadvantages?

Money is really tight so I feel iabu to even consider it, but the idea has lodged in my head now!
Any advice welcome!

Would you consider an au pair?
My mum has recently got an au pair from France for her two little ones. It works out cheaper than nursery or a nanny and she helps with housework / cooking too - whilst the au pair benefits in learning English, experiencing another country and living rent free.

Hi op, yes a nanny will be much more expensive than a nursery/ child minder. Even with bringing their own child.
As well as hourly rate (which you should always always agree in Gross) there is also admin costs involved, a payroll company such as nanny paye who focus on all the pay slips and tax side of things. Other employment costs and you have to offer a pension now which is in addition to her gross pay. Additionally, there are costs for groups, mileage, other day to day bits. And it is common for employers to provide lunch for the nanny since they do not get a standard lunch break.
Costs aside, it works amazingly! But there isn't any point in pretending that it's cheap. A good nanny is worth paying for.

Also I'm not sure how old your youngest is but if under 3 then I wouldn't personally go for an au pair. They are only supposed to work part time hours throughout the week as they are meant to be here to study.

Nannies are very expensive, even with their own child, (it should only be a £ or at most 2 less per hour for that). You’re looking at about £10-£12 net per hour.

And yes, au pair really only for older children on a part time basis.

Thanks for advice.
We don't have a spare room so au pair isn't ever an option.

Hmmmm probably not for us then. Shame!

The key advantage is that you will have more flexibility with hours (when the child is unwell and cannot attend the nursery, for example, or when you need to stay late).
It is significantly more expensive. Rates cited above are approximately correct, and you need to agree gross pay.

The idea of a nanny bringing her own child for some reason does not sit with me well.

Ask the nanny how much she is looking for. Costs depend on area.
Nannies are employed so you'll be responsible for paying her tax and NI and also sick and holiday pay.

I'm a nanny. What sort of days and hours would you be looking for. Also the area you're in will likely affect the rate.
But on a plus side a nanny would look after both children. School drop off and collection, holidays, days off sick etc. So lots of benefits.

Nanny with own child involves a small decrease in costs, for a lot of associated issues (their child being sick, causing damage, extra equipment required, less attention for your child, extra costs for groups, not being able to take child to certain activities due to age of nanny's child etc)

As a minimum you need to pay minimum wage, but would probably be paying more, plus employers no etc. So more expensive than nursery or a childminder in all likelihood.