What childcare now I am returning to work?

[goingbacktowork]

Hi. I have a few questions. Hopefully I am returning to work in a month working three days a week. I have 2 children (5 and 3).

I need to employ someone to take my daughter to school (15 miles from our house) for a 8.15 am start.

I then need someone to collect my daughter for 3.15 pm (again a drive) and then my son from nursery say at 4.30pm and feed and look after them ideally in our house until one of us is home probably at 6.45pm:

My questions are:

What type of person is it I am looking for ? would this be deemed a nanny or a mothers help? As such am I correct in thinking that they they would not need childminding qualifications? Are there any other legal qualifications needed to look after children in my house?

How would I pay for this ? would it be an hourly rate or just a wage (like most jobs)? What would be a ball park figure for this sort of thing in Hertfordshire - any ideas?

Would the person need specific insurance for doing the driving part? And would this make a difference if they used my car or theirs?

Any idea how I might find someone like this as I do not think this is the type of thing that an agency would deal with?

Thanks a lot

An agency might - assuming you're looking for a live out nanny/mothers help. Otherwise gumtree, nannyjob.co.uk, childcare.co.uk, your netmums local childcare board and small ads are all potential sources of candidates.

No qualifications required unless you want them to be OFSTED registered so you can pay with vouchers.

Best agree a gross hourly rate. Figure depends on experience, qualifications and whether you'll accept a nanny with own child (could be a good setup). Anything from £7 gross per hour to double that, depending on the nanny.

They would need business cover for their or your car. Most policies will add this for free. Morton Michel d do specialist cover.