so how much do nannies. cost then?

[missalien]

Im not sure whether to go for a nanny or childminder . I live in st albans and have an 8 month old son and im due to go back to work a couple of days a week. Childminders around here charge 6pounds an hour even when they have not done any training or formal childcare experience which I was a little surprised at to be honest. Am considering a nanny share but do not know what to expect to be paying for a couple of days a week. My pc toes could collect baby about 4pm and drop from 9 ish . Its so expensive and nurseries are 60 a day plus. We are not entitled to family credit etc and child benefit would stop after april anyway. We are paying off debts so our income is spent before we get paid! How on earth do people manage these costs. We are looking to moving to hitchin so it may be marginally cheaper there.

Example costs of employing a nanny - though that is for 55 hours a week.

A nanny will be far more than £6 per hour, if solely caring for your child. A share is different and is not something I advise on generally as I don't have experience of doing a share. Though from what others have written in the past, it tends to cost more... but then get's shared between the families. So I would guess that you would still be looking at £6 or so per hour, plus additional expenses. If the care isn't in your home, I feel you lose a major benefit - such as ability to leave your baby sleeping in the morning.

Childminders do have training, it's an Ofsted requirement. Nannies don't have to have any training - not all are Ofsted registered.

If you work for a company they may provide Childcare Vouchers. That can help a bit with the costs, as it saves a bit on your National Insurance. However do check out details of the scheme, as it can also affect other things at work such as Pension.

Well nannies are typically more than CMs and they can have fewer qualifications (ie none). A qualified/experienced nanny in Herts is probably £10gross+. Don't be confused by net figures that some ads quote - those are excluding the tax and NI you deduct from nanny's wages. Then you have employer's NI on top.

CMs have to be registered which means at least common core plus 1st aid but anyone could be a nanny. They also are self-employed so less admin for you.

Do you get childcare vouchers?

In a nanny share you're looking at increasing the basic rate by about 25-30% (to compensate for the added hassle for nanny) and then halving it so a typical nanny would cost you around £6.50/hour plus expenses (kitty, payroll or wear/tear on the house). Bear in mind if the share collapses you may need to finance nanny by yourself until a new partner family can be found.

Have you considered a nanny with own child? They might he happier with shorter days, you can get more experienced candidates for not too much more than a share and you would be the sole employer so less hassle for nanny and fewer negotiations for you.

Oooo thank you for all that detailed info. Yes I would love a nanny with own child as I did this myself years ago and loved it. I didnt want to insult anyone by offering a low rate though. Childminders on six an hour per child here seems rather high I thought. If I did not live in a flat I would do it myself! Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to help me

My view is you can but try as long as you're above NMW, so advertise. If no-one applies you might need to review and offer more. It depends how much you're prepared to pay as a premium for experience.

Try visiting a few childminders too and see what you think. As with nannies qualifications and experience vary wildly but your more likely to find a good CM in a lower price bracket than a good nanny.