Is this realistic?

[ItsReallyHappening]

OK, bit the bullet and am going back to work.

Now I just need to work out what is best and would like your help.

2 kids (1 and 2 1/2) so nursery is not an option as the fees are massive.

Generally need care from 8.45 to 5.15 four days a week and 7.45/8.00 to 6 one day a week. Every 2 weeks (but not always) there would be an extra 8 to 6 day rather than a 9/5 day (i.e. three normal day and 2 longer days).

I've not used care before but have read several threads so have gleaned the below.

Can you tell me if the below are possible and what issues/concerns there might be? Or am I totally dreaming?

What would the costs be for the SW18 area?

Two Options are:

1 Childminder

1. Live out Nanny

No outings budget as local activities are free which we currently do and we walk everywhere. Though happy to pay occassional bus fares (e.g. raining etc).

Will be working from home some of the days but in a separate room so wont interfere/help/pop in/etc. Though if asked could watch children if person wants the toilet/make a coffee/etc.

Expect person to do kid related things e.g. changing them from pj to day clothes, cleaning i.e. their dishes, keeping their area neat and tidy, feeding them. Bathing only if they need it during the day e.g. been painting and got it in their hair, fell in the mud, etc.

Due to strict budget, I'm into meal planning so will have food available for kids on a shelf some of which will be left overs, fruit and bread for sandwiches, etc. Would expect everything else in fridge to be for our family meals.

Happy to offer basic sandwiches for lunch e.g. ham, peanut butter, etc and some basic biscuits (this is what I would eat) but anything else would be for the nanny to bring. (read several threads where nanny eat people out of house and home so would like to avoid this)

1 child (2 1/2 year old) may not be napping. If they both nap then happy for the nanny to enjoy some quiet time.

I really want someone who would be with the kids and play with them rather than doing housework so I'll do all the clothes washing, house cleaning, etc.

Try www.childcare.co.uk may give you an idea of prices, with what you would like then to do eg get them dressed etc you are probably looking at a nanny if it was a childminder you'd need to get them to get house every day.

Usually a nanny is only cheaper if you have 3 children, I can't see a nanny being cheaper than nursery, tbh. Especially when your 2 1/2 year old turns 3 and is entitled to the 15 free hours.

You wouldn't want a very inexperienced nanny (who would be your cheapest option) with a 1 year old!

A nannyshare might be possible, but harder if you are in the house. A live-in nanny would be your cheapest option but you would need to provide a LOT more food than you are willing to.

I think the food you want to make available is a bit stingy, tbh. No need to make EVERYTHING available, but the other extreme is a bit mean. (And I'm a mum, not a nanny.)

I would guess SW18 to be £11-£13 gross per hour for an experienced nanny (not shared).

Having done both nurseries and nannies, I agree that an experienced live out nanny is unlikely to be cheaper than a nursery for 2 children, if you employ them properly and pay tax and NI. I know many people don't.

Also if you have a strict budget I think nurseries are financially less stressful, because their fees are (usually) all inclusive, whereas your nannies' spending isn't going to be 100% under your control. You really don't want to end up arguing with your nanny about whether a particular brand of ham is the more financially sensible choice over another brand, or whether a bus trip was really necessary, but it's easy to go there if you're on a tight budget.