Difference between childminder and a nanny...

[CanIHaveAPetGiraffePlease]

I've rather suddenly been offered a p/t job and am looking into childcare. They have offered to pay for my childcare (!). I actually don't know where to start. I've been looking at childcare.co.uk. and can see both nannys and childminders.

I have a 1 year old and 4 year old and need the 4 year old dropped off/picked up from pre-school. I'm open to either Cm or nanny but have a couple of questions.

With a nanny am I suddenly responsible for being an employer, is this difficult? I think this alone might make me go for a CM.

I ought to have phrased the thread differently - more like talk me through hiring a nanny/childminder...

How many hours per week would you need childcare? If not many, it might be easier to find a CM. Would your employer pay for all costs without restrictions?

A childminder works in their home and you accept their terms. A nanny works in your home and you employ them.

I am speaking to them again Monday. I don't think I want to be responsible for employing someone so it will need to be a childminder. Nursery for the youngest is an option if there were spaces but I'm not sure how likely that is.

Quite worried in general about who I would find at short notice and why they have space!

Ask them for references or if you can contact recent leavers. Spaces come up for all sorts of reasons - in my case the latest children left because Mum is now on maternity leave (that's the usual one!) and another family moved area for work reasons. You can be lucky and just slot into a recently vacated place. You may also find that newer childminders are gradually building up the number of children they care for.

What I like about a CM is that they usually are one of a few kids each day so get used to group play, waiting their turn and sharing. A great CM will go to toddler groups, plan activities to fit in with learning and development and her home will become a home-from-home for your dc.

What hours (start/finish times) would you be needing.
One reason some parents have a nanny is due to their working hours. Not that many childminders open before 7am or close after 7pm. Some childminders offer overnight care but not all.

Well I have space, because I dont want to be/need to be 'full', If that makes sense.
I also do a bit of ad hoc for one particular family so need a space for when care is needed.

Thanks for the advice!

I think I'm looking for 2 days 8-5.30 but with pre-school drop off/pick ups. And possibly another half day.

I've found 2 childminders on childcare.co.uk that sound ok, and I'm going to meet tomorrow. Completely new world for me to navigate,

Thanks for the advice.