Can you clarify for me please?

[Pylon]

I have 3 DCs (10,8,5) currently in wrap around at school 3 days a week. We've been discussing whether it would be better to have someone come to our home (particularly when ds1 starts secondary). So would be looking for 8is-school start in the morning, and school pick up -6.30 in the evenings. Live out. Plus some school holiday cover if possible (but appreciate that might make it a different ask).

The older two are pretty self sufficient so it would be more about having someone in the house than anything, the youngest would obviously more attention etc. might need to be 4 days from sept, would be clear on that from the outset.

Sorry if I'm asking a dumb question but is it a nanny I am looking for, and do people provide this kind of childcare? And could you give any indication on kinds of cost please?

Thanks!

Yes, it is a before & after school nanny you are looking for.
Yes, some people are looking for that sort of job. They may have their own young child, so if you would accept someone bringing their baby/toddler with them, then make that clear in an advert.
Cost varies, I would say in range £8-12 gross per hour. You would have Employers NI to add on top, plus things like mileage payments if nanny uses their car to transport your children.
PAYE calculator 2013/14 - to help give idea of Employers NI amount.

That's a great help, thanks nannynick. I'd be happy for them to bring their own child so will make sure that's clear, hadn't thought of that. Really appreciate your help.

I was a before and after school nanny for a few years. I combined it with another part time job in a term time only nursery and it worked really well. So yes, there are people out there who do that kind of job.

Thanks, that's good to know.

I'm completely new to this (always nursery/wraparound previously). Is it better to use an agency or to find someone directly? If the latter, any tips on how to do this? Thanks again.

I found one job through word of mouth, the other 2 were through an agency. I guess it depends if you are prepared to pay an agency to do the leg work for you (check references, filter unsuitable candidates) or if you want to advertise privately and do it yourself.

Hi, longtime lurker, longtime nanny.
I have had jobs via agencies, via word of mouth, via a website ad.

Look at what agencies in your area offer, if you want someone quickly then they may have nannies on their books who are looking for work to start immediately.
If recruiting yourself, write the advert well. Include salary, duties, hours, days, as much as possible really as many online systems will let you write a huge amount, unlike when ads were placed in newspapers and you paid per word.

Great, thank you. Much appreciated.