Paying for an au pair

[FTS123]

Does anyone know if child tax credits will help pay towards an au pair/nanny? I am a single parent and work away so an ordinary nursery/childminder is not an option

Hi FTS123

Childcare vouchers can only be used with Ofsted registered childcarers/nurseries etc.

Nannies/Au Pairs can become Ofsted registered.

There's aome useful info here: www.pacey.org.uk/nannies/become_a_registered_nanny.aspx

Hope that helps. :0)

Thanks :-)

What do you mean by Work Away? An aupair may not be a viable childcare option if you have very young children, or if you are away from home for more than a few hours.

Aupairs are often quite young and may be inexperienced in caring for children. Some though are older and are experienced childcarers in their home country, so it depends who you get. Some may be more a live-in nanny and want a similar wage to a live-in nanny.

What country are you in? There are different schemes for childcare vouchers / tax credits in England/Scotland/Wales/NI. In England the person doing the caring would need to be Ofsted registered.

I am in the uk but travel abroad twice a month for a few days at a time

I have an au pair but wouldn't leave DS 5 overnight with her. How old are your children?

A few days, no don't go for an aupair. Get a nanny with experience. You are wanting someone who will do loco-parentis which is a big ask. Live-in nannies may consider it but salary would need to reflect the responsibility.