Koru Kids

[childcarequery]

Hello, I am hoping to get some feedback on Korukids childcare agency. They provide part time nannies but the nannies don't seem to be Ofsted registered, only DBS checked

Is that sufficient to be leaving your kids with them for most of the day as well as giving access to your own home?

I am looking for different childcare options as I will be working full time.

Thanks for any replies!

Yo don’t have to be Ofsted registered to work in someone’s home that’s a misconception. Some are because then they can command higher salaries and get paid in a bigger variety of ways but it isn’t a requirement.

Ultimately you need to trust the agency and nanny you hire. If you don’t then hire a nursery or childminder instead.

Koru Kids don't provide trained, Ofsted registered nannies (so you cant use the government's tax free childcare scheme) - their childcarers tend to be a bit like vetted au pairs, they are usually students working part time for extra cash as babysitters to fit in with college hours (although I think they may provide some basic intro training) - most people use them for wraparound/afterschool care. According to their website their staff tend to work with children 3-11 and for 9-15 hours a week, and can be trained and working in a few days

I would not use them for a very small child or baby and there might be issues with you wanting full time.

Yes and in that area (wraparound care for school aged kids) Koru Kids has a good reputation. It can be really difficult and expensive to source this for yourself.

Most nannies won't be Ofsted registered... As far as I know Koru Kids has a range of nannies from students with limited experience to fully qualified nannies (obviously price varies depending on the experience) Although it might be a little more expensive than hiring directly, you don't have to worry about things like taxes, insurance etc. as the agency sorts everything out for you. Finding after school care in general is difficult as most professional nannies won't want to do only a few hours a day

Thank you everyone, very helpful indeed to read your inputs!

Yes I thought so that keeping koru nannies as full time might not be the best idea, rather few hours a day seems more suitable for them since they are part time

It is really hard getting the right person! I am personally finding it hard to hire someone who is not Ofsted registered. My previous childminder was registered and she used to be checked regularly

At the same time, costs are sky high so need to be more practical!