Advice on childcare

[AdonisAngelides]

Hello, hope everyone is well!

We have a 3 weeks old daughter and would like to plan for her childcare. Any advice on au pair? Reliable agencies, if someone has used this before, etc…

Thanks

An au pair is not suitable for a baby for several reasons - they tend to be contracted to around 20 hours per week, which need to be flexible to allow them to study/travel (as many are foreign students). They are usually very young women with no childcare experience, or at least not baby care qualifications. They are more suitable for help with older children, eg picking up from school, entertaining kids after school, helping to cook evening meals etc. They are usually only paid around £100pcm but have accommodation and food included, so it's more of a pocket money for them alongside lodging.

You'll likely need a nanny or nursery. Qualified of course 🙂 Good luck!

Do you mean childcare for now, or for when she is older?

Thanks for the advice 😊🙏

Thanks, We would be looking for solutions for when she is about 3 months onwards

I recommend Tinies nanny agency.

You'd likely need a nanny for a 3 month old as many nurseries won't take babies that young.

Some nurseries and childminders will care for very young babies.

Family Information Service, often run by your county council, can help point you towards providers, though their information may not be up to date. Call around and ask.

Live out nanny - I have nannied for a baby who was 4 weeks old when I started. The parents found me via www.childcare.co.uk

Live in nanny - it might be an option if you have the accommodation and don't mind sharing your home all the time with someone. A nanny agency may be able to help source but it could costs thousands in agency fees.

Thanks 🙏

Childminders are also an option....unlike nannies they have to be registered and inspected by Ofsted ( some nannies are but it is not a legal requirement) this means not only having the reasurance that they work to the same standards as a nursery but unlike a nanny are self employed so no worries for you on paying pensions, running payrolls etc...they also tend to be cheaper and more flexible. You get to build a relationship with them and know who is caring for your baby rather than handing them over at a door to whoever is on greeting duty in nursery.

As PP said, an au pair is not suitable childcare for a baby and post Brexit you won't get one anyway.

You need to pay for a nanny if you want someone in your home, which means registering as an employer and paying employer's tax and NICs.

Thank you so much 🙏