When considering returning to work, you have 4 mains options for childcare. These are:
Au pair Nanny Childminder Nursery
Each have advantages and disadvantages which should be considered when picking the right option for you. This article looks at the pros and cons of each approach.
Au Pair
Hiring an au pair is generally considered to be the cheapest option. They receive a minimal allowance, but full board within your house. In return for this, they should look after your children during the day time while you are at work and can usually be called upon to assist with light household duties. The chief disadvantages of an Au Pair is that they are not required to have any qualifications in childcare and furthermore, they usually do not share your native tongue so may have difficulties communicating. This option also really only works if you have a spare bedroom in your house!
Nanny
A nanny is like a fully qualified Au Pair who shares your own native tongue. A nanny may be live in or live out. This is likely to be the most expensive childcare option. It begins to be comparable with nursery prices if you have 3 or more children. The powerful advantage of a nanny or au pair is that they can look after your child on days the child is sick. Childminders and nurseries will not take your child if they are sick. The nanny looks after your child in your own house, so if you have a shy child, it’s the easiest transition to childcare for a mother, and the least anxiety for the child.
Childminders
Childminders look after your child in their house. This means that they have to deal with the relevant insurance. Also they do not count as your employee for tax purposes, so they have to deal with their own tax. They will probably be caring for several children from different families. A childminder provides some of the advantages of a nanny with some of the disadvantages of a nursery. Your child will be looked after in a home environment by a qualified professional, however if your child is sick you will have to work out how to get time off work. A childminder works better than a nursery if you have several children of different ages especially if you both young children and children of school age.
Nurseries
Nurseries are a usual first choice for first time parent. They are the best advertised option and the easiest concept to get to grips with. You can attend an open day and meet the staff. Nurseries are usually well adapted to the purpose of childcare so arguably the safest option for your child – the least likely place that a baby will accidentally swallow the wheel of a toy intended for a three. Nannies, Childminders and Nurseries are all moderated by Ofsted so are interested in a child’s education progress.
There is no “best” solution. All solutions have a pros and cons. It’s a question of examining all options and deciding what is best for you.
By: Hannah Parker
About the Author:
Hannah is a working mother who has worked as an Au pair as well as having employed nannies and childminders and sent children to nurseries. If you’re looking for nurseries in Portsmouth, Hannah suggests you visit http://www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/general/nursery-introduction




