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The childcare system in the UK

Considering your child’s needs

One of the childcare options you can choose is a childminder. These are self-employed child carers who look after children in their own home. They must be registered with Ofsted in England or Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW).

In addition to taking care of your child during pre-school years, you can also count on them later, as they offer childcare before or after school, as well as during school holidays. Some of them offer flexible hours to coordinate with your work schedule.

In order to sign an agreement contract with a childminder, you will need to negotiate rates, including cases of extra working hours, holiday payment, as well as terms and conditions. Prices vary according to your region and the age of the child (it’s usually more expensive for younger children as they require more attention and special care). According to the Childcare Cost Survey 2009, the average price is GBP 150–180 per week.

Children’s centres are also an alternative. Their working hours are usually between 8:00 and 18:00 all year round. You can choose whether to use their services all day long or leave your child in their care for only a few hours a day. All the details on children’s centres can be found on your local Family Information Service website.

Another childcare option is a day nursery. In the UK you may choose between private, community, council or workplace nurseries. They offer full day service for children aged 0 to 5. They are inspected by the same authorities as childminders, and in some cases your child’s stay in the nursery may be subsided by your employer or by the local authority. Prices vary between GBP 140–200 per week.

Part-time child care is also offered in several pre-school facilities: playgroups, early education and nursery classes, and out-of-school services. They all offer part-time daycare service, depending on your work schedule. All of them are appropriate for children 3 to 5 years old. The out-of-school facility offers a breakfast club before school, after school club, and a holiday play scheme – open during school holidays. The cost is approximately GBP 40–50 a week. If you want to find out more, you can visit: www.pre-school.org.uk and www.4children.org.uk.

If you need a flexible child care solution, you can always count on a nanny. A nanny will come to your house and take care of your child in a safe home environment. Some nannies have nursing or childcare training; however, they are not obliged to have special qualifications.

If your nanny is not part of the Ofsted voluntary childcare register or Childcare Approval Scheme in Wales, it is your responsibility to hold an interview, request her references and thoroughly examine her records. Once you have decided to hire a nanny be prepared to pay them between GBP 250–500 a week, plus their tax and national insurance. Check out www.nannyshare.co.uk, and www.greataupairs.co.uk for more details.

You may also want to consider the possibility of alternating registered child care and help from a family member or friend. The advantages of a close friend or a relative taking care of your child are obvious. This type of child care is usually not subsided by the state, but there are some exceptions which qualify for financial support: if the family member is registered as a legitimate childcare provider, or takes care of a non-family child in addition to your child. If the service is provided outside of your home, your family-assistant may also apply for a financial support.