In case you are experiencing the same situation, we are here to help with some useful knowledge you need to have upfront looking for a service to help with your kids. Hopefully, you will find it useful!
Nursery
Nurseries can provide childcare for up to 5 years. This is a good solution if you want long-term help. While being in nursery, children typically start preparing for early education in small groups with other kids at the same age.
The work hours are compliant with the average ‘business hours’, somewhere between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The staff take shifts and provide care for around 51 weeks per year. This service is quite comfortable but can also be expensive, especially in London.
Public childcare
In public childcare, your kid will be looked after in a small group of 3 to 8 children, either part-time or full-time. In most cases, one person takes care of all the kids, so the smaller the group is, the better.
Be aware that these services do not always provide educational activities. The prices are more affordable, and you are charged per month.
Childminders
Those professionals take care of young children in their own space. They can work individually, but most often look after a small group of kids simultaneously. The kids are usually under 8 years old, and childminders play educational games, helping them develop their interests.
You can make a full-time or part-time commitment. Usually, for a full-time job, they are likely to take care of your kid between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. all year round.
Private childcare
This service is suited to your specific needs. The professional comes to your home to take care of the child when you need them. If you have more than one kid, they can take care of all of them. Oftentimes, the child carer can use up to 20 days of a paid holiday while working full time for you.
Nanny
The nanny is usually a full-time job, and the parents are the employer. Nannies create stronger bonds with the kids than other professionals.
If they work with you for years, your kids might even consider them part of the family. They look after the kids daily, helping with their education and being in charge of most of the activities that your kids have. The average fee is £10 net/hour.
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Nanny Share
If you want a nanny but you can’t afford their service, check for the option of a nanny-share arrangement.
This way, the child carer works with two families that share her services; their usual price of £12 net/hour will be split between the two families.
Babysitter
Babysitters usually require a part-time commitment when parents need additional help. They are mainly self-employed and receive their wages in cash after the job is done.
Most babysitters take extra hours in the day, evening, or even at night, charging somewhere between £8 and £14 net per hour.
Mother’s Help
The difference between all other private services and this one is that Mothers help assist while one of the parents is still home.
They are helping with housework like laundry and cleaning, but also with childcare. It is common for this professional to live with the family.
Au pair
This method can be a little bit controversial for some, but maybe it is the perfect fit in your situation. An au pair is typically a young adult from another country who assists with housework and childcare in exchange for accommodation, food, and a small amount of money.
