Childcare is one of the most stressful areas of modern parenthood and choosing the right type of childcare is therefore among one of the most important decisions parents will probably ever have to make.

There are a number of factors you need to take into account before you can begin to decide which type of childcare is the best option for you and your family. You need to think about the cost, availability and the age and nature of your child.

Before deciding which childcare to opt for you need to be equipped with the right information so that you can make an informed decision. To do this you need to be aware of the different types of childcare available and what each has to offer:

• The Childminder – Childminders offer day care in their own homes in an environment which most children will feel comfortable in because it is a ‘home from home’ experience. Childminders operate on a much smaller scale than nurseries and as such they are able to give each child the individual attention they need which is why many mothers with babies opt for this type of childcare. Childminders are registered with Ofsted if they live in England or CSIW if they live in Wales. They can usually care for up to three children under the age of five years with an additional three children between the ages of five and eight years. This number must include any children the childminder may have of their own.
• The Nanny – Nannies are employed by parents to look after their children in the family home. Nannies will either live in the home or travel to the house on a daily basis. Parents who work shift patterns or weekends may find the flexibility of having a nanny helpful as this is usually when other types of childcare are unavailable.
• The Nursery – Nurseries usually offer day care to children aged from three months to five years. They usually have rigid operating hours making them the least flexible type of childcare. Children being cared for in a nursery will often have contact with several carers on a daily basis rather than the individual attention of a childminder or nanny. Ofsted and the CSIW are responsible for the registering and monitoring of children’s nurseries and strict regulations must be adhered to.
• The Extended School – Many schools have now recognised the needs of working parents and as such have opened their doors to allow children to spend longer hours in school thus enabling parents to drop their children off earlier and collect them later. Breakfast clubs usually open around 7.45am and offer care for children before the school day begins. After school clubs usually see children being offered tea, activities and a quiet place to do their homework and often stay open until 6.00pm.

By Allison Lee, author of The Working Mum’s Guide to Childcare, see www.working-mums-guide-to-childcare.co.uk