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The Parent's Guide to Childcare

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'If you are fortunate to have a choice, this'll help you make the right one.' Families South East

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. What kind of childcare do I require?
2. Preparing yourself
3. The search begins
4. Making it work
5. What will my child be doing when in childcare?
6. Daily Routines
7. Illness
8. Behaviour
9. Understanding contracts and fees
10. When things go wrong
11. Questions to ask
Useful websites
Index

 

 

1 What Kind of Childcare do I Require?

WHY DO PARENTS REQUIRE CHILDCARE?

There are a number of reasons why parents may choose childcare.

  • They want to go to work.
  • They need to go to work.
  • They need space away from their children.
  • They feel their children will benefit socially from mixing with a wider circle of people.

Whatever the reasons for wanting or needing childcare one thing is certain: there is a lot of choice available to parents nowadays. However, choosing the right childcare for your needs is not always as easy as it seems.

WHICH TYPE OF CHILDCARE IS BEST?

There is, of course, no straight answer to this question as the right type of childcare for you will depend on a number of factors including:

  • cost;
  • availability;
  • age of your child;
  • number of hours of childcare you require.

With a large percentage of parents returning to work after having children the decision for choosing childcare is being made by thousands of people every day. However it is important to remember that the whole process of choosing childcare is not over once you have found a provider that suits your needs. Making your choice is just the first step. You will need to prepare your child for the changes ahead, settle them into the new environment and build up a relationship with the carer you have chosen.

REGISTRATION OF CHILDCARE PROVIDERS

Registration and inspections of childcare providers are carried out by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) in order to ensure that children in daycare are safe, well cared for and that their needs are met. However it is important that parents understand that not all childcare providers are registered and that even those who should, by law, be registered sometimes fail to do so.

Registered childcare providers

The types of childcare providers who require to be registered include:

  • full daycare nurseries;
  • sessional daycare including playgroups, pre-schools and nursery schools;
  • childminders and approved home childcarers;
  • cre`ches; extended schools.

Unregistered childcare providers

The types of childcare providers who do not require to be registered include:

  • nannies;
  • au pairs;
  • babysitters;
  • childminders working less than two hours per day;
  • childminders who only care for children over the age of eight years.

Although it is not compulsory for childminders to be registered if they only care for children aged eight years or over there are plans for the Department of Children, Schools and Families – DCSF – to introduce two registers. The register for those childminders caring for children over the age of eight years is voluntary and will become fully operational from September 2008;

  • relatives of the child i.e. grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.

^TIP^

Some parents may be tempted to choose unregistered childcare to save money. However, it is illegal for any person, from the previous list which shows the individuals who need to be registered, to care for children without ¢rst being registered and approved.You risk endangering the welfare of your child if you employ someone who is working illegally.

The needs of your child

Before deciding which type of childcare you need it is important to first look at your child’s needs. The key factors you should consider when choosing childcare are:

  • the age of your child;
  • the temperament of your child;
  • any worries or concerns you may have regarding your child.

THE CHILD’S AGE

As children grow and progress their needs change drastically. The childcare that you initially thought was wonderful for your tiny, helpless little baby may not appear quite as perfect when he has developed into an articulate toddler in need of stimulation and entertainment.

Continuity of care is important for the care of young children and it is therefore important, when choosing childcare initially, that you think about your child’s current and future childcare needs. In order to ensure that the choice you make for your child’s care when they are a baby remains suitable throughout their childhood, it is essential that you evaluate the arrangement carefully and make sure that your child will not outgrow the chosen setting.

Important needs of babies

Babies have several key needs that you must ensure your chosen carer can provide in order for your baby to be happy and settled. Babies need

  • Continuity of care. This is absolutely vital. Babies need to form strong attachments to their carers in order to develop good emotional health and well being. It is important that you choose wisely at the outset as constantly changing childcare should be avoided at any age but even more so when the child is very young.
  • Affectionate, responsive carers. Babies thrive in settings that provide them with the love and affection they crave. The carer you choose must genuinely love babies in order for your child to receive the cuddles and interaction that they need. The carer must be a responsible person who is capable of responding to your babies needs.
  • A regular routine which they know and understand. Babies are creatures of habit and they feel safe, comfortable and secure in familiar surroundings when following a predictable routine.
  • Plenty of communication. Although babies cannot talk they can converse through eye contact, touch and verbal noises. The carer you choose should be patient and willing to spend time with your child in this way.
  • A stimulating environment. Babies need to be stimulated in order for them to grow and develop. A safe environment which gives them access to age-appropriate toys and equipment is vital.

Important needs of toddlers

As with babies, toddlers require:

 

  • continuity of care;
  • affectionate, responsive carers with plenty of patience and energy. Toddlers can be very demanding and not all carers have the stamina to deal with children of this age;
  • regular routines in familiar surroundings. Toddlers like to know what to expect and are happy when the day’s routines follow a certain pattern;
  • a stimulating environment. This is essential for toddlers in order for them to be suitably entertained and to prevent them from becoming bored;
  • opportunity to converse. Toddlers ask endless questions and your child’s carer will need to be patient.

Important needs of pre-school children

Once again, pre-school children require:

  • continuity of care;
  • affectionate, responsive carers;
  • a regular routine which they know and understand;
  • opportunity for conversation. The carer you choose should be aware of your child’s stage of development and confident in helping and encouraging the child to listen, respond to questions and to ask questions. The carer, in return, must be responsive and be interested in and value your child’s contribution;
  • a stimulating environment with toys and equipment appropriate to your child’s age and stage of development.

Important needs of school-aged children

When children have started school, their needs change dramatically. They have begun to grow and mature and will be experiencing a certain amount of independence while being away from their main carers for much of the day. Although children of school age still require love, affection and continuity of care, they also need the following:

  • A quiet area to reflect on the days events, to do homework or to simply enjoy some quiet time.
  • A carer who is aware of what goes on in the school and is capable of planning their activities around the school curriculum. For example it is helpful for carers to know, in advance, what topics or themes are being studied at school as these can then be extended in the childcare setting to enhance and build on the child’s knowledge. It is important of course that the carer does not repeat what has already been taught in school as this can become boring and repetitive for the child.

THE TYPES OF CHILDCARE ON OFFER

Before deciding which type of childcare you think will suit your needs the best, it is vital that you are aware of the different types available and what each has to offer. These include:

  • the childminder;
  • the nanny;
  • the nursery;
  • the extended school.

THE CHILDMINDER

There are almost 80,000 childminders in England and Wales who are responsible for the daycare of more than 300,000 children. Registered childminders are professional people who offer daycare in their own homes. The primary advantage of a childminder is that they are able to offer a ‘home-from-home’ environment for children and, because they operate on a much smaller scale than a nursery, they are able to give each child the individual attention they need.

Childminders are particularly successful when providing care for very young babies who have demanding feeding and sleeping patterns; as their flexible approach to childcare allows them to devote the necessary amount of time needed for children of such a young age.

Number of children registered for

Usually, childminders will be registered to 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. Often childminders will look after older children in addition to the younger ones as they may provide a before and after school service.

Registration requirements for childminders

In order for someone to start working as a childminder they will need to:

  • be registered with Ofsted if they live in England, or the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSIW) if they live in Wales;
  • be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure that they, or anyone over the age of 16 years living on the premises where the childminding is taking place, have not been convicted of any crimes which may deem them unsuitable to be working with young children;
  • have undergone a health check;
  • be trained in first aid for children;
  • attend introductory training;
  • be familiar with the necessary Standards set out by Ofsted or CSIW;
  • be insured;
  • have their home inspected regularly to ensure that it is safe and suitable for young children.

In addition to the mandatory basic training, many childminders undertake additional training in order to gain childcare qualifications. They may also attend organised workshops offering advice on subjects such as nutrition, business management, child protection and behaviour management.

Although it is important that families are able to access childcare which suits their children’s needs at every stage of their lives, it is also vital to remember that a vast amount of parents work shifts or unsociable hours – they may work early morning, evenings, nights, weekends or bank holidays, for example – and this is where childminders really come into their own, offering flexible hours that are often impossible to find at a nursery.

Advantages of childminders

In addition to flexibility there are many other advantages to choosing a childminder such as:

  • Personal service. Because childminders usually only care for a small number of children they are in the enviable position of being able to offer more individual care and attention to the children in their setting. Meeting the needs of all the children is much easier for a childminder caring for three children rather than for a nursery who may have a much larger number of children present.
  • Consistency. Childminders are unique in that they can offer care to a child from a young baby right through to them starting secondary school when they are usually independent young adults. This type of consistent care is beneficial to children as they are able to form a good relationship with one carer right through their childhood. The childminder and child will get to know one another very well and will, hopefully, along with the child’s parents, all become firm friends. This kind of stability is essential for young children and will enable them to feel loved, valued and secure.
  • Spontaneity. Childminders are their own bosses and as such they decide themselves how they will spend their time during the day. They will of course need to stick to certain routines such as feeding and sleep patterns for babies and ensure that they take and collect children from playgroup and school on time; but over and above this they do not have a strict timetable to adhere to. This ensures ample opportunity for important, spontaneous learning opportunities such as splashing in the puddles after a shower, playing in the snow after a sudden flurry or making the most of the outdoors on a sunny day. Being adaptable also allows childminders to take their cue from the child and should the child be feeling tired or under the weather then suitable arrangements can be made for them.
  • Real-life opportunities. Children who are looked after by childminders are able to take part in everyday experiences in much the same way as they would if they were at home with their parents. They will be able to help with the cooking and shopping, enjoy visits to the library or park and enjoy helping with the gardening. These kinds of everyday activities provide vital early learning opportunities for children with regard to science, maths, language and social skills and enable the children to feel part of the community. Childminders will often attend toddler groups and support meetings along with fellow childminders and their charges and they are able to take and collect children from playgroup or after-school clubs, giving the child the opportunity of making a wider circle of friends and getting to know the area they live in.
  • Understanding. Childminders are often mothers and fathers themselves and as such they are aware of the pressures faced by today’s working parents. They may not actually ‘go out’ to work but they are still working parents and they will be fully aware of the demands of family life in relation to work.
  • Family orientated. Unlike nurseries who often have separate rooms for children of differing ages in order to cope with larger numbers of children, childminders are able to offer care for children of varying ages, enabling siblings to stay together while they are in childcare. Most children benefit from mixing with other children of different ages and, as often the childminder’s themselves will have children of their own, this may well lead to valued friendships which will stand the test of time.

^TIP^

Before deciding on a particular childminder take the time to look around at least two others in order to get a proper ‘feel’ for what is on o¡er. How else can you be expected to make an educated decision unless you can compare different settings?

Will a childminder be suitable for me?

To answer this question, first you will need to ask yourself:

  • Do you need flexible childcare due to irregular hours or shift patterns?
  • Do you have children of different ages whom you wish to be cared for together?
  • Do you want your child/children to be cared for by one person?
  • Do you want your child/children to be cared for in a home-based setting?
  • Are you assertive and confident in saying what you want from a childminder?

^TIP^

When choosing a childminder, trust your instincts. The best choice for you will be someone who mirrors your parenting style and shares your values.

THE NANNY

Nannies are employed by parents to look after their children in the family home. Nannies can either live in the family home or travel to the house on a daily basis. Nannies can be very useful for parents who work shift patterns or weekends when other types of childcare may not be available.

At present there are no legal requirements for a person applying to work as a nanny to have any qualifications, although a large percentage of nannies will have gained a recognised childcare qualification which includes:

  • health and safety issues;
  • physical care and development of babies and children;
  • nutrition;
  • understanding how children learn through play.

Types of nannies

There are six main types of nanny and these are:

  • live-in nanny;
  • live-out or daily nanny;
  • temporary nanny;
  • special needs nanny;
  • nanny share;
  • male nanny.

The type of nanny you will be considering will of course depend on many factors such as the age and needs of your children, your family circumstances, cost and availability.

Live-in nanny

Live-in nannies do exactly what the name suggests. They are employed by the parents to ‘live in’ the family home and provide childcare. Live-in nannies are usually expected to work five days per week, often from breakfast until the child’s bath/bedtime in return for a salary, their own bedroom and, quite often, bathroom.

You should not expect a live-in nanny to work more than 12 hours per day, however it is acceptable to arrange separate evening babysitting cover. This extra cover should be arranged with the nanny and is often one or two nights per week. Nannies usually expect two full days off each week.

Live-out/daily nanny

A live-out or daily nanny is employed for a certain number of hours per day during which time they come to the family home. Once again hours should be negotiated but should not exceed ten hours per day with additional babysitting in the evening if necessary.

Live-out or daily nannies are usually only required during the time that the child’s parents are working and therefore may often finish work earlier than a live-in nanny who may be expected to bath the children and get them ready for bed. As a live-out or daily nanny is not provided with accommodation, their salaries are usually much higher than a live-in nanny whose salary will reflect the fact that they do not have to pay for their own living expenses.

Temporary nanny

Temporary nannies provide parents with short-term or emergency childcare and can be useful at times when the family’s usual nanny is ill or on holiday or if the family has been let down unexpectedly. Temporary nanny contracts can last anything from a few days to several months depending on the circumstances and they may be employed either on a live-in or live-out basis. Temporary nannies often demand higher rates of pay

Special needs nanny

There may be times when a child who is suffering from a special illness or condition will require specialist care. Obviously the severity of the child’s condition will go a long way to deciding whether additional care is required. Special needs nannies are particularly good at caring for children suffering from profound or multiple physical, sensory or mental disabilities.

In order for some children with special needs to reach their full potential it is sometimes necessary for them to receive specialist care from an experienced person who is highly trained in areas such as sign language, Makaton, or chronic illnesses. This is where a special needs nanny may be able to provide the solution.

^TIP^

There are no legal requirements for a person applying to work as a nanny to have any childcare or ¢rst aid quali¢cations. It is essential, therefore, if you are considering this type of childcare, that you ensure that the person you choose to care for your child is suitable and that they have the necessary skills required for such a demandingand responsible role. Ask for references and, more importantly, follow these up!

Nanny share

A nanny share provides a more economical way for parents to employ the services of a trained nanny. A nanny share can be particularly useful for families who have children of school age or for parents who work on a part-time basis. The latter scenario might see a nanny working three days per week with one family and the remainder with another. Nanny shares usually work on a live-out or daily basis.

A nanny share may also work well for parents who work full time and the nanny is employed to look after the children of two families, in the home of one of them, sharing the costs involved.

Male nanny

Very few workers in the childcare industry, and this includes nursery workers, childminders, nannies and extended schools, are male. This is probably because, in the past, childcare has always been seen as women’s work. However things are now beginning to change and more and more men are entering the world of childminding and nannying.

Male nannies can be particularly beneficial to working single mothers who are worried that their children do not have regular contact with a male role model.

It has been reported in the press that male nannies are also becoming popular with working women who often see female nannies as a threat to their marriage.

^TIP^

Things to consider when choosing a nanny or childminder:

  • What quali¢cations does the person you are considering have?
  • How much experience do they have?
  • How many children are they registered to care for?
  • How many children are they currently caring for?
  • What are the ages of the children they are currently caring for?
  • What is the carer’s daily routine?
  • How will the carer be able to incorporate caring for your child in their current routine?

Will a nanny be suitable for me?

To answer this question, first you will need to ask yourself:

  • Do you prefer someone to care for your child in your own home?
  • Do you have children of varying ages and wish for them to be cared for together?
  • Are you prepared for someone to live and/or work in your home?
  • Do you need someone who can fit around your routine?
  • Do you wish to have a lot of input in the way your children are cared for?
  • Are you willing to take on the legal and financial responsibilities that employing a nanny entails?

THE NURSERY

Nurseries usually offer childcare to children aged between three months and five years old and are less flexible when it comes to opening hours compared to some other forms of childcare. Often a nursery will operate from 8am to 6pm, which can be a problem for parents working shifts or weekends.

Unlike with nannies or childminders, children who are being cared for in a nursery will often have contact with several carers on a daily basis which may make it more difficult for them to ‘bond’ with one special person. Often this problem can be resolved by using a key worker system, whereby a parent and child are allocated a key member of the nursery staff who becomes the main point of contact for the parent with regard to the child’s progress and development. This member of staff will be responsible for building a relationship with your child. Ofsted are responsible for the registering and monitoring of children’s nurseries and strict regulations must be adhered to.

Types of nursery

There are three main types of nursery and these are:

  • private nurseries;
  • workplace nurseries;
  • council nurseries.

Private nurseries

Private nurseries are readily available in most areas. These nurseries charge a fee for the care of the children and many offer ‘specialist ’ services such as webcams to enable parents to access the internet in order to see their child during the day. Some may offer foreign language tuition, dancing classes, or provide organic food on their menus.

Workplace nurseries

This type of nursery is primarily for companies who reserve places for the children of their employees. Often if the nursery has any vacancies these will be offered to non-employees.

Council nurseries

Run by local councils, these nurseries are free but are very difficult to get into. Places in council nurseries are usually reserved for children from families in special circumstances such as one-parent families.

Advantages of nurseries

One of the main advantages of a nursery is the reliability that they offer. Nurseries are usually open all year round with the exception of Christmas and New Year. Parents can therefore always be sure that childcare will be available and they do not run the risk of their nanny or childminder letting them down at the last minute due to illness, nor do they have to organise holiday cover.

Disadvantages of nurseries

One of the main disadvantages of using a nursery is their lack of flexibility. Parents will be expected to collect their children on time every day and often, premium rates are charged for late collections. This is quite simply because staff are paid for a set number of working hours and expect to finish at their contracted time. Insurance complications may also arise if the nursery has to stay open longer than its core operating hours.

Although nurseries enable children to mix with a number of other adults and children and can give children early confidence for being away from their parents, which can be especially useful when the child is almost at school age, nurseries can also be rather daunting for a shy child who may find the whole experience of spending time in a nursery setting overwhelming.

^TIP^

Take your cue from your child.There may be a nursery within a stone’s throw from your front door o¡ering a service for up to sixty children. However, if your child is shy and reserved by nature, is this really the best environment to put them in while you go to work? Sometimes compromises have to be made and travelling to a smaller nursery isn’t much ofa price to pay if your child is happy and settled in amore compact setting.

Will a nursery be suitable for me?

To answer this question, first you will need to ask yourself:

  • Do you prefer your child/children to be cared for by more than one person?
  • Do you find it difficult to arrange sick and holiday cover and therefore need a setting which offers year round care?
  • Do you want your child/children to mix with plenty of other children?
  • Do your working hours fit around the opening hours of most nurseries?
  • Is your child ready for new experiences?
  • Is your child sociable and confident enough to mix with a large number of people?

THE EXTENDED SCHOOL

Many schools have 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 between 7.45am and the start of the school day and offer school-age children breakfast and a safe environment to stay before school commences for lessons.

 

After school clubs

Extensions to the core school hours see children also being offered tea, activities and a quiet place to do their homework and many schools now stay open until 6pm.

Advantages of extended schools

These early starts and late evenings have been recognised as helping a large number of working parents by providing them with somewhere for their child to stay outside of the school’s usual working day. Although not all schools currently offer this service, the government announced, in its ten-year childcare strategy in December 2004, that it intended to enable all primary schools to become ‘extended schools’ in England or ‘community focused schools’ in Wales by 2010. This would mean that the schools targeted would offer childcare to the local community from 8am until 6pm each day, including school holidays.

Disadvantages of extended schools

Some people will argue that our schools are a place for learning and should not be offering a ‘babysitting’ service to working parents. They believe that it is not good for a child to be spending up to ten hours per day in school, having breakfast, lunch and tea there. Others, however, argue that extended schools help working parents enormously and that they are the answer to many parents’ childcare needs, particularly parents who prefer to leave their child in one familiar setting rather then transferring them to a childminder.

^TIP^

Bear in mind that not all schools o¡er extended hours and those that do may only be available in term time. If you choose this type of childcare you will need to think about making separate arrangements for the school holidays.

Will an extended school be suitable for me?

To answer this question, first you will need to ask yourself:

  • Is it easier for you to drop off and collect your child from one place each day?
  • Do you prefer your child to stay in the school environment they know well?
  • Do the opening hours of an extended school successfully bridge the gap between school hours and your working hours?
  • Do you have cover for the school holidays? Often extended schools are only available during term time, leaving a gap in childcare of around 13 weeks per annum.

THE PROS AND CONS OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHILDCARE

There are both advantages and disadvantages with every type of childcare and it is important that you consider all the implications carefully before choosing which type of childcare to go for. If, after asking yourself the questions posed above, you are still a little unsure then consider the following summary of pros and cons for childcare both in your own home i.e. a nanny or au pair; or outside the home i.e. a day nursery or childminder.

 

Childcare in the home: nanny, home child carer, au pair, mother’s help

Advantages

  • You will not be required to travel to take your child to and collect them from a different location.
  • There will be little disruption to your child’s daily routine. For example, they will not have to be woken early to get ready in order to be at the childminder’s or nursery on time. Often a nanny will arrive at the family home while the children are still asleep. This type of arrangement is particularly useful if the child is feeling a little under the weather or has had a late or troubled night.
  • Siblings can be cared for together.
  • Children are often much more confident when in familiar surroundings and this can be particularly useful if you have a very shy child who finds it difficult to mix.
  • The care given by a home-based carer is much more personal and can be tailored to your child’s specific needs.
  • You will have the opportunity to have much more say in the way your child is being cared for.
  • If you work from home you will have contact with your child whenever you wish.
  • The care provided is much less formal than in a day nursery.

Disadvantages

  • Many child carers who work in the child’s own home are unregistered and hold no qualifications, i.e. au pairs and mother’s helps, and may need supervision.
  • There is a lot of work involved in hiring a carer, such as a nanny, and you will be responsible for being their boss, giving instructions and paying their tax and National Insurance contributions.
  •  
  • You may be left without cover when the carer is ill or on holiday.
  • Nannies and other carers who work in your home can be an expensive choice as they may incur additional household expenses (if they live in), insurance and travel expenses, not to mention agency fees if you have used an agency to help you find the right person.
  • There is the loss of privacy to consider if you employ a live-in nanny.
  • Children often get much closer to one carer who works closely with them and, if the carer leaves, it can affect your child emotionally.
  • Parents may become jealous and envious of the close relationship their child has with their carer.

Childcare outside the home: childminder, day nursery, playgroup, out-of-school care

 

Advantages

  • A system of government checks are in place to ensure that children have access to high quality childcare and an early years curriculum.
  • Staff are trained and the premises will have undergone rigorous checks to ensure safety.
  • They are reliable and, in the case of nurseries, will have cover in place for staff holidays and sickness.
  • The care is readily available most of the year. Many nurseries and childminders offer care for between 48 and 52 weeks of the year.
  • Your child will enjoy a wide range of toys, equipment and activities that are planned and appropriate to their age and stage of development.
  • Children are eased into the formal care, which prepares them for school.
  • Children can spend time with other children of a similar age.
  • You get valuable time and space away from your child.
  • This type of childcare is one of the cheapest forms around, particularly if you take advantage of the free childcare places for three-and four-year-olds or if you work for an employer who offers you the chance of joining a childcare voucher scheme. (There is more information about childcare vouchers in Chapter 9 of this book.)

Disadvantages

  • You will need to take and collect your child from the setting.
  • You may not have as much input into your child’s daily care as you may like.
  • Your child may spend many hours each day away from their home environment.
  • 12 Your child may not be able to spend the day with their siblings if being cared for in a nursery, as many have separate baby and toddler rooms.
  • It is common for the turnover of staff in a nursery to be quite high making it more difficult for a child to bond with one particular person.
  • You will need to organise cover for when your child is ill as they will be unable to attend a childminding or nursery setting. Likewise if your childminder is ill, you will need to organise alternative childcare cover.
  • Your child may find it difficult to mix with larger groups of children in a nursery setting particularly if they are shy by nature.
  • You may not always agree with the settings policies or the way in which certain situations are handled.

1 What Kind of Childcare do I Require?

WHY DO PARENTS REQUIRE CHILDCARE?

There are a number of reasons why parents may choose childcare.

  • They want to go to work.
  • They need to go to work.
  • They need space away from their children.
  • They feel their children will benefit socially from mixing with a wider circle of people.

Whatever the reasons for wanting or needing childcare one thing is certain: there is a lot of choice available to parents nowadays. However, choosing the right childcare for your needs is not always as easy as it seems.

WHICH TYPE OF CHILDCARE IS BEST?

There is, of course, no straight answer to this question as the right type of childcare for you will depend on a number of factors including:

  • cost;
  • availability;
  • age of your child;
  • number of hours of childcare you require.

With a large percentage of parents returning to work after having children the decision for choosing childcare is being made by thousands of people every day. However it is important to remember that the whole process of choosing childcare is not over once you have found a provider that suits your needs. Making your choice is just the first step. You will need to prepare your child for the changes ahead, settle them into the new environment and build up a relationship with the carer you have chosen.

REGISTRATION OF CHILDCARE PROVIDERS

Registration and inspections of childcare providers are carried out by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) in order to ensure that children in daycare are safe, well cared for and that their needs are met. However it is important that parents understand that not all childcare providers are registered and that even those who should, by law, be registered sometimes fail to do so.

Registered childcare providers

The types of childcare providers who require to be registered include:

  • full daycare nurseries;
  • sessional daycare including playgroups, pre-schools and nursery schools;
  • childminders and approved home childcarers;
  • cre`ches; extended schools.

Unregistered childcare providers

The types of childcare providers who do not require to be registered include:

  • nannies;
  • au pairs;
  • babysitters;
  • childminders working less than two hours per day;
  • childminders who only care for children over the age of eight years.

Although it is not compulsory for childminders to be registered if they only care for children aged eight years or over there are plans for the Department of Children, Schools and Families – DCSF – to introduce two registers. The register for those childminders caring for children over the age of eight years is voluntary and will become fully operational from September 2008;

  • relatives of the child i.e. grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.

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Some parents may be tempted to choose unregistered childcare to save money. However, it is illegal for any person, from the previous list which shows the individuals who need to be registered, to care for children without ¢rst being registered and approved.You risk endangering the welfare of your child if you employ someone who is working illegally.

The needs of your child

Before deciding which type of childcare you need it is important to first look at your child’s needs. The key factors you should consider when choosing childcare are:

  • the age of your child;
  • the temperament of your child;
  • any worries or concerns you may have regarding your child.

THE CHILD’S AGE

As children grow and progress their needs change drastically. The childcare that you initially thought was wonderful for your tiny, helpless little baby may not appear quite as perfect when he has developed into an articulate toddler in need of stimulation and entertainment.

Continuity of care is important for the care of young children and it is therefore important, when choosing childcare initially, that you think about your child’s current and future childcare needs. In order to ensure that the choice you make for your child’s care when they are a baby remains suitable throughout their childhood, it is essential that you evaluate the arrangement carefully and make sure that your child will not outgrow the chosen setting.

I

mportant needs of babies

Babies have several key needs that you must ensure your chosen carer can provide in order for your baby to be happy and settled. Babies need

  • Continuity of care. This is absolutely vital. Babies need to form strong attachments to their carers in order to develop good emotional health and well being. It is important that you choose wisely at the outset as constantly changing childcare should be avoided at any age but even more so when the child is very young.
  • Affectionate, responsive carers. Babies thrive in settings that provide them with the love and affection they crave. The carer you choose must genuinely love babies in order for your child to receive the cuddles and interaction that they need. The carer must be a responsible person who is capable of responding to your babies needs.
  • A regular routine which they know and understand. Babies are creatures of habit and they feel safe, comfortable and secure in familiar surroundings when following a predictable routine.
  • Plenty of communication. Although babies cannot talk they can converse through eye contact, touch and verbal noises. The carer you choose should be patient and willing to spend time with your child in this way.
  • A stimulating environment. Babies need to be stimulated in order for them to grow and develop. A safe environment which gives them access to age-appropriate toys and equipment is vital.

Important needs of toddlers

As with babies, toddlers require:

 

  • continuity of care;
  • affectionate, responsive carers with plenty of patience and energy. Toddlers can be very demanding and not all carers have the stamina to deal with children of this age;
  • regular routines in familiar surroundings. Toddlers like to know what to expect and are happy when the day’s routines follow a certain pattern;
  • a stimulating environment. This is essential for toddlers in order for them to be suitably entertained and to prevent them from becoming bored;
  • opportunity to converse. Toddlers ask endless questions and your child’s carer will need to be patient.

Important needs of pre-school children

Once again, pre-school children require:

  • continuity of care;
  • affectionate, responsive carers;
  • a regular routine which they know and understand;
  • opportunity for conversation. The carer you choose should be aware of your child’s stage of development and confident in helping and encouraging the child to listen, respond to questions and to ask questions. The carer, in return, must be responsive and be interested in and value your child’s contribution;
  • a stimulating environment with toys and equipment appropriate to your child’s age and stage of development.

Important needs of school-aged children

When children have started school, their needs change dramatically. They have begun to grow and mature and will be experiencing a certain amount of independence while being away from their main carers for much of the day. Although children of school age still require love, affection and continuity of care, they also need the following:

  • A quiet area to reflect on the days events, to do homework or to simply enjoy some quiet time.
  • A carer who is aware of what goes on in the school and is capable of planning their activities around the school curriculum. For example it is helpful for carers to know, in advance, what topics or themes are being studied at school as these can then be extended in the childcare setting to enhance and build on the child’s knowledge. It is important of course that the carer does not repeat what has already been taught in school as this can become boring and repetitive for the child.

THE TYPES OF CHILDCARE ON OFFER

Before deciding which type of childcare you think will suit your needs the best, it is vital that you are aware of the different types available and what each has to offer. These include:

  • the childminder;
  • the nanny;
  • the nursery;
  • the extended school.

THE CHILDMINDER

There are almost 80,000 childminders in England and Wales who are responsible for the daycare of more than 300,000 children. Registered childminders are professional people who offer daycare in their own homes. The primary advantage of a childminder is that they are able to offer a ‘home-from-home’ environment for children and, because they operate on a much smaller scale than a nursery, they are able to give each child the individual attention they need.

Childminders are particularly successful when providing care for very young babies who have demanding feeding and sleeping patterns; as their flexible approach to childcare allows them to devote the necessary amount of time needed for children of such a young age.

Number of children registered for

Usually, childminders will be registered to 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. Often childminders will look after older children in addition to the younger ones as they may provide a before and after school service.

Registration requirements for childminders

In order for someone to start working as a childminder they will need to:

  • be registered with Ofsted if they live in England, or the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSIW) if they live in Wales;
  • be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure that they, or anyone over the age of 16 years living on the premises where the childminding is taking place, have not been convicted of any crimes which may deem them unsuitable to be working with young children;
  • have undergone a health check;
  • be trained in first aid for children;
  • attend introductory training;
  • be familiar with the necessary Standards set out by Ofsted or CSIW;
  • be insured;
  • have their home inspected regularly to ensure that it is safe and suitable for young children.

In addition to the mandatory basic training, many childminders undertake additional training in order to gain childcare qualifications. They may also attend organised workshops offering advice on subjects such as nutrition, business management, child protection and behaviour management.

Although it is important that families are able to access childcare which suits their children’s needs at every stage of their lives, it is also vital to remember that a vast amount of parents work shifts or unsociable hours – they may work early morning, evenings, nights, weekends or bank holidays, for example – and this is where childminders really come into their own, offering flexible hours that are often impossible to find at a nursery.

Advantages of childminders

In addition to flexibility there are many other advantages to choosing a childminder such as:

  • Personal service. Because childminders usually only care for a small number of children they are in the enviable position of being able to offer more individual care and attention to the children in their setting. Meeting the needs of all the children is much easier for a childminder caring for three children rather than for a nursery who may have a much larger number of children present.
  • Consistency. Childminders are unique in that they can offer care to a child from a young baby right through to them starting secondary school when they are usually independent young adults. This type of consistent care is beneficial to children as they are able to form a good relationship with one carer right through their childhood. The childminder and child will get to know one another very well and will, hopefully, along with the child’s parents, all become firm friends. This kind of stability is essential for young children and will enable them to feel loved, valued and secure.
  • Spontaneity. Childminders are their own bosses and as such they decide themselves how they will spend their time during the day. They will of course need to stick to certain routines such as feeding and sleep patterns for babies and ensure that they take and collect children from playgroup and school on time; but over and above this they do not have a strict timetable to adhere to. This ensures ample opportunity for important, spontaneous learning opportunities such as splashing in the puddles after a shower, playing in the snow after a sudden flurry or making the most of the outdoors on a sunny day. Being adaptable also allows childminders to take their cue from the child and should the child be feeling tired or under the weather then suitable arrangements can be made for them.
  • Real-life opportunities. Children who are looked after by childminders are able to take part in everyday experiences in much the same way as they would if they were at home with their parents. They will be able to help with the cooking and shopping, enjoy visits to the library or park and enjoy helping with the gardening. These kinds of everyday activities provide vital early learning opportunities for children with regard to science, maths, language and social skills and enable the children to feel part of the community. Childminders will often attend toddler groups and support meetings along with fellow childminders and their charges and they are able to take and collect children from playgroup or after-school clubs, giving the child the opportunity of making a wider circle of friends and getting to know the area they live in.
  • Understanding. Childminders are often mothers and fathers themselves and as such they are aware of the pressures faced by today’s working parents. They may not actually ‘go out’ to work but they are still working parents and they will be fully aware of the demands of family life in relation to work.
  • Family orientated. Unlike nurseries who often have separate rooms for children of differing ages in order to cope with larger numbers of children, childminders are able to offer care for children of varying ages, enabling siblings to stay together while they are in childcare. Most children benefit from mixing with other children of different ages and, as often the childminder’s themselves will have children of their own, this may well lead to valued friendships which will stand the test of time.

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Before deciding on a particular childminder take the time to look around at least two others in order to get a proper ‘feel’ for what is on o¡er. How else can you be expected to make an educated decision unless you can compare different settings?

Will a childminder be suitable for me?

To answer this question, first you will need to ask yourself:

  • Do you need flexible childcare due to irregular hours or shift patterns?
  • Do you have children of different ages whom you wish to be cared for together?
  • Do you want your child/children to be cared for by one person?
  • Do you want your child/children to be cared for in a home-based setting?
  • Are you assertive and confident in saying what you want from a childminder?

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When choosing a childminder, trust your instincts. The best choice for you will be someone who mirrors your parenting style and shares your values.

THE NANNY

Nannies are employed by parents to look after their children in the family home. Nannies can either live in the family home or travel to the house on a daily basis. Nannies can be very useful for parents who work shift patterns or weekends when other types of childcare may not be available.

At present there are no legal requirements for a person applying to work as a nanny to have any qualifications, although a large percentage of nannies will have gained a recognised childcare qualification which includes:

  • health and safety issues;
  • physical care and development of babies and children;
  • nutrition;
  • understanding how children learn through play.

Types of nannies

There are six main types of nanny and these are:

  • live-in nanny;
  • live-out or daily nanny;
  • temporary nanny;
  • special needs nanny;
  • nanny share;
  • male nanny.

The type of nanny you will be considering will of course depend on many factors such as the age and needs of your children, your family circumstances, cost and availability.

Live-in nanny

Live-in nannies do exactly what the name suggests. They are employed by the parents to ‘live in’ the family home and provide childcare. Live-in nannies are usually expected to work five days per week, often from breakfast until the child’s bath/bedtime in return for a salary, their own bedroom and, quite often, bathroom.

You should not expect a live-in nanny to work more than 12 hours per day, however it is acceptable to arrange separate evening babysitting cover. This extra cover should be arranged with the nanny and is often one or two nights per week. Nannies usually expect two full days off each week.

Live-out/daily nanny

A live-out or daily nanny is employed for a certain number of hours per day during which time they come to the family home. Once again hours should be negotiated but should not exceed ten hours per day with additional babysitting in the evening if necessary.

Live-out or daily nannies are usually only required during the time that the child’s parents are working and therefore may often finish work earlier than a live-in nanny who may be expected to bath the children and get them ready for bed. As a live-out or daily nanny is not provided with accommodation, their salaries are usually much higher than a live-in nanny whose salary will reflect the fact that they do not have to pay for their own living expenses.

Temporary nanny

Temporary nannies provide parents with short-term or emergency childcare and can be useful at times when the family’s usual nanny is ill or on holiday or if the family has been let down unexpectedly. Temporary nanny contracts can last anything from a few days to several months depending on the circumstances and they may be employed either on a live-in or live-out basis. Temporary nannies often demand higher rates of pay

Special needs nanny

There may be times when a child who is suffering from a special illness or condition will require specialist care. Obviously the severity of the child’s condition will go a long way to deciding whether additional care is required. Special needs nannies are particularly good at caring for children suffering from profound or multiple physical, sensory or mental disabilities.

In order for some children with special needs to reach their full potential it is sometimes necessary for them to receive specialist care from an experienced person who is highly trained in areas such as sign language, Makaton, or chronic illnesses. This is where a special needs nanny may be able to provide the solution.

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There are no legal requirements for a person applying to work as a nanny to have any childcare or ¢rst aid quali¢cations. It is essential, therefore, if you are considering this type of childcare, that you ensure that the person you choose to care for your child is suitable and that they have the necessary skills required for such a demandingand responsible role. Ask for references and, more importantly, follow these up!

Nanny share

A nanny share provides a more economical way for parents to employ the services of a trained nanny. A nanny share can be particularly useful for families who have children of school age or for parents who work on a part-time basis. The latter scenario might see a nanny working three days per week with one family and the remainder with another. Nanny shares usually work on a live-out or daily basis.

A nanny share may also work well for parents who work full time and the nanny is employed to look after the children of two families, in the home of one of them, sharing the costs involved.

Male nanny

Very few workers in the childcare industry, and this includes nursery workers, childminders, nannies and extended schools, are male. This is probably because, in the past, childcare has always been seen as women’s work. However things are now beginning to change and more and more men are entering the world of childminding and nannying.

Male nannies can be particularly beneficial to working single mothers who are worried that their children do not have regular contact with a male role model.

It has been reported in the press that male nannies are also becoming popular with working women who often see female nannies as a threat to their marriage.

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Things to consider when choosing a nanny or childminder:

  • What quali¢cations does the person you are considering have?
  • How much experience do they have?
  • How many children are they registered to care for?
  • How many children are they currently caring for?
  • What are the ages of the children they are currently caring for?
  • What is the carer’s daily routine?
  • How will the carer be able to incorporate caring for your child in their current routine?

Will a nanny be suitable for me?

To answer this question, first you will need to ask yourself:

  • Do you prefer someone to care for your child in your own home?
  • Do you have children of varying ages and wish for them to be cared for together?
  • Are you prepared for someone to live and/or work in your home?
  • Do you need someone who can fit around your routine?
  • Do you wish to have a lot of input in the way your children are cared for?
  • Are you willing to take on the legal and financial responsibilities that employing a nanny entails?

THE NURSERY

Nurseries usually offer childcare to children aged between three months and five years old and are less flexible when it comes to opening hours compared to some other forms of childcare. Often a nursery will operate from 8am to 6pm, which can be a problem for parents working shifts or weekends.

Unlike with nannies or childminders, children who are being cared for in a nursery will often have contact with several carers on a daily basis which may make it more difficult for them to ‘bond’ with one special person. Often this problem can be resolved by using a key worker system, whereby a parent and child are allocated a key member of the nursery staff who becomes the main point of contact for the parent with regard to the child’s progress and development. This member of staff will be responsible for building a relationship with your child. Ofsted are responsible for the registering and monitoring of children’s nurseries and strict regulations must be adhered to.

Types of nursery

There are three main types of nursery and these are:

  • private nurseries;
  • workplace nurseries;
  • council nurseries.

Private nurseries

Private nurseries are readily available in most areas. These nurseries charge a fee for the care of the children and many offer ‘specialist ’ services such as webcams to enable parents to access the internet in order to see their child during the day. Some may offer foreign language tuition, dancing classes, or provide organic food on their menus.

Workplace nurseries

This type of nursery is primarily for companies who reserve places for the children of their employees. Often if the nursery has any vacancies these will be offered to non-employees.

Council nurseries

Run by local councils, these nurseries are free but are very difficult to get into. Places in council nurseries are usually reserved for children from families in special circumstances such as one-parent families.

Advantages of nurseries

One of the main advantages of a nursery is the reliability that they offer. Nurseries are usually open all year round with the exception of Christmas and New Year. Parents can therefore always be sure that childcare will be available and they do not run the risk of their nanny or childminder letting them down at the last minute due to illness, nor do they have to organise holiday cover.

Disadvantages of nurseries

One of the main disadvantages of using a nursery is their lack of flexibility. Parents will be expected to collect their children on time every day and often, premium rates are charged for late collections. This is quite simply because staff are paid for a set number of working hours and expect to finish at their contracted time. Insurance complications may also arise if the nursery has to stay open longer than its core operating hours.

Although nurseries enable children to mix with a number of other adults and children and can give children early confidence for being away from their parents, which can be especially useful when the child is almost at school age, nurseries can also be rather daunting for a shy child who may find the whole experience of spending time in a nursery setting overwhelming.

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Take your cue from your child.There may be a nursery within a stone’s throw from your front door o¡ering a service for up to sixty children. However, if your child is shy and reserved by nature, is this really the best environment to put them in while you go to work? Sometimes compromises have to be made and travelling to a smaller nursery isn’t much ofa price to pay if your child is happy and settled in amore compact setting.

Will a nursery be suitable for me?

To answer this question, first you will need to ask yourself:

  • Do you prefer your child/children to be cared for by more than one person?
  • Do you find it difficult to arrange sick and holiday cover and therefore need a setting which offers year round care?
  • Do you want your child/children to mix with plenty of other children?
  • Do your working hours fit around the opening hours of most nurseries?
  • Is your child ready for new experiences?
  • Is your child sociable and confident enough to mix with a large number of people?

THE EXTENDED SCHOOL

Many schools have recognised the needs of working parents and as such

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