Childcare
Childcare Options
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There is a fantastic range of childcare services available in the UK to
suit everyone’s needs, whether it is full-time, part-time or occasional.
Outlined below is a brief description of the types of childcare in the
DAMIR CUDIC/IST
UK. We hope this gives you some familiarity with the available
choices and helps you make informed decisions.
A Nanny is a dedicated individual who is employed to have sole
(when both parents are working/out of the house) or shared charge
(with the at-home parent) of the children. A nanny’s duties or “nursery
duties” include preparation of children’s meals, washing and ironing
children’s clothes, generally tidying of bedrooms and playrooms,
homework supervision, play dates as well as other indoor and outdoor
activities. Many nannies will take on extra duties such as household
laundry, family cooking, cleaning etc., but this must be discussed in
advance to ensure both parties’ expectations are met.
Mother’s Helps are generally unqualified nannies (and therefore less
expensive than nannies) who will work alongside a mother, rather
than having sole charge of the children. Mother’s Helps may work
well for parents who work from home or parents who work part-time
and want more help with housework and childcare duties combined.
Au pairs usually have no formal childcare training but will assist with
child minding, light housework, help in the kitchen, and day care for
school age children for approximately 20 hours per week. They are
often quite young (18-22 years), and are in the UK to learn English and
assimilate the culture. Most will have to attend English language
lessons as part of their visa requirement. They should also be available
for babysitting one or two evenings per week. Au pairs earn board
and lodging and a small amount of money each week in return for
their duties.
Registered Childminders are professional day carers who work in
their own homes to provide care and education for other people’s
children. All childminders are required by law to register with
OFSTED. Police and Social Services record checks are carried out on
the childminder and all persons over 16 living in the house. The
childminder’s home is also checked for hygiene and safety.
26 Focus Children’s Guide
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