Choosing The Right Child Care

As parents we discover a lot of new things with our child or children. weather it's your first or even your 4th, there is still some thing new we learn every time.

The one thing we know what's coming later on but don't want to let go and that is choosing the right child care for your child. All those things stick at the back of you mind, " will they like it"

"will they make friends" , " are the teachers friendly " and how much will it cost plus a lot more to take in yet still make it difficult for us to make the right decision.

It is clear to say no parent wants to leave their pride and joy with at a school not knowing what could happen, I certainly had that feeling when I saw my son go off for the first time.

Choosing child care is probably on of the most important decisions you could possibly make as a mother or father. A great child care provider not only ensures your child's safety and happiness, but also provides peace of mind and enables us to continue with our career.

Many parents feel child care offers opportunities for activities and social interaction that wouldn't be necessarily be available at home.

The only social interaction that you may possibly get is the drop of or pick up of your child where the parents gather around to drop off and start chatting to compare child's behaviours or to pick up when the stand around to discuss how they get in the their start of learning.

• YOUR CHILDS AGE. Often parents with younger children are happier with home-based child care , whereas parents older children want some nursery provision so their child can make friends.

• PERSONALITY . Parents of quieter children may prefer home-based child are. Or you may feel a nursery may give them more opportunities for socialising.

• YOUR WORK. Do you work regular hours? What time do you leave and get home? What would happen if you were late?

• CHILDCARE LOCATION. Do you want child are nearer home or your work so you can pick them up straight away? Are you considering moving house or job, bear in mind your work place could move. Remember you may also want to use child are when your not working.

• PRACTICALITIES. Does the provider have spaces for the days you want? What hours do they offer? Do you still have to pay if your child is ill? Do they offer a settling-in period? Will you have to pay to keep your child's place? How much notice do the require?

• BUDGET. How much can you afford to spend? Are nappies, meals, drinks etc provided?

So you see you need to take all these things in to account before choosing the right child care!

There are three options for child care.......

Childminder

Looks ok after a small group of children from home. You can negotiate hours to holiday pay, and include details in the contract. Childminders must be registered and in the uk, the average cost for a child under 2 is £3.93 per hour.

PROS

Homely environment. Should form a strong bond with your child.

Usually a few children of different ages, often flexible.

CONS

You may have to provide meals and nappies, if the childminder is ill or on holiday, you maybe left without childcare.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

Busy but relaxed, happy children; safe, secure, clean premises preferably with out door space; a childminder who has a good report with children and joins in with their everyday activities.

NANNY

Works from you home ( May live in or out).

You can negotiate everything from hours to holiday pay, and include the details in the contract. As the employer you'll have to pay their tax and national insurance.

Nannies don't have to be registered. In the uk daily nannies cost from £7.00 to £12.00 gross according to nanny link agency, (including tax and NI).

PROS

One on one care in your home, so fewer settling in issues and less stressful if your late.

Flexible- you can find someone who fits your schedule. Should form a bond with your child, your child can keep their routines and you can suggest outings.

The nanny will make meals and do other child related chores. If your child is ill, you may not have to take time off.

CONS

The expense - although it's better value if you have more children, and you can do a nanny share with another family, not the most sociable option as you will have to pay the Nancy's tax and NI. If they are ill or on holiday you maybe left with out child care

For this option I would suggest using a agency unless you have a recommendation, make all duties clear on the interview and work out what your prepared to pay gross.

DAY NURSERY

Childcare centre that cares for children until school age, must be registered.

In the U.K. the average cost for a child under 2 is about £4.26 per hour.

PROS

Guaranteed child are all year round ( exempt Christmas and bank holidays etc).

Lots of activities and potential friends. Safe, secure and specially designed settings.

CONS

Less one on one care, some children may prefer a quieter environment. Can be flexible (e.g you must fit in with their working hours).

Often have a strict illness policy so your child may have to stay at home for several days after vomiting.

when going to a nursery look around at other children to feel the atmosphere and what they are doing. Is it secure and safe for the child? Do staff pay attention to the children and have good attitude towards them and do they have a caring manager or owner that takes pride.

Lastly check how clean it is in general and also what food they provide.

Go to a family information centre to find a list of registered child care providers.

look at different types of child care before making your decision.

make a list of things to look at and also a list of question you would to ask, e.g - at a nursery do the staff have qualifications, experience and how many children in the nursery at present.

childminders and and nurseries need to be registered and inspected so ask to see the reports.

Talk to other parents and get references for childminders and nannies.

return for a second visit with your child and partner "trust your gut feeling" as a parent you will somehow know if it's the right place for you child.