Understanding Childcare

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1. Step 1: Why childcare?

   Most parents will use some form of childcare whilst their children are growing up. It means the parents can go back to work or study or just have a little bit of free time to pursue a hobby. Research has also shown that high quality childcare can help improve a child's educational, emotional and social development.

2. Step 2: Which Childcare?

   There is a huge variety of childcare to choose from and each type has its pros and cons. The decision of which to use will ultimately depend on what suits the family needs, based on work hours, budgets and other key factors.

3. Step 3: Types of child care

   A nanny is a form of home based care. They are usually qualified or at least highly experienced childcares who take care of your children in your own home.
   You might find using a nanny an attractive option because of the one-to-one care on offer allowing your child to benefit from plenty of attention and development. This means you will also have a big say in how your child is cared for – what they do, when they sleep and eat and much more.

4. An au pair has come from abroad to learn the language and culture of your country. He/she will live in your home and help with the household chores and basic childcare but it is not appropriate to rely on them as a full time childcarer.
   
   As you are personally employing the nanny or au pair, you will need to take on the legal and financial responsibility including organising contracts, insurance and holiday and sick pay and paying their tax and National Insurance contributions.

5. Childminders offer a form of care similar to nannies but are usually based in the childminder's own home.
   A homelike environment is created that can provide comfort and reassurance to your child and they will also have a consistent caregiver. Similar to a nanny, the hours can be flexible which can help if you work irregular hours and you can also have a say in how your child is going to be cared for.

6. A day nursery provides care and education to young children outside of their own home in a group environment usually taking between 15 to 40 children. It gives your child the opportunity to mix with other children and encounter new experiences.

7. If you are taking a well deserved break and heading out for the evening, hiring a babysitter is an ideal choice . They are usually a friend or family member who will look after the children for a short period of time, usually in the evening.

8. Step 4: The Cost

   Many assume that childcare is expensive and only achievable for the well off. That certainly isn't the case and no matter your financial situation, there are plenty of good quality and affordable childcare options. There are many government initiatives available that ensure that families are helped with the cost of childcare. The government website, Directgov, provides a comprehensive list of the childcare benefits available.

Thanks for watching our video Understanding Childcare For more how to videos, expert advice, instructional tips, tricks, guides and tutorials on this subject, visit the topic Finding Childcare.