Finding Childcare
Finding Childcare
Thom Crabbe (Childcare Expert) gives expert video advice on: How do I find out what childcare is available?; How do I know which childcare suits me?; What should I consider when looking for childcare? and more...
What is a nannyshare'?
A nannyshare is where more than one family employs a nanny to look after all their children. This is valuable because it can reduce the cost of the nanny. It may also mean that one families house is more suitable than another, and its often a more common arrangement these days to have a nanny share.
Where can I find a nanny?
The best way to find a nanny is through a nanny agency. A nanny agency can find a suitable nanny for you or potentially set up a nanny share arrangement. The other place is advertising for a nanny. The most common places nationally are in The Lady or in The Nursery World, but you may try an advert at a more local level too.
What should I consider when looking for childcare?
The most important consideration is that your child is going to be happy, safe, and develop safely within the childcare that you choose. So it's going to be important to see that the childcare is the right one for your child, and that will probably include visiting the childcare and getting references. You also need to consider cost, and flexibility, and location. These are all important factors because it is going to be a very regular visit for you.
Do childminders have to have qualifications?
Yes, childminders have to have completed an introductory course before they can become registered as childminders, and they'll also have to had completed a first-aid certificate. In addition to that, other checks would have been carried out on the premises they're using for childminding, and checks carried out on all of the family members in the childminder's house. Many childminders are qualified beyond these basic levels and often are very experienced childcarers.
Should a nanny have a first aid certificate?
Nannies are not required by law to have first aid certificates. It is something the parents certainly would want to speak to the nanny about. Under the approval scheme, nannies would always be required to have first aid certificates.
What is an approved' nanny?
An "approved" nanny will have met several specific requirements from the government, and these include having a first aid qualification, having a Criminal Records Bureau check, and having a recognized child care qualification.
