05 Feb What are the Different Types of Childcare?
If you are starting work after having children or returning to work, you will want to choose the best childcare option for your family. Whether it’s your first experience or this is your third or fourth child, you can be met with a minefield of confusing and conflicting information. Similarly, after a family separation or union, a new solution might be needed at a time when emotions are running high.
I myself remember not understanding the difference between a nursery and a childminder. There’s so much help available and it changes all the time so don’t assume that what was available when you had your first child is still the same.
Once you have decided what form your childcare will take, you will need to choose a provider. This again throws you into making decisions about something that you may have no point of reference for. Also, the cost of childcare is sometimes scary, but help is available in many different equally confusing forms. This might not be a decision based solely on income or expenditure. Work-life balance, self-worth and aspirations also need to be considered.
So what are the different types of childcare currently available, and which is best for you?
Types of Childcare
- What are Children’s Centres? – Children’s Centres offer early learning, childcare, health advice and family support for families with children up to age five
- What are crèches? – Crèches provide occasional care for children under eight. For example, leisure facilities or training days.
Crèches can also be used for private families for weddings, conferences and events. - What are toddler groups? – Informal groups of parents and carers that meet locally with their children on a regular basis are often called Toddler Groups and usually include children who are under five.
- What are preschools and playgroups? – Preschools and playgroups provide playtime and early education to under fives. Normally mornings and afternoons, booked in blocks.
- What are day nurseries? – Day nurseries provide care for children from birth to four or five and beyond. Often they’re integrated with early education and other services, Again, it’s normally mornings and afternoons, booked in blocks.
- What are out-of-school or kids clubs? – Kids clubs offer school-aged children a safe and stimulating environment in which they can play and learn outside of school hours.
- What is a childminder? – A childminder will usually look after children under 12 in the their own home and often collect school-aged children from a nearby school and provide drop offs and pickups.
- What is a Nanny? – Nannies provide childcare in your own home and can look after children of any age. They can also provide transportation and overnight/weekend and evening care. Booked as and when you require or in blocks. Nannies can also provide support with household chores that are related to the children. Level of care can vary from mothers help to a sole charge nanny.
- What is an au-pair? – An au pair is a young person from another country who are generally in the country for a year to improve their English. Au pairs are generally not qualified in childcare and would require their host family to provide an environment where they are nurtured and supported.
All these forms of childcare are registerable, and you can claim some of the cost back (dependant on your circumstances) through Tax credits and salary sacrifice schemes.
The world of childcare can be confusing but finding the right arrangement for your family is the key. For more information on the types of childcare available to you, contact our dedicated childcare team below:
0800 0851444
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