There are lots of different types of childcare available in the UK, and each has its pros and cons. All families are different, so there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to childcare. It is an important thing to think about. So it is good to look at the options available before you make a decision.

You may be able to get help with childcare costs with the recent new Government scheme. Have a look at this calculator on the Gov website to see if you could benefit. 

Let’s look at the main childcare types in the UK.

1. Nursery

• Age range covered: settings vary, but most are from 3 months up until school age.
• Availability throughout the year and session time: Most are open all year around, including school holidays, but may be closed bank holidays. A typical day might be 8am-6pm, with some nurseries offering an early drop off option for an extra charge.
• Pros: Can prepare children for school, increase confidence as they interact with a larger group of children, and interacting with a number of adults can adjust children to being looked after by different people.
• Cons: Although staff to children ratios are kept to, children may get less attention and one to one time, full day or half day sessions are offered so not much flexibility or ad hoc care available.
• Ofsted Registered: Yes

Nurseries can be run by private companies, or by community groups or volunteers. They will usually offer all day sessions, or a morning or afternoon session. Some will include nappies, meals and trips in their fees, and others will ask you to provide food and/or nappies. There will be a cost per day/half day. When enrolling your child, you will choose fixed days for them to attend nursery (this can be full time or part time). They may be able to offer ad hoc extra sessions if they have availability, for a fee. 

2. Childminders – Childcare In The UK

• Age range covered: some childminders will take babies and children from birth, all the way up to teenagers.
• Availability throughout the year and session times: Most childminders are open throughout the year, and will be closed for a set number of weeks for the childminder to have a holiday. They will give you these dates in advance. Their session times will vary, some will start before 8am and finish after 6pm.
• Pros: Children will benefit from a home environment, form a strong attachment to their childminder and the flexibility of a childminder’s sessions and age ranges covered can be beneficial to parents.
• Cons: Not all childminders are able to offer alternative provision when they are ill, sometimes it is tricky to fit in naps at specific times if they need to do a school run for other mindees.
• Ofsted Registered: Yes

Childminders care for children in their homes, and will provide activities, play time, as well as outings. Some childminders offer a pick up services from certain local schools. Sometimes they will care for their own children as well, and these will be included in the adult to child ratios. Some childminders are one childminder running the business, or they may have assistants or other childminders working with them so that they can accommodate more children. They can sometimes offer extra sessions with notice. If your childminder will be transporting your child by car, check with them that they have the correct car seat that is age appropriate. 

3. Nanny

• Age range covered: Some nannies will care for children from birth to teen years.
• Availability throughout the year and session times: Some nannies are employed by families full time or part time, and may be entitled to annual leave which they would agree with the family. (For more details on holiday pay, sick pay and pensions, see the Gov website)
• Pros: Having your children cared for in your own home and the convenience that brings, plenty of one to one time with their carer, if you have multiple children it can be cheaper than other childcare settings in the UK.
• Cons: Depending on how you employ your nanny, there may be no back up if your nanny is ill, and the family has to interview and employ the nanny themselves.  Registered: Optional

Nannies are employed by the family, either part or full time and care for children in the family’s home. Some live with the family, some just come for the days that they are looking after the children. They will fit in with the needs of the family. Sometimes they even prepare food for the whole family, arrange playdates and take children to and from appointments/ school too. Nannies can apply to Ofsted to be on the voluntary childcare register, to allow families to use tax credits or tax-free childcare contributions, but this is not compulsory.

4. Pre School/ Playgroups – Childcare In The UK

• Age range covered: Usually from 2 or 3 years old up until school age.
• Availability throughout the year and session times: Most are open term time only, offering morning or afternoon sessions but each setting can vary.
• Pros: Children can gain social skills with other children and adults, and benefit from the routine offered, and this can prepare children for school.
• Cons: Shorter sessions and term time only care means parents have to find alternative care for the school holidays.
• Ofsted Registered: Yes

Pre schools are similar to nurseries, as they care for a set number of children on set days, and follow a routine. However, they only take children of certain ages, and for shorter session times. Some pre schools are local authority maintained, or attached to a school. Playgroups are often run by volunteer groups or community groups, sometimes in a community centre or church hall.

5. SEN (Special Education Needs) School Nursery

• Age range covered: Settings vary but most cover from 3 months up to the age of 5.
• Availability throughout the year and session times: Although settings vary, most nurseries are open all year round.
• Pros: Staff at the setting will be trained specialists for SEN, and the setting will be set up to accommodate a range of extra needs.
• Cons: Depending on the child’s needs, some families like to try mainstream education or childcare in the UK.
• Ofsted Registered: Yes

Although most childcare settings will be able to accommodate children with SEN, there are some settings that specialise in care for children with SEN. Some children with an Education, Health and Care plan may benefit from a special school nursery.

6. Other Types Of Childcare In The UK

There are other options to consider as well, such as an au pair. Au pairs are usually students from abroad who are looking to learn English, and live with a family offering childcare for a set number of hours a week, while in return they live with the family and the family provides them with food and a small allowance.

Another option is family and friends. Although this is an informal arrangement, it can be useful if your child has grandparents or aunts/uncles that are able to help look after your child. This can be a flexible option and allow your child to bond with other family members. Mothers At Home Matter are an organisation who are campaigning for a childcare subsidy to follow the child with parents allowed to choose whether they use it to stay at home, give it to grandparents, childminder or external setting.

Childcare Agencies Can Help If You Are Feeling Overwhelmed

Sometimes with all of the options available this can be overwhelming, or maybe you have a job or family life that does not fit with the usual childcare settings.

Koru Kids provides childcare that fits in with your family, on a permanent basis or for a shorter period of time. Their nannies can pick your children up from school or nursery, and look after them in your own home. Koru Kids will arrange the employment contracts for you, taking the hassle out of hiring a nanny.

Bubble offers flexible childcare that can be booked through an app. They can offer one off childcare sessions or regular help. All you need to do is post your needs and wait for babysitters or nannies to respond, or you can book directly through a particular sitter or nanny on Bubble.

See What Works For Your Family

There is no right or wrong approach, you must see what works for your family. It may be that you use a combination of the above, or even transition your child from one type of childcare to another as they get a little older.

Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?

Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!

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