Despite the shortage of places, there is a reasonable range of childcare options on offer in the UK – formal, informal, full and part-time, inside and outside a home environment, in family units and larger community groups. The precise needs and economic considerations of each family automatically make some forms of childcare more suitable and attractive than others. The (often elusive) ideal for every parent is a flexible, child-centred model, which promotes the social, emotional and intellectual development of the child while positively welcoming parental involvement.

In professional circles, there is a growing recognition of the need to integrate care and education in the early years in order to lay the best possible foundations for school. This is the focus of the burgeoning early years/childcare organisations that support childcare professionals directly through training and information and indirectly through research and representation in the public forum.

If there is any simple advice for parents embarking on the search for childcare, it is to bear the needs of the individual child in mind, to trust your instincts when choosing and to be alert to positive and negative signals from your child once the arrangement is in place. It also makes sense to re-evaluate your childcare periodically to ensure that the option you have chosen remains the most suitable for you and your child.

HOME-BASED CHILDCARE

Childminders 

Childminders are self-employed carers currently inspected by the social services department of the local authority and registered to look after up to six children from birth to 14 years at any one time, usually in the childminder’s own home. The Care Standards Act stipulates that they should have no more than two children under two and no more than three under five in their care.

The expertise of most childminders comes from their own experience of bringing up children, although a new three-part childminding qualification has been developed which results in a certificate awarded by CACHE. The benefits of childminding to parents and children include flexible hours, contact with other children, care for siblings of different ages, continuity of care once a child starts school, and affordability.

At the moment there are only 85,000 registered childminders in England and Wales providing 300,000 places, but the Government hopes to add a million more places by 2003. Costs vary as there is no national rate, but you can expect to pay between £3.50 and £5 per hour. From September, childminders will be subject to annual inspection and regulation by OFSTED.

Call the ChildcareLink information line (freephone ) for details of your local Childcare Information Service or use the ChildcareLink map to find out about local childminders. Alternatively, consult your health visitor.

Choosing a Childminder

The National Childminding Association (NCMA) is a registered charity formed eighteen years ago to raise standards and enhance the image and status of childminding in England and Wales. The association works to improve conditions for childminders, children, and parents and offers support for local childminding networks. Parents considering this option will find most of their questions answered on the NCMA’s ‘How to Find a Registered Childminder’ page. The association’s ‘Children Come First’ initiative is an indication of their commitment to deliver quality assurance. The NCMA information line is on .

The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) publishes a leaflet called ‘Choosing a Registered Childminder’ which you can download, and briefing sheets (see the ‘Information & Advice’ section) that you can order. SCMA operates an advice line on .

According to the Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA), there are approximately 4,000 registered childminders in Northern Ireland, with childminding accounting for 80% of full daycare in the province. NICMA provides a childminding information and vacancy service free for parents on .

Nannies and Mother’s Helps

Nannies look after children in a home setting and can be employed on a daily or live-in basis. Having your child cared for in your own home has some obvious advantages. It is a familiar environment for the child and one that you can control. It also saves you having to deliver and collect your child at the beginning and end of a working day, which increases your working time and flexibility.

Since nannies and mother’s helps are not regulated, the onus is entirely on you to carry out all the relevant checks, choose judiciously and, ultimately, to create a successful working partnership. The burden of tax and National Insurance liabilities will also fall on your shoulders. However, in return, you can have a tailor-made carer for your child or children who can accommodate your family’s specific needs.

The price tag for this option is high, with annual salaries starting at £14,000 in rural areas and climbing to £22,000 in central London. Nanny-shares, where a nanny divides her time between two families or looks after the children of more than one family at the same time, are an effective way of reducing the costs. If more than two families are involved, the nanny will need to be registered by the local authority.

ChildcareLink’s Choosing a Nanny provides a simple introduction to the subject. The Department for Education and Skills has produced a comprehensive four-part guide called Need a Nanny? which covers every aspect of childcare recruitment, including creating a job description, advertising, interviewing and advice on how to make it work once you have made your choice. The factfile deals with all the technicalities.

Mother’s helps do not have qualifications in childcare but can be very useful to a mother of slightly older children who attend nursery or school, as they usually provide help with school runs and practical tasks, such as shopping, cooking, washing and ironing, as well as spells of childcare. Mother’s helps can also be a valuable extra pair of hands after the birth of a child. Their wages are at the lower end of the nanny scale.

Doulas (from the Greek word meaning ‘handmaiden’) are an American childcare concept that has been gaining popularity in the UK over the last couple of years. Although some have childcare or midwifery experience, the only prerequisite for doulas is that they should have had children themselves. Doulas are hired on an hourly basis to meet the diverse needs of a mother of a new baby and may even accompany a woman through labour. On average, fees are £10 per hour.

Maternity nurses or nannies are either qualified nurses, midwives or nursery nurses who are employed for six to eight weeks after the birth of a baby. They work 24-hour shifts for six day periods and are able to provide total care for a newborn and whatever level of support and advice the mother may need. Rates may be upwards of £10 per hour.

Au Pairs

If you have a spare room and children of school age, an au pair may be one of the least costly childcare options – around £40 per week. Although au pairs are not generally recommended for sole charge of children under three, they can help with after school care, light household tasks and babysitting in the evening.

The Home Office definition of an au pair is a single person aged from 17 to 27 who has come to the United Kingdom to study English. Au pairs can live for up to two years as a member of an English-speaking family and help in the home for a maximum of five hours per day, with at least two full days off per week. An au pair can move to a new host family but cannot take paid employment outside the home. 

The International Au Pair Agency has worked to establish guidelines and standards for the employment of au pairs and provides a clear definition of the au pair role. The page of FAQs on the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) website, discussed below, answers the most common queries about au pairs.

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Once you have decided what sort of childcare you need, try to allow as much time as possible to find it. It is also worth pursuing several lines of enquiry at the same time, i.e. put the word round your local network, advertise in relevant magazines or local papers, and sign up with childcare agencies.

REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation) compiles an alphabetical directory of member nanny and au pair agencies who adhere to the new voluntary code of practice.
36 - 38 Mortimer Street
London W1N 7RB
Telephone:

The International Au Pair Association holds an approved list of au pair agencies which covers the whole of the UK.

British Doula Association
Telephone:

Best Bear is an independent service listing recommended childcare agencies throughout the UK. Best Bear’s guide to good childcare is the result of its unique nationwide survey of over one thousand childcare agencies; they list only recommended agencies. You can find au pairs, nannies, maternity nurses and babysitters through vetted agencies on the site; you will also find information and advice for parents and childcarers and a number of childcare search facilities.

Nursery World
A weekly print and online UK-wide publication for childcare professionals in which families can advertise.
Telephone:
E-mail: advertising

The Lady 
A weekly publication known for domestic help ads. Nationwide.
Telephone:
E-mail: classified.ads

TNT 
Good place to advertise for a versatile nanny/mother’s help in the Australasian mold; best for London and suburbs.
Telephone:
E-mail: classyads

The Register 
Childcare listings magazine for London and outlying areas; strong in part-time care and matching nanny-shares.
Telephone:

Quality Control & Safety Checks

It is better to play safe when it comes to checking the suitability of a person applying to work with children. In addition to following up at least two references – preferably on the phone – you should check the status of all qualifications to make sure that they are valid and that the applicant has the training and expertise required to do the job you are asking. Parents can even ask for proof that the applicant has a clean criminal record.

Suitable childcare qualifications for nannies include:

·        A Diploma in Childcare and Education (formerly Nursery Nursing) issued by CACHE (Council for Awards in Children’s Care and Education) 

·        A NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 3 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or an SVQ (Scotland) in Early Years Care and Education 

·        A relevant BTEC Certificate or Diploma 

The framework for national childcare training and qualifications is currently under review. Visit the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website for a full update or contact the Early Years National Training Organisation ). ‘Working with Children’ is a useful page on the Early Education site that explains the training involved in childcare qualifications and the sort of responsibilities that it prepares the carer for.

CACHE 
Telephone:

EDEXCEL (for BTEC qualifications)
Telephone: /1

QCA 
Telephone:

National Association for Maternal and Child Welfare (NAMCW)
Telephone:

The National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) provides details of qualifications from other countries.
Telephone:

Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN)
Part of the Professional Association of Teachers, PANN represent nursery nurses in schools, private and local authority day nurseries and nannies working in family homes. PANN is committed to the best possible practice in childcare – see Code of Practice – and to resolving disputes wherever possible.
Telephone:

From the autumn, potential employers in England and Wales will have access to criminal records information via the Home Office’s Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). They will be able to ask a candidate to obtain a ‘certificate of disclosure’ from the CRB which will reveal the state of their criminal record and their suitability for a childcare position. The CRB Information Line is .

If you are interested in employing someone in Scotland with work experience in England, this is still the office to contact. If the candidate you are considering has work experience in Scotland, you should apply to the Scottish Criminal Record Office (Telephone: ). The policy is still under discussion in Northern Ireland. 

The DTI Employment Agency Standards helpline provides a free and confidential complaints service about agency conduct and will investigate any complaints made by families or nannies. The DTI Employment Agency Standards helpline can be reached on

Payroll and Tax Guidance

Nannies and mother’s helps are subject to National Minimum Wage regulations. The main category, covering employees over 22 years of age, is due to rise from £3.70 to £4.10 per hour in October 2001. It will remain at £3.20 for 17-21 year-olds. Contact the DTI National Minimum Wage Helpline on if you have any questions. 

Call the Inland Revenue Employers Helpline on for guidance about tax and National Insurance contributions or contact the Employers Control Section of your local PAYE tax office for a Simplified Deduction Scheme pack. Penalty for non-payment is £7 backdated for each day that you fail to comply. 

Nannytax will advise you on your tax and National Insurance obligations and provide a payroll service in return for an annual subscription.

CHILDCARE OUTSIDE THE HOME

Many parents choose to have their child cared for in a safe, stimulating and sociable external environment while they are working. Centre-based childcare comes in many different guises and can start as young as three months and carry on until children reach their teens. 

The guidelines set out in the Care Standards Act for childcare staffing ratios outside domestic premises are one adult for every eight children aged between three and seven, and one adult for every four children between two and three. With children under two, the ratio increases to one adult for every three children. Each child is assigned a ‘keyworker’ who has responsibility for the welfare of that child and for communicating with the parent(s).

Subsidised schemes and places, sliding fee scales and nursery education grants for three and four year-olds are all important steps towards bringing childcare within reach of the average purse. Employers are also being slowly persuaded of the advantages of setting up childcare facilities on site or close to the workplace and making some contribution towards the cost. Any centre that takes in children under the age of eight is subject to annual inspection and regulation, at the moment by the local authority, from autumn by OFSTED. This means they may be eligible for Childcare Tax Credit.

Day Nurseries

There is enormous variety within this category. Privately-run and workplace nurseries are usuallydaily between 8am and 6pm all year round except public holidays, and can offer part or full-time care. Theng times for local authority or other community-based nurseries are generally in line with the school day. At the top end of the scale, fees can be expensive – around £200 per week for a full-time place in a private day nursery. Community nurseries represent a more affordable option. Local authorities are obliged to give priority to children/families in need and may offer heavily subsidised or free daycare in certain circumstances. 

When you are looking for a nursery for your child, you need to satisfy yourself that the atmosphere, facilities and the nursery’s approach meet your own standards and requirements before you make a commitment. ChildcareLink’s Choosing a Nursery will help you to know what to look out for. You are also entitled to ask to see a of the nursery’s latest inspection report.

The ChildcareLink information line and map search can give you details of day nurseries in a specified area. Type in your full home postcode or click on an area of the map. Freephone:

UK Nurseries is an initiative launched by the President of the Board of Trade to increase awareness and availability of childcare facilities for parents involved in part-time work. It is intended to offer childcare support for single and married parents in rural and urban areas by providing access to local authority information throughout England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. It includes a useful introduction to choosing preschool groups.

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is a professional organisation which actively promotes quality daycare in the private sector. NDNA also offers advice on good practice, develops training and support programmes and reviews registration and inspection procedures. Its website provides a list of helpful pointers to consider if you are looking for a day nursery and a database which includes member nurseries, from the smallest nursery to the largest chains, in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Central Scotland and Lothians. NDNA’s nationally recognised ‘Quality Counts’ accreditation scheme is supported by the DfEE. Telephone: 01484 541641

Scottish Independent Nurseries Association (SINA)
Telephone: 0141 762 0080

The Association of Quality Nurseries in Scotland (AQNS) represents private day nurseries and a growing number of playgroups in N. E. Scotland. Full membership is only granted to providers who practice National Care Standards as part of a quality assurance programme. Telephone: 01224 646 836.

Nursery Classes And Schools

Nursery classes are attached to primary and independent schools and take children between the ages of three and five. Nursery schools are the independent equivalent and may start children at two and a half. They are registered and inspected in the same way as schools and are staffed by trained teachers. Both keep school hours and terms. There are often waiting lists for popular nurseries, so it is worth putting your child’s name down in good time to avoid disappointment. 

The usual pattern is for a child to attend for two or three half days to begin with and work up to five. Some extend the duration of their visits as they approach compulsory school age to the length of a normal school day. This is just one way in which nursery prepares children for the next stage. Nurseries are not a full-time childcare option. 

The Montessori approach to early education has provided parents with an alternative model of daycare. Developed at the beginning of the last century by Maria Montessori, the main objectives are to foster confidence, independence, initiative and concentration by creating an environment in which children can engage in the activities that interest them at a pace that suits their stage of development. Equipment and apparatus are accessible, child-sized and appealing, children are taught practical and social skills in an atmosphere that is orderly, calm and positive. The Steiner ideal for early years education also concentrates more on developing skills and faculties needed for life rather than delivering information.

With the introduction of nursery education grants, free nursery places (five two-and-a-half hours sessions per week) are now available to all four year olds for the three terms before they are five, and half of three year olds. The Government plans to extend the provision to two-thirds of three year olds by the end of 2001/2. The strategy is being implemented by the Early Years Development and Childcare Plan within each local authority. There has been an increase in the number of nursery units in primary schools in order to meet these targets. Local authorities arrange enough places for all the four 

ChildcareLink produces a simple guide to Choosing a Nursery Class or Nursery School. To find out about the nursery schools and classes in your area, contact their information line (freephone ) or use the ChildcareLink map search. Type in your full home postcode or click on an area of the map.

You can read OFSTED reports of private/state nursery schools and nursery units in primary schools online.

The Independent Schools Information Service (ISIS) 020 7798 1500 is a reliable source of information about independent schools with nursery classes.

You can search for private nursery schools on the Nursery Directory site by typing in your full home postcode, town, county or a nursery name. For a more general search you can also click on an area on the UK map.

Montessori Education (UK)
The National body representing the Montessori viewpoint, they hold a list of Montessori schools in England and a summary of the key features of the Montessori approach.
Telephone: 020 7433 1548

Montessori Centre International 
This organisation incorporates the London Montessori Centre and Montessori St. Nicholas Training College. Read their Beginner’s guide to a Montessori classroom and consult their UK-wide list of Montessori schools, pre-schools and nurseries.
Telephone: 020 7493 0165

Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship 
The fellowship is the contact for information about their 45 kindergartens in the UK and Ireland or read about the Steiner philosophy under ‘Key Perspectives’.
Telephone: 01342 822115

Pre-School Groups

Playgroups, playschools, parent and toddler groups, creches and under fives groups all belong in this category. Sessions are usually attended by up to 20 under school-aged children for two to three hours a day on one to five days a week during school terms. They generally make a minimal charge of around £2.50 per session. Pre-school groups, which are often managed by volunteer parents, provide a valuable local support network for mothers and informal/home-based carers, as well as a range of play-centred activities geared to the age and needs of the developing child. There are some full daycare facilities included within this bracket.

The Government’s Sure Start Scheme has made £452 million available to improve support and health/education facilities for families of 0-3 year olds, with a focus on deprived areas. There are 128 schemes already in operation with a total of 500 planned by 2004.

ChildcareLink produce a simple guide to Choosing a Pre-School Playgroup in England and Scotland. To find out about the pre-school groups operating in your area, contact their information line (freephone ) or use the ChildcareLink map search.

The Pre-School Learning Alliance is a national educational charity and umbrella body linking 17,000 community-based pre-schools – sessional groups, parent/toddler groups, under fives, full daycare groups - providing places for 700,000 children. Consult the directory to find the pre-school nearest to you.
Telephone: 020 7833 0991

The Playgroup Network is a national voluntary organisation supporting playgroups and parent and toddler groups with training and information to allow them to provide for the needs of their children and families through community groups.
Telephone: 01642 319030

The Scottish Pre-school Play Association holds information about under-fives childcare services throughout Scotland. Contact memberships services for details of local facilities.
Telephone: 0141 221 4148
E-mail:pla

Highland Pre-School Services (HPS) are early years advisors/trainers feeding information to a network of health visitors. HPS hold a register of 280 member groups, inspected and approved by councils. They also issue grants for special needs children which pays for one-to-one carers.
Telephone: 01463 703440

Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association
Telephone: 01978 358 195

Northern Ireland Pre-school Play Association
NIPPA is an umbrella body for early years organisations in Northern Ireland with around 900 member groups including playgroups, daycare centres, parent & toddler groups and other early years groups. They maintain a database which covers most of the provisionto parents in the province.
Telephone: 028 9066 2825
E-mail: mail - website expected soon.

MENCAP (Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults) run voluntary playschemes after school and on Saturdays for children from two and a half years. Contact their headquarters (020 7454 0454) for details of District Officers, who will be able to tell you about the schemes operating in your area.

Out Of School Childcare

As part of its National Childcare Strategy, the Government has undertaken to provide high quality affordable childcare for every child in its own community over the next four years. The provision of out of school childcare places is central to this commitment. Out of school childcare facilities for primary age children are of great assistance to working parents of school-age children. These include pre-school ‘breakfast’ and after-school clubs and holiday playschemes.

ChildcareLink produces a simple guide to Choosing an Out of School Service

To find out about the out of school childcare provision in your area, contact their information line (freephone ) or use the ChildcareLink map search. Local schools and LEAs should also hold up-to-date lists.

Kids' Clubs Network (KCN)
KCN is the national charity for out of school childcare in the UK. They have worked closely with the Government, employers and parents to achieve the goal of providing affordable, child-centred childcare for children of school age. They were also involved in compiling the Childcare Commission Report, a summary of recommendations emerging from the first UK childcare think-tank. KCN represents a network of more than 5,000 kids’ clubs, offering children between the age of four and twelve a safe and stimulating place to go outside school hours and during the holidays. They are committed to creating a welcoming environment for children with special needs.

Go to their All About Kids' Clubs page to find out about your local kids’ club or call their Information Line (020 7512 2100) for advice and support on all aspects of out of school care or if you are interested in setting up a scheme in your area.

Copies of the Childcare Commission report are available on request.

The Scottish Out of School Care Network is Scotland’s lead representative body for school-aged childcare. It provides information, advice and membership services to individuals, organisations and local networks. Telephone: 0141 331 1301

MENCAP (Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults)
Call their headquarters (020 7454 0454) for information about junior Gateway Clubs run for children between eight and 14 years.

Nursery Search

The following sites offer online search facilities, which can help you locate day nurseries, nursery classes and nursery schools. All of the information here is included in more detail in the ‘Childcare Outside the Home’ section above.

ChildcareLink

A government-backed site with an online database of day nurseries, nursery schools & classes, childminders, playgroups and out of school childcare in England, Wales and Scotland.  Each search will pull up contact numbers for local Childcare Information Services, which you can ring for comprehensive listings. Type in your full home postcode or choose an area on the map, then click on ‘Search for Childcare’.

Nursery Directory

You can search for private nursery schools throughout the UK on the Nursery Directory site by typing in your full home postcode, town, county or a nursery name. For a more general search you can also click on an area on the UK map.