What are au-pairs

Usually young women from foreign countries, au pairs usually come to the UK in order to learn our culture as well as earn some money too.

• Au pairs live with the family for which they are working and must be provided with meals and their own room.
• Au pairs must be provided with a weekly allowance, and may not work in the home for more than five hours per day.
• Au pairs need no qualifications or certifications, but their schedules (with classes during the day) generally make them an attractive option for caring for school aged children.
• As au pairs are often foreign, proceed wisely and make sure you feel comfortable with any potential carer's command of English and abilities to communicate.
• Be aware that you will probably need to outfit your au pair with a mobile phone and put him/her on your car insurance if you are expecting your children to be driven anywhere.

What are nannies

 Nannies are child-carers who will look after your children in your own home.

• Nannies do not need to register with the government, nor must they complete any training or certification prior to commencing work.
• Nannies will set their own terms regarding the number of children they will care for, their working hours and pay rates, and if they will perform any other household chores while on duty.
• "Hidden" costs for hiring a nanny will include making sure that your nanny has a mobile phone, adding your nanny to your car insurance (if desired), extra pay for babysitting beyond contracted working hours, and meals eaten while working.
• Note, as you would be your nanny's employer, you will be responsible for paying his/her tax and social insurance contributions.

What are childminders

Childminders are professional carers who look after children in their own home.

• Childminders must be registered and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
• Childminders must be insured to care for children in their homes.
• Childminders will have completed basic training and first aid courses.
• Childminders may care for up to six children aged under eight years (including their own) at any one time.
• Childminders may only care for three children aged under five years at any one time.
• Childminders are self-employed and therefore will set their own hours and rates, but may be willing to work evenings and weekends.

What is pre-school

Pre-school is an educational setting available for children not yet old enough to attend primary school. Many parents select this childcare option because it is a structured environment with lessons that will ready their children for attending school. Pre-schools do not usually accept children under the age of three or over the age of five.

• Pre-schools may be public or private, and many will have waiting lists.
• Fees for pre-schools vary.
• Pre-schools generally follow a prescribed national curriculum.
• Most pre-schools will accept no more than twenty students at a time.
• Pre-schools must be registered with the Office for Standards in Education.
• 50% of any pre-school staff must be qualified in childcare/early childhood education.
• Pre-schools usually run for two or three hours either in the morning or afternoon and require appointed adults to collect the students.

Finding the right childcare 

There are a number of things to look for when looking for childcare.  The visits you make to nurseries or pre-school establishments are your chance to ask the staff as many questions as you need to.  Equipped with the anwers and your impression of the facilities at the nursery will help you decide if it is the right environment for your child.

Consider the following:

• Were the facilities available appropriate for the number and type of activities being conducted?
• Was there lots of interaction between the staff and children?
  
• Was the ratio of staff to children adequate?
• Were you given information on all of the staff's backgrounds and qualifications?
• Were the disciplinary methods acceptable against your own standards?
• Are there any outdoor facilities, such as a playground, available?
• Did it seem as though all required healthy and safety practices are being followed?
• Will the establishment be able to cater to any medical, allergy or diet requirements your child might have?
• Remember, first impressions count! Go with your gut instinct and if something doesn't feel quite right think of looking elsewhere.
• Were you and your child made to feel welcome by the staff
• Were the children busy with acitvities and importantly seem to be enjoying themselves
• Were the premises clean, bright and airy and large enough to accommodate the number of children

When choosing a nursery or pre-school, remember that you are looking for an establishment that nurtures healthy, happy children through a variety of activities. The nursery or pre-school you ultimately select will have a hand in teaching your child social, education and ethical lessons, so choose wisely and trust in your good judgement!

What is the difference between nursery and pre-school