When it comes time to think about your childcare options, it can be a little overwhelming. There are so many choices and your child may not be suited to all of them. Plus you have to consider money, time and your child’s development. Whether you want to stay at home and care for your child or plan to send your child to a private nursery, it can be hard to pick. Many parents may have some idea about which ones are right for their child and which ones aren’t – but it’s important to consider all of your options so that you can make an informed decision.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the options available to you.
Private nursery
Nursery school takes children from newborns to primary school age. They are great for getting your child ready to go to school and you can usually find affordable nursery schools in your area. Some nurseries are even free if they are attached to a primary school. Your child will be taught by qualified teachers and you can use your 15-30 hours free weekly childcare allowance if your child is eligible.
Playgroup or preschool
These are community and voluntary-run sessions for three-five-year-olds that usually offer morning or afternoon sessions. It’s a low-cost option and you can use your weekly childcare allowance. However, they don’t offer full-time childcare, so you would have to find extra cover during the school holidays or the rest of the day.
Au pair or nanny
These options are both live-in childcare options. A nanny will be a trained childcare professional who is registered with Ofsted and will care for your child in your home. As their employer, you will be responsible for Income Tax and NI contributions as well as their pension. An Au Pair is usually someone from another country who is able to teach your child a language. They’re paid ‘pocket money’ so are much cheaper than many other options. They’re usually treated as a member of the family so you don’t normally need to worry about tax and NI.
Are you seeking childcare in Eastleigh or Hedge End? Little Acorns Nursery is an affordable private nursery that strives to help parents find the best nursery solution for both them and their little one. Not only that, but we strongly believe in making quality childcare available to everyone. Get in touch to learn more about our nurseries.
