Childcare

You've decided you are going to seek employment. Now, lets tackle the issue of childcare!

You'll find the articles below packed with advice, information and links about childcare. If you have any questions that the information below fails to answer, please don't hesitate to contact us using the Contact Form or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Childcare Vouchers

The childcare voucher scheme is a government initiative set up to help working parents pay for childcare.

What exactly are childcare vouchers?

The scheme is known as a ‘salary sacrifice’ scheme which means that the vouchers are taken out of your gross salary, before tax and NI contributions are deducted, meaning you make a saving on both.

They are usually offered to parents as an “employee benefit” and the scheme is usually operated for your employer by an outside company.

How much will I save?

The amount you save depends on your salary and if you are a standard or higher rate tax payer. You could save up to £55 a week. And over a year you could save up to a maximum of £1,195 or £2,390 if both parents work.

Can I leave the scheme?

You usually enter a contract with your employer for a minimum of 12 months. You will have to leave the scheme if you decide to take unpaid maternity leave because you are not receiving a salary.

Will my pension be affected?

It could be. If you a member of a company contribution scheme, you will need to check with your employer.

Will my work tax credit or child tax credits be affected?

Possibly. You will need to check with your local working tax credit office or the Inland Revenue.

Useful links

HM Revenue & Customs www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare
Information on salary sacrifice, childcare vouchers and tax credits

Where can I find information about local childcare?

Every local authority has a Children’s Information Centre detailing childcare in your area. You will be able to obtain lists of registered childminders, nurseries, out-of-school and holiday clubs, pre-school/playgroups and children's leisure activities.

For your local CIS go to the government’s Childcare Link site www.childcarelink.gov.uk.

Useful links

The Daycare Trust is a national charity that provides useful advice on how to choose childcare. Go to www.daycaretrust.org.uk

What are the childcare options?

Au pairs

An au pair lives in and is given board and lodging in return for helping out with childcare and other domestic tasks. Most don’t have any formal childcare training. An au pair usually spends stays for a few months to a year with a family.

You can find an au pair through an agency.

Childminders

Childminders work from their own home and often look after their own children. Many provide outings to local playgroups and libraries. They can offer flexible hours and can pick children up from school. Childminders have to be registered with Ofsted which means that they have completed childcare and first aid courses and have been inspected.

Nannies

Nannies come to your home and can usually offer the most flexible hours. They are responsible for all aspects of your child’s care from food to planning activities but not domestic work. Nannies should be qualified. Reputable agencies make checks of qualifications, police records and references. There is a registration scheme for nannies but it is voluntary. For a guide on employing a nanny see www.bestbear.co.uk

There are plenty of families who would love the luxury of hiring a nanny but dismiss the idea because they only need part-time care or because they think the costs will be too high. Here at thenannysharers.co.uk, we say don’t deny yourself the best. If you team up with a neighbouring family you can have your cake and eat it. thenannysharers.co.uk provides a centralised database where families can team-up and share a nanny and the related costs. A simple online search can help you find like-minded families in your area, so your childcare paradise really might be just a few mouse-clicks away.

Nurseries

Nurseries provide full time care all year round and usually open between 8am and 6pm. They must be registered with Ofsted or the Care Commision in Scotland.  Some offer places to babies from three months and must provide a one to three staff to baby ratio of care. Nurseries can offer full or part time places.

Useful links

SureStart is the government’s childcare programme. For parenting and childcare advice go to www.surestart.go.uk

Childcare vouchers can be used towards to cost of any form of childcare. If you child is under the age of 8 the childcare provider must be Ofsted, Care Commision or local authority registered. You can also use the vouchers to pay for more than one type of childcare provider. The vouchers can be used towards the cost of childcare until your child is 16.

How will I receive my childcare vouchers?

Childcare vouchers are either sent to you as paper vouchers or as electronic vouchers.

If you receive paper vouchers you can use them to pay your childcare provider in the same way as cash.

If you receive electronic vouchers these can be transferred directly into your childcare provider’s bank account.

Can I receive them if you work part time or on contract?

Yes. Anyone can benefit from childcare vouchers provided your company agrees to take part in the scheme.

If my employer isn’t part of the scheme – what then?

You are entitled to ask your employer to join a scheme but they are not obliged to. Remind your employer that if they take part they will pay a lower amount of Employer National Insurance, saving £373 a year for every employee on the scheme

Finding childcare

Finding the right childcare when you return to work is often one of the important decisions you can make as parent. The thought of handing over your child to another person or nursery can be extremely daunting.

If you are going to be able to return to work feeling confident about your child’s happiness and safety it is vital to take time to explore all the available options. With a bit of ground work it will be possible to find a solution that works for you, your child and your family.

What to consider

• Think about what your child enjoys. Is your child more comfortable in a cosy home environment or ready for the stimulation provided by a nursery?
• Do you have a commute? Nurseries and some childminders have fixed hours.
• Are you happy to have someone look after your child in your home? This provides flexibility but you may worry about a loss of privacy.
• If you opt for a nanny or childminder what happens if they fall sick?
• Do you need extra cover during school holidays?
• Cost. Consider sharing a nanny or joining a workplace childcare voucher scheme. 

Childcare Links

www.findababysitter.com is the easy and affordable way for parents to find a local child care fast. Post a childcare job and search thousands of babysitters, au pairs, nannies, and childminders by postcode and your personal childcare requirements. The website is free for childcare candidates to sign up and find childcare jobs.