Child Care - Any clues?!

homeaway

MobileAddict wrote: »

Hi there,

This is a really, really strange question, but my other half and I are in discussions / debates about whether we are going to have a baby or not. He is being all practical about it (god I hate that!) and thinks that we can't afford it.Well, maybe we can't, which is why I'm here!

I'm wondering if anyone can give me ball park figures of how much child care is. Either at nurseries or private care.I know this will differ throughout the country, but I have absolutly no idea what we would be looking at! Now, I know you will probably tell me to call round local nurseries to find out but I simply can't wait until the morning!!

Any help would be gratefully appreciated!!!

Zoe x x x

Hi, I dont know about childcare costs in the UK but what i will say is that probably a lot of people will say that you can never really afford a child!! There are so many areas where you can cut costs down so it does not have to cost the earth things like buying baby equipment and clothes second hand. We had three in quick succession and wondered how we would manage but we did, we just cut down on other things that we could. We holidayed with family etc... Talking with my mil who had six children and struggled by from month to month she said that they managed. The kids shared rooms, did not have many presents at christmas and they did not waste food.It was another era but perhaps we can all learn from this.

dangers

With a childminder, you are likely to be looking at someone who has had their own children. Some nursery staff are only just out of school and don't have the same relationship with a baby/toddler that a childminder would have. At the end of the day, it is the most precious person to you that they are looking after!

Rachie_B

depends what you are looking for ? would recommend looking round lots of nurseries and CMers...

i prefer the home from home setting of a CMer,going on outings,days out,local groups etc,more relaxed

i dont like nurseries ( though there are very good ones !) i did placement at some and would not send a young child to one TBH ( just my opinion)

an older child not so bad but its a looooooooong day in the same place for a small child IMO
not many outings etc but a lot of parents like this as they "know where they are"

some nurseries have webcams ,but a few CMers i know have them too now

there are lots of pros and cons to both TBH

you could also look into the (more expensive) option of a nanny ( i am one ) you could have a nannyshare arrangement which will be cheaper

xx

MobileAddict

Hi there,

Thanks so much for all your comments. It really does help!

So, next question.. Whats the difference between a childminder and a nanny?!?!?!

Gosh, and to think that I could actually be a parent when I don't understand all of these terms. I think I must be deluded!!!!

x x x

clairehi

A childminder is self-employed, usually works from her home, so you take the kids there and pick them up. she will probably also look after various other people's kids. you pay her, often an hourly rate, and she has to sort out her own tax and NI.

A nanny is much more expensive. S/he is (usually) directly employed by you, and usually works at your home taking care of only your children although some people have "nanny shares". If a nanny is directly employed by you, you will be liable for such things as employers NI, holiday/sick pay, maternity pay if appliable etc.

I am sure there are exceptions to the rule in both cases though.