What are the different types of childcare available to you?

Choosing childcare can be overwhelming, and you might not be aware of all the different options out there. Here’s an overview of the most used types of childcare – registered, unregistered and informal – to give you a steer. 

Registered childcare options 

Day nurseries  

Many nurseries take children from six weeks old until they leave to go to school. They are often open all year round and offer hours that support parents in dropping their children off before they go to work and collecting after they finish.  

Childminders  

Childminders will take care of your child in their own home alongside a small group of children. Childminders often care for a mixed age group of children, from babies and beyond, and might look after school-aged children before and after school and during school holidays.

Smaller group sizes and a homely feel to this type of care can suit some children.  

Preschools 

These are usually available for children aged two years plus. They are sometimes attached to a school but can be run privately or by a charity. The opening times of preschools vary, with some offering morning or afternoon sessions, term time only and others offering longer days and holiday care. If you are looking for morning or afternoon only sessions, this might be the right childcare option for you. 

Inspection and regulation of childcare in the United Kingdom

Nurseries, childminders and preschools are registered and inspected – you can find inspection reports for registered childcare providers on these websites. 

England – childcare providers are inspected by Ofsted.

Scotland – childcare providers are inspected by the care inspectorate.

Wales – childcare providers are inspected by the care inspectorate.

Northern Ireland – childcare providers can be found using the Family support NI website.

You can also find out more about childcare near you by visiting your local council website. 

Unregistered childcare options

Nannies   

Nannies will look after your children in your home. They are hired employees who are paid a salary, and they can live in or out of your home. They do not have to be registered and you can hire them part-time, full-time or just around school hours. You can hire them specifically to support you and your family with a young baby during the night, and some will even do light house chores, if that’s been agreed as part of their contract. 

You can find a list of nannies available to hire here: Nannies, Live in Nanny, Live Out Nanny, Night Nannies, Nanny Jobs - Childcare.co.uk 

Au Pairs 

An Au Pair is a young person, aged between 18 and 30, who goes to live abroad with a family to gain the experience of living in another country in exchange for childcare. Au Pairs often develop a close, familial bond with their host families. 

Connect with an Au Pair here: Find your Au Pair today or discover the world | AuPair.com 

Informal childcare options 

Crèches 

You will usually take your child to a Crèche for a couple of hours at a time. They can often be found at large shopping centres, places of work or gyms, and can be a good way to entertain your little one for short periods of the day. 

A quick look on the internet will help you find local crèches. 

Friends and family  

You might opt to ask trusted family and friends for childcare support, depending on their availability and the logistics. However, it is always useful to have a back-up plan when using friends and family for childcare. Also, don’t forget to pay the good deed forward to your friends and family as and when you can. 

Babysitters  

A babysitter will usually be in your home for a few hours during the evening. They are also used by parents staying in hotels, while on holidays and sometimes at weddings. You can find local babysitters on local Facebook pages, by asking friends and family, or via a website like this: Babysitters and Babysitting Jobs | Babysits