Traditionally, ‘childcare’ has meant three options: nursery, childminder, or nanny. Each childcare option has pros and cons, and involves tradeoffs of one kind or another. There is also a fourth option which is sometimes forgotten—nanny share. Keep reading to find out what your childcare options in London are.
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Childcare in London
Childminders in London
Childminders can be an amazing option for childcare in London if you find a good one living in the right place. Their location is crucial, as childminders work from their own houses so they need to live nearby, otherwise pickups and drop-offs are a nightmare.
A great childminder is wise, experienced, knows the local area intimately, and can give your children all the advantages of hanging out with other kids—without the rigid hours and frequent sickness of nursery. Many will take in a sick child, within reason. You can often pay them overtime for later hours and babysitting, with no handover required. It’s a wonderful, flexible option.
Childminders are regulated by Ofsted or Ofsted-approved agencies, and there are mandatory minimum training requirements. Koru Kids are now an Ofsted registered agency—so our Home Nursery service is a great place to find outstanding childminders in London.
In many parts of London childminders are becoming an endangered species, so if a great one lives near you, treat them well. You can read more about our home nurseries in this extensive info pack. We’re on a mission to recruit more amazing childminders—so watch this space!
Looking for a childminder?
Nannies in London
Nannies are brilliant. They work from your house, which is highly convenient, they can shift their hours around, they get to know your child superbly well, and they can even sort out your child’s clothes, bedroom and food.
The downside? It’ll cost you. On average, an independent nanny costs £37,000 in London—equating more than the first £50,000 of your salary before tax, and that’s not including agency finding fees and the other tax and pension contributions you need to factor in as their employer. Additionally, you might want your child to be around other children all of the day (not just at playgroups for part of the day) for the additional developmental benefits of being around other babies and toddlers from a young age.
At Koru Kids, we offer a competitive part-time nanny service with (we think) a better proposition than finding your own nanny, or using a traditional agency. Our nannies usually work part-time, at hours that suit you—so they’re a more informal nanny option. Check us out here.
Nurseries in London
Nursery is a great childcare option for children who enjoy the bustle of having lots of people around, and for older children who need a smooth transition into a school environment. There’s lots of equipment, toys, and a huge range of books. Many nurseries have some outdoor space.
Nurseries are highly regulated by Ofsted, with minimum staff:child ratios and staff training. Parents tend to get a lot of paper reports on progress, plus daily chats at pick up time.
For working parents, one big downside is that the hours are rigid. If the nursery is open until 6pm, this usually means not a minute past 6pm. Moreover, nurseries often close for a month in August, and have staff inset days like a school does. (‘Nursery schools’ are even worse, opening only during term times and sometimes only half days at that.)
Working parents also need to be aware of nursery sick policy, which can be difficult for two-working-parent families to deal with. Virtually all nurseries will refuse to take a sick child until 48 hours after their last symptom ceases. Children at nursery tend to get sick a bit more often, as the number of children in one place makes it easier for viruses to spread.
Costs for nursery vary hugely depending on location. This is mostly due to property costs, not staff costs—unfortunately even in expensive parts of London, nursery pay is among the lowest of any profession.
Nanny share in London
Nanny share combines the socialisation of a childminder with the convenience of a nanny. Two local families seeking childcare in London could share a nanny, who works between their two houses, caring for both/all children at the same time.
It’s super flexible: the nanny can pick up from one house and drop off at another, babysit, run an errand, stay in for a delivery.
If the children are sick, the nanny can still look after them. If the nanny is sick – well, there are four adults who might be able to take a day off to cover, rather than two.
And of course, the cost is shared between the two families.
We are big fans of nanny share. In fact, we love it so much we decided to devote ourselves to making it easier for parents to do.
It’s free to sign up to find families to share with near you, and if you’re ready to find a nanny – sole or shared – click the link below.
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