Figuring out the best childcare choice for your little one can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t need to be.
We’ve broken down the childcare options for 0-5s in the UK. Scroll down to see the pros and cons of each, and which families I think suit each option.
Or for a quick summary, check out the handy table below to compare the three most popular options for babies and toddlers: nanny vs nursery vs childminder.
Want to skip ahead? Jump to the childcare option you want to learn more about below
Nursery
What is a nursery?
Nurseries are a very popular childcare choice – so popular that for many parents they’re the ‘default’, and they don’t even consider any other options.
For those coming from other countries: nurseries are the equivalent of ‘kindergarten’ or ‘pre-school’. Don’t be confused (as I was initially) that the word is also used to describe a place for baby trees! If you’re new to the UK, we’ve got a cheat-sheet for expats UK childcare names.
A nursery will typically care for children from 3 months to 5 years old, although some will take babies from as young as 6 weeks. They’re run by owners and nursery managers with trained staff who have formal childcare qualifications.
Most nurseries have a large number of children per room, but they’ll be slightly different for the age groups. Some nurseries limit their spaces: infants and toddlers (ages 0-2) have around 10 to 15 children per room, with a ratio of at least 1 caregiver for every 3. preschoolers (ages 3-4) may have a slightly larger setting size, typically accommodating 15 to 20 children per room, with a similar ratio of caregivers to children.
Nurseries follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework. These are the standards that all state schools, nurseries and childminders must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to age 5. It covers literacy, numeracy, and physical, social and emotional development. While offering less individual time with each child than other options, nurseries offer lots of socialisation with children of a similar age and plenty of sensory stimulation. Parents often particularly value this as the children get older, towards school age.
Nurseries can be used full-time or part-time, and allow families to use government payment schemes including Tax-Free Childcare or Funded Hours for Working Parents. The average annual cost of a part-time nursery place (25 hours per week) has risen by ~£500 since 2022. Read more about the average costs of a nursery here.
A nursery is great for: families with one child looking for a relatively affordable childcare option
Rachel’s personal view: “Nurseries are the best known option for childcare, and the one many parents will default to. There are a lot of great nurseries out there, with fantastic experienced childcarers doing great work often under difficult circumstances.”
Alternatives to nursery
Nurseries can be wonderful places where little ones learn and grow. However, for many families, nursery settings aren’t always the perfect fit for their child – and that’s okay. Your little one might be catching every bug going around, feeling overwhelmed by the busy environment, or simply struggling to settle despite everyone’s best efforts.
While nursery often feels like the ‘default’ childcare option, many parents choose it not because it’s their first preference, but because they aren’t aware of the alternatives available.
The good news is that other childcare options and costs exist and we’re starting to see more and more parents exploring these other options.
Let’s explore some other childcare options that might be perfect for your family.
Full-day nanny
A full-day nanny or private nanny offers something truly special: personalised care right in your own home.
Think about the benefits:
- Your little one stays in their familiar environment with the rhythm and routine they know and love
- One-on-one attention that addresses all their emotional, physical and social needs
- Activities tailored specifically to your child’s interests—whether that’s exploring outdoors, visiting local attractions, or splashing about at swimming lessons
- Fewer illnesses (goodbye, constant nursery bugs!) and care that continues even when your child is under the weather
- More relaxed mornings without the rush for dropoff, and flexible hours that can adapt to your work schedule
Contrary to popular belief, nannies aren’t just for the wealthy. For families with multiple children, a nanny can actually work out more economical since you pay per nanny, not per child. Many families use their nanny to care for their baby or toddler during the day, then collect older siblings from school later on – eliminating the need for after-school clubs.
Some parents fear judgment from peers because it goes against the default childcare options, yet we’re seeing more and more parents choosing to use a nanny while they seek the benefits of tailored care in a familiar environment for their little one.
Find out more about full-day nannies here.
Nanny share
If you love the idea of a nanny but are mindful of costs, a nanny share could be your perfect solution. Children still enjoy social interaction with other little ones, while benefiting from a smaller, more nurturing environment than a typical nursery.
Nanny shares offer brilliant flexibility in terms of location and timing, with far less disruption from illness-related absences. Financially, they sit nicely between sole-care nannies and nurseries, generally costing between £11-15 per hour.
Whole-day shares tend to work best for most families. If you want to find a compatible family to share with, use our free family finder to connect with potential matches in your area!
Find out more about nanny share here.
Mix and Match
We’re seeing more and more families embrace a ‘mix and match’ approach to childcare – perhaps two days at nursery, and two or three days at home with a nanny. This brilliant combination offers the social benefits of a nursery alongside the personalised care of a nanny.
For families with two children in nursery, this approach might even reduce costs. In areas with particularly expensive nurseries, a full-day nanny caring for two children can actually work out slightly cheaper than two nursery places.
Parents who’ve adopted this approach often tell us, ‘The nanny days are the easy days’ – no morning rush, more cuddle time, and far less stress when illness strikes. Those working from home especially appreciate being able to pop in for lunch or a quick cuddle during their workday – precious moments they wouldn’t get with full-time nursery care.
Childminders
Childminders offer a wonderfully nurturing middle ground – care takes place in the childminder’s home, creating a cosy, family-like environment with fewer children than a typical nursery.
The benefits include:
- More personalised attention and care that can follow your child’s individual routine
- Consistent one-to-one relationships that many children thrive on
- Often more affordable than nurseries
- Ability to keep siblings together, making life easier for busy parents
- Regular outings to local parks, libraries and playgroups, offering varied experiences
Rachel’s personal view: A mix of nursery and nanny is the winning combination for me. Little ones get exposure to the social environment of a nursery on some days, while also receiving that highly personalised one-on-one attention in their own home on other days. It truly offers the best of both worlds!
Nannies
What is a professional full-day nanny?
A professional full-day nanny can look after your children in your home from birth until they start school. If you have more than one child, they can look after the younger child full time while also doing ‘wraparound’ care for any school-aged children, i.e. pickups and drop offs that wrap around the school day.
Professional nannies are highly qualified and experienced, often coming from specialist early years childcare backgrounds including nannying, nurseries, childminders, teaching or other childcare roles. While nannies aren’t required to deliver the national early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum as nurseries and childminders are, it’s fairly easy to find nannies who are highly trained in it and parents can then be assured their children are getting the same school preparation as those in nurseries.
Many families have just one nanny for years. This means children can develop a deep attachment to their nanny, which is highly beneficial for early years development.
Nannies usually do a full-day of work spanning 8-10 hours a day. The role can be structured as full time (4-5 days a week) or part time (1-3 days a week).
The biggest benefit of a full-day nanny is the tailoring of care to the needs of the family and children. Each day can be entirely centred around the children, whether that’s a quiet sick day inside or a day exploring a special interest. Unlike nurseries and childminders, care continues even if the baby or child is sick. Parents who work unusual or long hours can find nannies particularly beneficial as they’re not tied to a childcare setting’s opening hours.
Nannies are paid per hour rather than per child. For families with more than one child, this can mean a significant cost saving compared to other settings like nurseries or childminders. This is particularly valuable for families who have multiples or siblings with close age gaps.
Beyond their regular working hours, full-day nannies are frequently available for additional babysitting upon request. In some cases, families may even negotiate a regular babysitting night. This allows families to tailor the arrangement to their specific needs and ensures comprehensive care for the children.
A full-day nanny is great for: families who want tailored childcare, and can afford to pay up for it – or who have more than one child so the cost is comparable to nursery
Rachel’s personal view: “As soon as I had my second child we transitioned from childminder to nanny, and our nanny has brought calm and order to our life ever since. One little known but very significant advantage of a nanny is that they look after ill kids. This seems like a detail before you have kids – but as parents quickly learn, young kids are ill all the time! I feel grateful every day that one of my kids is sick and I get to carry on as usual.”
What is a nanny share?
Nanny share is a childcare arrangement where, instead of employing an individual nanny, children from two local families are jointly cared for by a single nanny in one of the family’s homes. This could be as a full-day nanny looking after babies or toddlers all day, or it could be as an after-school nanny doing wraparound care for school-aged children.
This arrangement allows roughly a 30% saving for families compared to the usual cost of a nanny, and allows the nanny to receive higher pay.
With nanny share, a child can get all the benefits of a personal, intimate relationship with a single carer as well as other kids of similar age. This promotes better self-development and growth plus all of the social benefits of spending time close together with another child.
Read our handy cheat-sheet for more information about how to get a nanny share started, or use our free nanny share tool to find a family to share a nanny with.
A nanny share is great for: families who want a more affordable way to get the benefits of a nanny
Rachel’s personal view: “Nanny shares really can offer the best of all worlds, so long as you have a great ‘other family’ to share with. They offer the flexibility and resilience of a nanny but at a more affordable price. Plus I’ve heard from tons of families that their children have sibling-like bonds they wouldn’t trade for the world. Definitely worth asking around your local friends, to see if any would like to share.”
What is a night nanny?
A night nanny is a professional caregiver who specialises in providing overnight care for your baby in the parents’ home. The main focus for a night nanny is to help new parents during the night, allowing them to get much-needed rest while ensuring the baby’s needs are met.
A night nanny typically arrives in the evening, around 9 pm, and stays until the morning, around 7 am. These hours can be flexible, depending on the arrangement with the parents. Families may hire night nannies for varying durations, ranging from a few nights to several months, based on their specific needs.
They focus on tasks related to the baby’s nighttime routine which may include night feeds, changing nappies, settling the baby back to sleep, preparing and sterilising bottles, and dressing the baby in the morning. They’re compatible with exclusive breastfeeding — they’ll bring the baby for a feed then take the baby and burp/change them, so the mum can easily get back to sleep rather than become fully awake in the night.
Night nannies are typically not responsible for domestic cleaning or laundry tasks. Their focus is on the baby’s care and the well-being of the parents during the night.
Night nannies in the UK are highly qualified and have extensive experience in newborn care.They may come from backgrounds such as paediatric nursing, midwifery, maternity nursing, health visiting, or general childcare.
A night nanny is great for: Tired parents of babies who aren’t sleeping much
Rachel’s personal view: “Night nannies are expensive, no getting away from it, but many parents will tell you it’s the best money they’ve ever spent. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture. I used night nannies for two of my babies and they were like angels who arrived at our hour of greatest need. I remember being sceptical they would genuinely help me sleep as I was exclusively breastfeeding, but they really did. Angels, I tell you.”
What is a live-in nanny
A live-in nanny is a professional caregiver who lives with the family they work for, providing childcare services on a full-time basis.
The live-in nanny will have their own room in your home and will help with childcare duties throughout the day and sometimes during evenings or weekends as well, depending on the family’s needs. Even though they live with you 24/7, they are still only available to work within their contracted hours, although you might be able to request ad-hoc babysitting sessions when needed.
Live-in nannies may be responsible for tasks such as feeding, bathing, and playing with children, as well as helping with household chores related to the children, such as tidying their rooms or doing their laundry.
They are usually employed directly by the family and may work under specific terms outlined in a contract, including salary, working hours, and any additional benefits or responsibilities.
A live in nanny is great for: families with busy parents who have unpredictable schedules (or travel a lot) – and who have a spare room
Rachel’s personal view: “Demand for live-in nannies was off the charts during Covid, as parents were desperate for childcare within their bubble. That effect has persisted a bit, and live-in salaries are much higher than they used to be relative to live-out. That said, if you find someone you can live harmoniously with, live-in can be absolutely brilliant. Out of all the families I speak to, those with live-in nannies are, in general, the happiest with their childcare overall.”
What is a nanny housekeeper
A nanny housekeeper is hired to do both nanny and housekeeper duties. They’re the ultimate all-in-one package, handling everything from childcare to cleaning, cooking, and laundry. They work in the family’s home, juggling childcare duties while keeping the house clean and tidy. Whether it’s playing with the kids, whipping up a tasty meal, or tackling amountain of laundry, they’re on it.
Depending on your needs and how old your child is, a nanny housekeeper might focus more on looking after the little ones during certain times of the day and then switch gears to tidying up or cooking later on. They work hard to seamlessly blend childcare and housekeeping tasks to keep the household running smoothly.
They’re usually hired directly by the family, and their hours can vary from full-time to part-time, depending on what works best for everyone.
It’s a common misconception that nannies and nanny housekeepers do the same work, including household duties. This isn’t the case as nannies typically won’t do household tasks, so it’s best to advertise that you are explicitly looking for someone who can do both nanny and housekeeping.
A nanny housekeeper is great for: families that need a bit of cleaning and a bit of nannying, but not a full nanny role
Rachel’s personal view: “Nanny-housekeepers are a bit of a unicorn, unfortunately. You can see why they’re so sought-after, offering the promise of comprehensive childcare and household support. By all means give it a go getting hold of one – they do exist – but my advice is, have a backup plan (and if you see one you like, act fast!)”
Maternity nurse
What is a maternity nurse?
A Maternity nurse is a highly trained and experienced professional who specialises in providing support and care to families with newborns. Maternity nurses are typically hired to help parents during the first few weeks and months after their baby is born. Their role is to provide guidance on newborn care, help to establish routines, and offer support to parents as they adjust to the challenges of caring for a new baby.
They are experts in newborn care and are well-versed in the latest practices and guidelines and will assist the parents with tasks such as feeding, nappy changing, bathing, and establishing a sleep routine.
The services of a maternity nurse are typically temporary, covering the immediate postpartum period. The duration of their stay can vary based on the family’s needs, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
They have professional qualifications related to childcare, nursing, midwifery, or similar fields and will have completed specialised training courses in newborn care and postnatal support.
A maternity nurse is great for: New parents who want to be supported in the early weeks of their baby’s life
Rachel’s personal view: “Like night nannies, maternity nurses are not cheap, but I often hear from new parents that it’s the best money they ever spent. In fact I’ve never heard of anyone regretting getting a maternity nurse. This is a gold standard option used by wealthy families, allowing parents space to get to know their baby with confidence and in a relaxed way..”
Mother’s help or Father’s help
What is mother’s help?
Mother’s helps might perform very similar tasks and duties to that of a nanny, but they often don’t have the same experience as a professional nanny, and would not usually be left with sole-charge of the children except for short periods of time.
They’re often cheaper than a nanny because they have less experience and wouldn’t charge for childcare in the same way a professional nanny would.
This arrangement would give you some help with childcare duties while still being available to oversee and provide guidance as needed, but give you the freedom to manage most of the childcare while they helped with other at-home duties like meal or snack preparation, tidying or light housekeeping.
The role of a mother’s help can vary depending on your needs and the specific arrangement made between you and the helper. It is typically a part-time position and may be ideal for individuals who are interested in gaining experience in childcare but are not yet ready for the full responsibility of being a sole caregiver.
Mother’s help is great for: stay-at-home parents who need extra help in taking care of the children
Rachel’s personal view: “I wish we could retire the term ‘Mother’s Help’ (what’s the father doing?) but unfortunately that is what they’re commonly called in the industry. Mother’s helps are a bit of a secret, the kind of thing you only hear rumoured once you’re firmly entrenched in ‘parent-land’. For those families that can afford them, they can be transformative in taking a load of stress and pressure off.”
Childminder
What is a childminder?
A childminder is a professional childcare provider who offers a nurturing and supportive environment for children in their own home. They have to be registered either directly with Ofsted or an Ofsted-registered agency. They’re closely regulated by Ofsted, either directly or through the agency they’ve joined, ensuring that they meet specific standards for safety, quality of care, and child development. Childminders are legally required to deliver exactly the same curriculum as nurseries do, namely the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Childminder to child ratios are set by Ofsted so, depending on the age ranges, childminders can care for up to six children under the age of 8.
Childminders typically provide care for children in their own home, which feels cosy and familiar where children can feel comfortable and secure. Their home-based setting usually includes dedicated play areas, bedrooms for naps, and outdoor spaces for outdoor play and exploration.
A childminder can offer your child tailored and individualised care because they have small settings, which means activities and routines can be adapted to suit a small number of children.
Many childminders offer flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, making them a convenient option for families with non-traditional work schedules.
Childminders often care for children of various ages simultaneously, creating a family-like environment where siblings can play and learn together. They adapt activities and routines to accommodate different age groups, providing age-appropriate experiences and challenges.
A childminder is great for: families with any age children who want an affordable childcare option
Rachel’s personal view: “Childminders are the ‘jewel’ in the UK childcare system’s crown; flexible, high-quality, relatively affordable. It’s a tragedy that the number of childminders has been in steep decline for over a decade now, due to lack of support from government. If you can find a great childminder near you this can be an excellent option. It’s what I chose for my own first baby!”
Using different childcare options
What is mix and match childcare?
Mix and match childcare means using different types of childcare through the week, rather than relying on just one option. For example, your child might attend nursery three days a week and be looked after by a nanny for the other two days.
Many families find that a combination of childcare types offers the perfect balance for their needs, providing flexibility, developmental variety, and sometimes more manageable costs.
Parents who’ve adopted this approach often tell us, ‘The nanny days are the easy days’ – no morning rush, more cuddle time, and far less stress when illness strikes. Those working from home especially appreciate being able to pop in for lunch or a quick cuddle during their workday.
Benefits of mixing childcare types
Financial flexibility
Different types of childcare have different costs. Combining options can sometimes make childcare more affordable overall. For example, using family care for some days and paid childcare for others, or using a nanny share instead of a sole-charge nanny.
Developmental advantages
Different childcare environments offer children varied experiences:
- Nurseries provide structured activities and socialisation with peers
- Nannies can offer one-to-one attention and outings in the local community
- Childminders provide a home setting with a small group of children
- Family members offer relationship continuity and cultural connections
Increased resilience
Children who experience different caregivers and environments often develop adaptability and confidence. They learn to build relationships with various adults and navigate different settings.
Practical flexibility
A mixed approach can align better with parents’ work patterns. If you need longer hours on certain days for important meetings, while other days allow for earlier finishes, different childcare types can accommodate this.
Built-in backup
With multiple childcare arrangements, you’re not left without options if one becomes temporarily unavailable. For instance, if nursery closes due to staff shortages or a sickness outbreak, a nanny might be able to work an extra day.
Is mix and match childcare right for my family?
Consider these factors when deciding if a mixed approach would work for you:
Your child’s temperament: Some children thrive on variety while others prefer consistency. Consider how your child responds to change and new environments.
Logistical complexity: Multiple arrangements mean multiple drop-offs, pickups, and relationships to manage. Consider whether this fits with your family’s capacity.
Communication requirements: Good information sharing between different caregivers becomes essential. Consider how you’ll maintain consistency across different settings.
Cost implications: Calculate the total cost of your preferred combination to ensure it fits your budget. Sometimes mixing options saves money, but not always. Use the Koru Kids childcare calculator to get an idea of mix and match childcare costs.
Making mix and match childcare work
Establish consistent routines
While settings may change, try to maintain similar meal times, nap schedules, and key routines across different childcare environments.
Create a communication system
A shared notebook, app, or regular update emails between caregivers helps maintain consistency and ensures important information is shared.
Prepare your child
Talk to your child about their weekly schedule. Even very young children benefit from understanding what to expect each day.
Plan for transitions
Allow extra time on days when your child is transitioning between different childcare settings, as these changes can sometimes be challenging.
Regular reviews
Schedule regular check-ins with all caregivers to ensure the arrangements continue to work well for your child as they grow and develop.
Questions to ask potential providers about part-time arrangements
For nurseries:
- Do you offer part-week places?
- Is there a minimum number of days required?
- Are there specific days available for part-time attendance?
- Do you charge differently for part-time versus full-time places?
For nannies:
- Are you interested in part-week work?
- Do you have other families you work with on the other days?
- Are you flexible to occasionally work additional days if needed?
For childminders:
- Do you prefer children who attend all week or are you happy with part-week arrangements?
- How do you handle fee payments if my child is sick or on holiday?
- Can you accommodate occasional extra days?
Real-life examples
Note: While many families use mixed childcare successfully, every child and family is unique. What works for one may not work for another.
Example arrangement 1: 2 days nursery | 2 days nanny (1 day mum doesn’t work)
“We never really thought about having different childcare throughout the week. We always assumed you just had to pick one for full time. I guess a lot of nurseries have minimum day requirements so maybe that’s where that came from, but it’s absolutely not the case.’’
‘’It actually worked out cheaper overall, because two kids under 3 in full time nursery means two full places to pay for, whereas a nanny you only pay per nanny to take care of them both.’’
“It’s worked out really well for us to be honest – the absolute best of both – with the added bonus of taking a bit of the pressure off fees.’’
– Michelle, working mum of 2 children – 4 years old and 2 years old.
Example arrangement 2: Monday, Tuesday, Friday: Nursery | Wednesday & Thursday: Childminder
”I chose a mix of childcare for my 2-year-old—3 days at nursery and 2 days with a wonderful childminder—and it’s been the perfect balance for our family. At nursery, he gets to socialise, be part of a busy group, and take part in lots of fun activities. On his childminder days, he gets more one-on-one attention and goes on lovely outings to places like the zoo and local parks—things I struggle to do as a full-time working mum. It really feels like he’s getting the best of both worlds. Plus, our childminder also helps with school pick-ups for my older daughter, which has been a huge help. I’m so glad we chose this setup—it’s worked out so well for us.”
– Dani, working mum of 2 children – 7 years old and 2 years old.
Example arrangement 3: 2.5 days nursery | 2.5 days nanny
“My little one has been thriving with her full-time nanny, but this September when she turns three, we’re planning a gentle transition toward school. We’ll move to a mix of nursery for two and a half days with our nanny continuing the rest of the week.'”
“I think this will give her the best of both worlds. On nanny days, she’ll still enjoy her favourite activities like baby ballet and colour strings. On nursery days, she’ll develop those important social skills and independence.”
“I think this mix and match approach will be the perfect stepping stone – giving her the personalised one on one attention from her nanny while gradually preparing her for school.”
– Rachel, working mum of 3 children – youngest nearly 3.
Koru Kids childcare calculator
If the idea of mix and match childcare appeals to you. Use the Koru Kids childcare calculator to work out exactly what it would cost you.
Rachel’s personal view: A mix of nursery and nanny is the winning combination for me. Little ones get exposure to the social environment of nursery on some days, while also receiving that highly personalised one-on-one attention in their own home on other days. It truly offers the best of both worlds!