Kent childcare options - nurseries, childminder or nannies

by Lauren Abbott

Returning to work after having a baby can be tough, and starting the search for childcare can be even harder.

Ben Black, director of Nannyshare.co.uk shares some advice on what to think about when choosing the most suitable setting for a baby.

There are three fundamentals, he says, when looking for care and that is something which is affordable, accessible and that you trust.

Nuseries tell council bosses they need more funding
Nuseries tell council bosses they need more funding

For parents without family on hand to help them, the three main options are employing a childminder, nanny or taking a nursery place.

“Nurseries are the most popular option, providing highly-regulated safe environments,” says Ben.

"When you look for a nursery, the most important thing is to ask how long the staff have been there. There are plenty of shiny bright nurseries with lots of temporary staff and that's no good.”

Parents should look for loyal, vocational staff, says Ben, which will enable small children to form the attachments they need.

And parents should visit a number of facilities, and ask questions, to get a feel for those which they like best.

Ofsted reports for nurseries in Kent and Medway are available here.

Childminders are another option.

Ben said: “It's amazing that they don't have a bigger slug of the market. Find a good local childminder and it can represent the best of all worlds.

“There's loads of flexibility, and they tend to be cheaper than a nursery but it's finding them that's the problem, childminders are often very good at the childcare, just not very good at marketing themselves.”

Nurseries are struggling financially, it's claimed. Stock image
Nurseries are struggling financially, it's claimed. Stock image

As well as an internet search, your local children’s centre may hold a directory while word of mouth remains one of the best barometers of recommendation.

"Finally, a great nanny is the most flexible of the childcare options, but it's also the most expensive” says Ben, whose company specialises in helping families find a flexible childcare solution.

But finding like-minded families which may be able to split the services of a nanny if mums are returning part-time could be an option to keep costs down.

“If you can find another family close by and with similar age children and similar values then you can share a nanny, effectively halving the cost" he said.

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