Some of your choices for childcare for under fives
Type |
Brief description |
Indication of cost |
| Childminders |
Can look after up to six children under 8, including up to three children under 5 in their own home. Flexible hours, and will pick up/drop off at schools and playgroups. Check that they are registered |
Average £112 to £196 a week, depending on where you live1 |
| Playgroups/pre-schools |
Community and voluntary run care and education for 3 to 5 year olds. Typically, morning and afternoon sessions daily during term time |
About £5 per session. Free if part of state scheme2 |
| Day nurseries |
Care and education from six weeks to age 5. (Some only from age 2.) Typically 8am to 6pm weekdays throughout the year |
Average £135 to £226 a week, depending on where you live1 |
| Nursery schools |
Care and education for 3 to 5 year olds. Open school hours during term time |
Free if part of state scheme.2 Otherwise, say, £1,000 a term |
| Carer in your own home |
Can be tailored to suit the needs of you and your child. More admin as you will be their employer, so must operate PAYE to collect tax and National Insurance on their pay |
At least national minimum wage3 |
| Nanny |
Can be tailored to suit the needs of you and your child. More admin as you will be their employer, so must operate PAYE to collect tax and National Insurance on their pay |
Between £280 and £449 a week plus National Insurance and their tax4 |
1 Daycare Trust, Childcare Costs Survey 2009. Based on 50 hours per week.
2 In England and Wales, the state provides up to 12.5 hours a week (due to increase to 15 hours a week from September 2010) of free nursery education for 3 and 4 year olds during term time. For information, contact your Family Information Service. The Government is also piloting free care for some 2 year olds and a new £200 child development grant for parents in the pilot areas who take up free places.
3£5.80 an hour from October 2009.
4Nannytax Survey 2008