Family or friends
The first choice for many parents. They can be free, flexible,
convenient and already know your child. They are not registered or
inspected. So if you want
help with your childcare costs through Working Tax Credit you
need to use someone registered with
Ofsted or nationally accredited
(
Quality assured) to take children over eight.
Registered Childminder
Registered Childminders look after children in their own home. They
usually offer childcare that covers the times that most working
parents need. Some offer childcare during evenings and
weekends.
Childminders are almost always self-employed. They are registered
with Ofsted and inspected regularly.
Daycare nursery
Daycare nurseries provide childcare for children up to four years
old for part-time or full time working parents or students. Almost
all provide early education (also called nursery education or
pre-school education). Some also provide after school and holiday
care for school aged children.
Some daycare nurseries provide childcare outside of the 'standard'
working day. This may be later in the evening, overnight or at
weekends. This service is rare, however.
You might come across 'nurseries' which don't provide childcare
throughout the day, but offer morning or afternoon classes for two,
three and four year olds. It is helpful to think of these as
nursery schools.
Most day nurseries are private businesses. They are registered with
Ofsted and inspected regularly.
Extended hours early
education
Some childcare providers who offer
early education are only open for 2-3 hours in the morning or
afternoon. However, some groups have extended their opening hours
to meet the needs of some working parents. They might open earlier
in the morning, over lunchtime or later during the afternoon.
These provisions might be private businesses or run as a charity.
They are registered with Ofsted and inspected regularly.
After school and before school
childcare
After school clubs provide childcare when school ends until five or
six o'clock. Some provide childcare before school starts - often
known as a 'breakfast club.' These provisions might be private
businesses or run as a charity. If they provide care for children
under the age of eight years they will be registered with Ofsted
and inspected regularly.
School holiday care
Often called a 'holiday club' this type of childcare provision is
aimed at the needs of working parents. It covers all school
holidays (except, sometimes, Christmas) and is open for the
standard working day.
It might be a private business or run as a charity. If they provide
care for children under the age of eight years they will be
registered with Ofsted and inspected regularly.
Nanny or au pair
Nannies, au pairs and 'mother's helps' look after your children in
your own home. This meets the needs of working parents, including
those who work evenings, nights or weekends.
Nannies are often, but not always, trained and experienced in
childcare.
The au pair is a cultural exchange for young people aged between
18-27. An Au Pair lives as part of the family and is not usually
trained or even very experienced in childcare.
'Mother's helps' usually include some element of childcare among
other domestic chores. They usually help mothers or fathers who are
at home, rather than those who need childcare while they are at
work.
You are their employer and are responsible for insurance, income
tax and the like. They are not registered or inspected, so there
are no checks on their suitability except references that you
follow up. Remember to follow up references even if they have been
checked by an agency.
You are not able to claim the childcare element of
Working Tax Credit if you use a nanny, au pair or 'mother's
help' unless they join the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare
Register.
The Suffolk Families Information Service has a
list of nanny and childcare agencies.
Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register
Most childcare providers have to register with Ofsted by law.
Changes in the law mean that childcarers who do not have to
register can choose to join the voluntary part of the Ofsted
childcare register. This allows eligible parents to claim tax
credits to help with the cost of care. Types
of childcarers who can register include:
- those providing care for children aged over 7, such as
out-of-school clubs and play centres;
- activity based care (sports, drama or art clubs); and
- care provided in the child's own home such as nannies, au pairs
or home based care for disabled children.
The Suffolk
Families Information Service has a
list of nanny and childcare agencies. You should
also
contact them to find out who is on the Ofsted Voluntary
Childcare Register.
The
Daycare Trust provides
more information of types of childcare.
Help with the
Costs of Childcare
Tax Credit Ready Reckoner: A simple guide to working out tax credit
entitlement
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit:
Leaflet