04-12-2024Candidate Highlight - Yan
Yan is one of our recent arrivals from Australia, she is currently placed with a love…
Your Childcare Options - Au Pair vs Nanny vs Nursery
Which option is best for your family? This comparison may help in your decision.
A number of different options are available when considering the care of your children.
The options and costs can vary depending on the number and ages of the children and your location.
We have outlined an overview of the common childcare options and how these differ from the au pair program.
At smartaupairs, we work with both au pairs as well as qualified childcarers so can generally offer a range of options depending on your requirements.
If you need further guidance, please give us a call and we are very happy to help assess whether an au pair or a nanny (or perhaps a different solution all together) would be a good option for your family!
Au pairs provide live in care and the cost of care does not increase with the number of children. Au Pairs typically work 25-30 hours per week.
Au pairs are therefore often considered as one of the most affordable and flexible forms of childcare.
As au pairs are generally not qualified in childcare, the level of responsibility they can accept for young, pre-school aged children is also more limited.
If you therefore require more than 30h/week of help and/or help with children who are not yet in nursery/school more experienced/professional childcare may be a better option.
Important
Au Pairs should not have sole care for children under the age of two (care without parental presence)
Sole care for children aged 2-4 is limited.
Summary
Duties: Light childcare and household tasks, such as preparing meals for children, school pickups, light tidying, and playing with the kids.
Working Hours: Usually limited to around 25-30 hours per week, with 1-2 days off. The focus is more on assisting the family rather than having full childcare responsibility.
Payment: in line with the UK national minimum wage, typically from £200/week
Experience Level: Little to no formal childcare training required; the role is more about learning and experiencing a different culture while providing some help to the family.
Day nurseries offer care for children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 years.
Especially if you have more than 1 child and/or require more hours, this can be very costly.
The average cost for part-time nursery care in the UK (25 hours per week) varies depending on the region.
Strict sick policies are typically in place, meaning that if your child is poorly, you will still need to make alternative arrangements for care.
Here's a general breakdown:
UK Average Costs
- England: £135 - £160 per week for 25 hours
- Scotland: £115 - £135 per week for 25 hours
- Wales: £120 - £140 per week for 25 hours
- Northern Ireland: £110 - £130 per week for 25 hours
Regional Variations in England
- London: £200 - £250 per week for 25 hours (highest costs due to living expenses)
- South East: £150 - £175 per week for 25 hours
- North East/North West: £120 - £140 per week for 25 hours
- Midlands: £130 - £150 per week for 25 hours
- South West: £130 - £160 per week for 25 hours
Additional Considerations
- Age of Child: Costs can be higher for children under two years due to higher staff-to-child ratios.
- Nursery Type: Private nurseries are generally more expensive than council-run nurseries.
- Funding and Discounts: Many families qualify for government funding, such as the 15 or 30 hours free childcare for children aged 3-4, which can significantly reduce costs.
Costs can vary widely, so it's often best to check local nurseries for the most accurate information based on your specific location.
At Smartaupairs & Nannies, we also place qualified and experienced childcarers who have substantially more experience than traditional au pairs.
These candidates can take additional responsibilities including care for children who are under the age of 2.
The pay for these candidates varies depending on the extent of the experience and years within the industry but expect to pay upwards of £300/week.
Duties: More responsibility than an au pair, including planning activities for children, helping with homework, and engaging in developmental play. They may also assist with household tasks related to the children.
Working Hours: Usually 30-40 hours per week, with more flexibility needed than an au pair role.
Payment: Starting from £300-400 per week, depending on experience and hours.
Experience Level: Some childcare experience or relevant qualifications may be expected, but generally considered a stepping stone toward becoming a fully qualified nanny.
A nanny is a professional childcare provider, often with extensive experience or qualifications, responsible for the overall care, development, and well-being of the children.
Duties: Comprehensive childcare responsibilities, including meal planning, children's laundry, organizing educational activities, managing routines, school runs, and potentially light household management. Nannies are expected to take the lead on childcare.
Working Hours: Typically 40-50 hours per week or more, depending on the family's needs. Live-in and live-out options are available.
Payment: Paid a professional salary, usually higher than a junior nanny, ranging from £400-800+ per week in the UK, based on qualifications and experience. Benefits like accommodation (if live-in), holiday pay, and health insurance may be included.
Experience Level: Extensive experience in childcare is often required, along with formal qualifications (like a childcare diploma or early childhood education degree) and sometimes first aid/CPR training
Traditionally you can expect to pay a babysitter from £12-15/hour.
If you therefore require help for 5h in an evening at a rate of £12/hour – the cost would be £60/night. Babysitters can be ideal for a night out but rarely provide regular care.
A number of different options are available when considering the care of your children. The options and costs can vary depending on the number and ages of the children and your location.
Average Babysitting Costs in London
- Weekdays (Evenings): £12 - £15 per hour
- Weekends (Evenings): £15 - £20 per hour
- Last-Minute/Short Notice: £18 - £25 per hour
- Special Circumstances (e.g., overnight care or holidays): £20 - £30+ per hour
Key Factors Influencing Cost
- Experience and Qualifications: Babysitters with childcare qualifications, first aid training, or extensive experience may charge higher rates.
- Number of Children: Rates can increase if a babysitter is looking after multiple children.
- Additional Duties: Babysitters who are asked to do extra tasks (like cooking meals, homework help, or light housework) may charge a premium.
- Timing: Costs tend to rise for late-night, last-minute bookings, or during holidays.
Typical Extra Costs
- Travel Fees: If the babysitter needs to travel a long distance, an extra travel fee may be added.
- Minimum Booking Time: Some babysitters have a minimum booking time (e.g., 2-3 hours) and may charge a flat rate for shorter sessions.
These rates are a rough average, and prices can fluctuate depending on specific areas within London and individual babysitter preferences.