How to choose childcare

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Leaving your baby with a childminder or nanny for the first time can bring up a mixture of emotions. For many mums it leaves them with feelings of guilt and loss. For other mums it's a relief and they can't wait to go back to work. Everyone is different and there's no right way or wrong way.

However you feel and whatever you choose to do, the various types of childcare are confusing. But at goodtoknow we've done the head scratching for you and come up with a list of what's available and the pros and cons of each.

Some basic points

Before you look at the childcare options there's some useful information to consider.

Look at your finances
There's money available to all parents for childcare, either through Tax Credits or possibly through a Salary Sacrifice/Childcare Voucher scheme via your employer. To find out more log on to Inland Revenue Tax Credits or speak to your employer about financial help for childcare.

Ofsted registration
These days most people who work with children have to be registered with Ofsted. The exceptions are nannies, au pairs and crèches. This means that they follow government-set guidelines on care, development and safety, and stick to a system called Early Years Foundation Stage. This is a bit like a national curriculum for 0 - 5 year-olds.

It helps childcare professionals ensure that each child's development is checked and that they have lots of stimulation, such as creative play and language skills. When the child starts school or goes to different childcare there's a record of their development.

Ofsted registration also means whoever is providing childcare can be inspected and has legal issues to meet, such as criminal record checks, child first aid and insurance.

Nannies, au pairs and relatives who look after children can choose to register with Ofsted.

How to find your local childcare services
Every parent must be given details of where to go for local childcare from their health visitor or local health centre. This is usually a referral to the Family Information Service, which you can find at childcarelink.co.uk, or you can call them on 0800 2 346 346.

Sure Start Centres
You may have read about Sure Start Centres, they are state-run one-stop-shops that can provide support for you and your child, such as childcare, healthcare, parenting support and help with training for work.
However, the services they provide varies from area to area. To find out more visit Directgov Pre-school learning.

By Louise O'Connell