From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
How to... Choose childcare when returning to work
Choosing childcare can be one of the hardest decisions a new mother (and father) has to
make. There is an increasing range available, so it is vital to make time to look at all
the optionsFrom How To Do Just About Everything in the Office, in association with eHow (Collins, £9.99)
Steps
- If you think you'd like to return to work after having your child, start to plan childcare while you are pregnant. In some areas you need to book a place for your child well in advance. Also, it can take considerable time to look at all the childcare options in your area and assess your feelings about it.
- Put your child first. You need to balance their needs with your family circumstances and your own needs as a mother or father (economic and emotional). Think laterally to try to find the best solution for all of you.
- Investigate local childminders, daycare nurseries, nannies and au pairs. If you have a relative who is willing to look after your child, this can be a great option, but it needs to be assessed alongside others.
- Childminders look after children in their own home. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted and strict rules govern how many children of different ages they can look after. Childminders offer flexible childcare in a home environment and can become an extension of the family for many years as children grow up. Find out about them from your local authority.
- Nurseries offer a range of options and hours. They give a sociable environment with other children and are reliably available. There are state, voluntary and private nurseries, which charge a variety of fees, all inspected by Ofsted. Find out about them from your local authority.
- Nannies usually look after children in the child's home. They can often fit around the parents' working hours. You are responsible for their wage or salary as well as income tax and National Insurance. Find out about nannies from a nanny agency. Au pairs and mother's helps are also available.
- Whatever childcare you look at, ask as many questions as you can think of, including: 'How long have you been working with children?' 'What is your training and qualifications?' 'Where will my child rest?' 'What kind of food and drink is available?' 'What will my child do all day?'
- When visiting childcare, look to see if the children are calm, safe and happy. Do they play together? Do the staff listen to children and answer them carefully? Do they join in with what the children are doing? Are the premises clean, safe and well-kept? Is there access outside for play?
Tips
Listen to your feelings. If you are not 100 per cent happy with the childcare, don't go
for it.
Talk to local parents about their experiences but remember that the final decision is
yours.
Once your child is in childcare, keep an open mind and listen to him or her.
Children and their needs change, childminders and nannies leave or alter their
arrangements and you may have to rearrange childcare several times between babyhood and
school age.
Always take up references.
Warnings
Unless a relative or highly trusted friend is looking after your child, always choose a
registered childminder.
Nannies who work for no more than two families at once are not registered and inspected.
Unless you know a nanny personally or one is recommended by another family whom you know
and trust, go through an agency when employing a nanny.
Au pairs are not usually trained to look after young children and should never be given
sole responsibility for a child under three years old.
Find out more about how to choose the right childcare for you
Why not chat to other iVillagers on the Working Mums message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the message board right now:
printer friendly
send to a friend
Created: 07/10/2004 Updated: 07/10/2004
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
