research question - childcare prices/availability

The DH and I are just trying to make sure we have as much info as possible before we make any decisions. I know in the US childcare could be very expensive and also difficult to find for infants. What's the story here in the UK? I know there will be regional issues but in general what have you all experienced?

[and please, no comments on whether infants should be in childcare - we'll make that decision when and if it's an issue!]

Thanks!

Hi,

I am only working 2 days a week, but it is shift work so I had to go with a child minder.  Part time rates up here (Scotland) are £3.00/hour.  I was looking into a nursery type situation but with my schedule it just didn't work so I don't know about rates for that.  Hope it helps some.

There are about a gazillion Au Pairs looking for placement.  If you have the space this can be a wonderful arrangement extremely cost effective and very enriching for all.

In general childcare is fairly easy to find in this country. For info about childminders, day cares, nannies etc go to this site. There are some good links in the various sections.

Rosie

Thanks for the info, especially the web site. What a great link. Sometimes the BBC web site just amazes me. It seems you can find anything on there!

B

I hope this isn't off topic, please let me know if it is!

When I read about 'mother's helper' here in the UK, I always read that means someone who lives in your home.  But in my experience in the States, mother's helper often meant a young teen (under 16), helping whilst mom was there, never driving the kids around, not a babysitter, not vetted (similar to assuming au pair will not being vetted or qualified).  Someone to provide another pair of hands and energy.

I'd like to find the latter in the UK but I have no idea what the term is for that person!  When I ask the agencies or local mums, they think I want someone to live in our home, like the BBC website states:

"A home helper is someone who lives in your house and helps you look after your children. She, or he, normally speaks English as a first language and works up to a maximum of 45 hours per week. She, or he, is entitled to a private bedroom and proper time off. They usually work in families where one parent is at home."

Anyone know what term i should use?

Thanks!

It sounds to me like what you want is a "live out mothers helper".  It's very common. NannyJob is a good place to start looking or you could place an ad in The Lady magazine but really any of the agencies should  be able to help you.

Rosie

Thank you, wildrose!  Very helpful.  Reading through the message board (nannies and carers talking together) made me remember why I'm not hiring out!  Yikes x a million.

Thanks again.  I think I'll continue to talk with local mums and find a non agency solution.  Local mums critcize the agencies up and down but have a great reciprocal babysitting organization, that is more our speed, I think.