If you need someone to look after your child while you work, you may be able to get help with childcare costs through Tax Credits or through your employer.
Contact your employer’s human resources (personnel) department or read our pages about financial support you may be entitled to.
Choosing the right childcare option for you depends on the age of your child and the services available in your area. Here’s a quick guide to your childcare options.
Registered childminders
Children go to a childminder’s own home to be looked after. Childminders may also have had a police check and done first-aid training, and most are registered and inspected by Ofsted (or the Care Commission in Scotland).
Nannies
Nannies provide childcare in your own home and can look after children of any age.
Pre-school playgroups
Provide play sessions and early education for under-fives. Some playgroups also work with their local council to provide free, part-time, pre-school education places for three and four-year-olds.
Nurseries
Provide day care for children from birth to school age. Children are involved in activities such as playing, learning new skills and making friends. Some private nurseries have long opening hours, which can be helpful if you work beyond school times.
Sure Start children’s centres
Offer early learning childcare, health advice and support for families with children up to the age of five.
Out-of-school clubs
Give school-age children somewhere safe to play and learn outside school hours. Alternatively, you could ask your children’s school if they have any after-school childcare services.
Friends or families
If you’re unhappy with all these options, you may want to ask friends or family to provide childcare. But make sure you have a back-up plan so someone else can help if they fall ill.
For more information
For useful information about childcare and early education in your area, call Childcare Link on freephone 0800 234 6346. If you live in Scotland, visit Scottish Childcare.
