This document discusses various childcare options and their pros and cons. It compares the advantages and disadvantages of nurseries, grandparents/family care, nannies/au pairs, and childminders. For nurseries, advantages include cheaper costs than home care and accommodating different ages, while disadvantages include limited flexibility and not taking sick children. Grandparents provide unconditional love but may struggle with multiple children or overrule parents' choices. Nannies offer personalized care but have hidden costs and leave parents in difficult positions if sick. Childminders can be tailored to routines but may be expensive for extra hours and unable to care for sick children.

2. Choosing ChildcareEmily Rittner

3. If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. Edgar W. Howe

4. NURSERIESDISADVANTAGESMay have a high staff turnoverNo flexibilityLimited input into your child’s routineMay have to travel to get thereWon’t take sick children

5. NURSERIESADVANTAGESCheaper then home based childcareBroad experience with toys, equipment, activities and peopleReliable - open at least 50 weeks a yearCan use childcare vouchersCan accommodate different ages

6. GRANDPARENTS/FAMILYDISADVANTAGESMoney - can be a difficult area to navigateYour own choices maybe over ruledCan’t claim childcare vouchersChildren may have fewer play-datesand /or activitiesMay struggle with more thanone child

7. GRANDPARENTS/FAMILYADVANTAGESYour child will be loved unconditionallyFlexiblePotentially no travellingYear round emergency coverYou don’t have to formallyemploy someone

8. NANNIES/AU-PAIRS ETCDISADVANTAGESWear and tear on your homeHidden costs - drop ins/extra classes/nanny’s foodCan be hard to assert yourselfHave to pay NI and TAXIf she is sick it can leave you in adifficult position

9. NANNIES/AU-PAIRS ETCADVANTAGESVery personalised care and flexibleDoes the child/ren’s laundry, shopping, cleaning and cookingOften long term - 1year+Can adapt to changes such as anew babyCan claim childcare vouchers withan Ofsted registered nanny

10. CHILDMINDERSDISADVANTAGESCan be expensive if you need extra hoursCan’t care for a sick childCan’t follow your routines preciselyMay have to travel to get to herMay not be able to accommodate a sibling due to Ofsted guidelines

11. CHILDMINDERSADVANTAGESClear hours and expectationsCan be moderately tailored to your childs normal routineMay have a lot of experience to help youCheaper then a nanny if you have one childGood access to local playgroups and other activities

12. Any kid will run any errand for you if you ask at bedtime.Red Skelton