1. Introduction
Most of the Ukrainians who came to Britain are mothers with children. When looking for a job, the question arises of how you can combine work and childcare. Parents in Britain also face this issue. In this guide, we will share tips for organizing looking after children (childcare) and the system that currently exists in Britain.
Guide to different types of Childcarehttps://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/guides/parents-eligibility-and-application/
2. Types of childcare in the UK
More information herehttps://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/becoming-a-parent/childcare-options
In short:Nanny (you hire either yourself with all the ensuing consequences, including the payment of pension contributions, etc., or through an agency that deals with salaries and all administration).
To search, you can use a specialized site or search through local groups.https://www.childcare.co.uk/
Childminder (looks after several children at her/his own home).
You can watch an interview with a Ukrainian woman who works as childminder here:https://fb.watch/ewXs9N8nhj/
Find registered childminderhttps://www.gov.uk/find-registered-childminder
(Day) Nursery (we call - kindergarten).They work approximately the same as in Ukraine. Covers ages from 6 weeks to 5 years.
Nursery school (preschool) - nursery school employs a trained teacher or school director, and they conduct more structured educational activities for children aged 3 to 5 years. They are attached to Primary Schools and follow the structure
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Institutions are registered and verified by Ofsted.
You can find it using a search on the website gov.ukhttps://www.gov.uk/find-nursery-school-placeNurserys, childminders - are private businesses, respectively, they are paid.
You should also check your daycare's working hours as well as holidays and consider alternative childcare while you are at work during holiday breaks, if there are any.Reception – is "zero class" for children aged 4 years. It is not mandatory, but many parents send their children to get used to the school atmosphere. Is free. School – public schools in Britain are free.Typical age for different schools in Britain:Primary School : 5 - 11 лет (Year 1 - Year 6)Secondary School : 11 лет - 16 лет (Year 7 - Year 11)More about it here:https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum
Breakfast and after school clubs These are paid hours before and after school. Clubs may be provided directly by the school or by third parties that have contracts with the school. They are necessary in order to enable parents to fully work. Usually, the school starts at 8:00-9:00 and ends at 15:00-16:00, but each school has its own schedule. The schools will provide you with information about early morning or after school activities so that you can enroll your child, as well as the procedure for doing so.Day camps. During the holidays, day camps operate throughout Britain, usually based on schools. Most often they are carried out by third parties.
Friends and relativesBy law, you may not use a non-family member to regularly supervise a child under the age of eight for more than two hours a day during regular business hours, unless they are a registered Childminder. This should be taken into account if you are thinking about helping with other parents to look after the children.
More here:https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/becoming-a-parent/childcare-options
3. Inspection of Registered Childcare Providers
In every region of Britain there is an organization that is responsible for the inspection of nurseries, schools, childminders. You can always check the ranking of the school or when your nursery was last checked. This absolutely does not mean that you only need to look for a provider with an Outstanding rating. It only gives you additional information when choosing an educational institution.
EnglandOfsted Reporthttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted
Scotlandhttps://www.mygov.scot/school-inspection-reports
WalesCare Inspectorate Waleshttps://gov.wales/find-childcare-inspection-reports
Northern IrelandETIhttps://www.etini.gov.uk/
4. Average cost of childcare services
You can see detailed information at the link below. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/becoming-a-parent/childcare-costs
Pre-school education in Britain is paid.
Average expenses for a nursery for children under 2 years old:
£138 per week part time (25 hours)
£264 per week for a full day (50 hours).
If your child goes to school and stays in an after school club (usually between 3 pm and 6 pm), then the average cost in the UK is £62 per week.
It must be taken into account that the cost of childcare varies greatly between different regions of Britain. At the link below you can compare the costs of your post code with the average in the UK. https://www.childcare.co.uk/costs
5. What government assistance can you get to pay for childcare
Convenient information can be obtained using the service below.https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Below are the general principles
6. How different schemes can work together
You can combine receiving different services together, but there are certain rules.
More here: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/using-childcare-schemes-together/
In short:
Choose from one of the schemes: Universal Credit 85% childcare costs, Tax Free Childcare
And it can be combined with free hours according to age.
7. Life hacks
Together with the above methods, British mothers use the following solutions
● During the holidays, many take turns taking vacations with their partner.
● You can team up with other moms in your area and watch your kids take turns (within the allowance if the kids are under 8)
● Speak to Family Services at your local Council; they can advise if there are any additional local services/discounts for childcare
● Working in schools and nurseries often gives a large discount on the cost of expenses (there may be a nursery school at the school). If you have experience and English allows you - take an interest in vacancies