FOCUS ON CHILDCARE IS HIRING A NANNY MORE COST EFFECTIVE?
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any working parents may feel that hiring a nanny is a luxury afforded only by the rich and famous but Huddersfield and Holmfirth Nannies is keen to put that myth to bed.
Rachel Bradley, who has 23 years worth of childcare experience, took over the agency in 2011 and as mum to two young children, understands the emotional strain parents feel when faced with having to leave their child to return to work. She said: “There are a variety of different childcare options. Childminders and day nurseries are the best known ones but I think that nannies are often overlooked because they are seen as an expensive option only affordable to the rich and famous. “This may have been the case in the past, however, nowadays with the introduction of Ofsted registered nannies, parents can put their childcare vouchers towards the cost of a nanny’s salary.” For families with two or more children requiring regular childcare, a nanny can often be the most cost effective option as she is payable on an hourly rate, rather than per child. A nanny can also help to resolve childcare issues for parents who work shift patterns. The average opening and closing times of nurseries, childminders and out-of-school clubs is 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. However, nannies can be flexible for those that work nights and weekends. H&H Nannies, which has been running since 2009, serves Kirklees as well as Halifax and Bradford. Rachel said: “In this day and age children are woken up at the crack of dawn, breakfast is a rushed affair or even delayed until they arrive at nursery, their childminder or breakfast club at 7.30am.
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“They are out of the house all day, being stimulated to the max in a noisy room. As adults we all need some time to relax, be in our own surroundings and to have a little quiet time, so why should it be any different for children? “A nanny will take your children where you would like them to go, whether it is to the park to feed the ducks, the library or spending an afternoon at home drawing or baking.” While a nanny’s duties are primarily to care for the children, she can also lend a hand with tasks such as washing and ironing children’s clothes, cooking their meals or for an older child, supervising homework, taking care of the school run and accompanying them to after school activities. All H&H Nannies have at least two years’ childcare experience and/or at least a level 2 qualification. They are interviewed face to face, must have completed a 12 hour paediatric first aid course and have a recent CRB check. “References are thoroughly checked,” said Rachel. “Only those nannies most suited to a family’s requirements will be put forward for a family to meet. H&H Nannies can place night nannies, mother’s help, before and after school nannies, babysitters, and we provide emergency cover to parents, day nurseries and out of school clubs.” Parents can feel daunted by employing a nanny but there are a number of payroll companies that can deal with the legalities on your behalf. There is no fee for families or nannies to register with Huddersfield and Holmfirth Nannies. For more information visit www.huddersfieldandholmfirthnannies.co.uk.