What is home-based child care?
Home-based or informal child care is when you directly employ someone to look after your child, usually in your own home. The main options for home-based child care are babysitters and nannies. Babysitters look after children every now and then, and usually only for a little while. For example, they might look after your child for several hours during the day or evening while you go out. Some babysitters have completed training in looking after children, but not all have. Read more about babysitters. Nannies usually work longer and more regular hours – generally 20-40 hours a week. As well as looking after children, a nanny might cook or clean for you. Nannies often have formal training in working with children. Read more about nannies.
