All Things Nanny: Nanny or Nursery, Which Is Right for Me? Finding the Best Childcare Solution for Your Family

Why trust, transparency, and teamwork matter when hiring - or working as - a nanny in the UK.

Confused about whether a nanny or nursery is the best fit for your child? This episode unpacks the real-life experiences, costs, and emotional considerations that families and childcare professionals face.

Guests:

• Sally Britton, Managing Director, Snap Care | SEN recruitment specialist
• Jo Williams, Nannytax Ambassador & Professional Nanny | Qualified Nursery Practitioner

Websites: snapcare.co.uk, nannytax.co.uk

Choosing between a nanny and a nursery is one of the biggest decisions for any family. In this episode, host Helen Phillips is joined by Sally Britton and Jo Williams, both with deep expertise across nanny and nursery settings. Together, they offer practical guidance from both parent and practitioner perspectives, helping you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for your child's wellbeing and your family's lifestyle.

This episode is for parents weighing up their childcare options, nannies curious about working in different functions, and agencies aiming for best practice. We cover daily routines, cost breakdowns, funding options, and emotional bonds. You’ll also hear honest stories about what works - and what happens when it doesn’t.

Key topics explored:

• How daily life, structure, and flexibility differ between nannies and nurseries.
• Financial realities: cost comparisons, funding options, and the true value of bespoke care.
• Supporting children’s development—both educational and emotional—whatever their individual needs.

Please note: This podcast does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making decisions related to employment or tax.

Timestamped Highlights

• 01:07 What a typical nanny day looks like - and the importance of bespoke routines
• 04:45 How a day in nursery runs: structure, activities, and social opportunities
• 05:05 Benefits of nursery for socialisation and confidence building
• 08:39 What children most enjoy in each environment - autonomy, group play, one-to-one bonds
• 09:50 Crunching the numbers: cost, wages, and specialist support
• 13:25 Understanding nursery funding, tax-free childcare, and eligibility differences
• 15:08 Real-world flexibility: how nannies handle late trains, and nurseries charge for late pick-up
• 17:31 How nurseries track children's learning and progress and why communication matters
• 24:44 How SEN-trained nannies support complex and additional needs
• 28:44 Key factors parents should consider before deciding - and real life stories of thriving children

Quick Wins for Parents & Nannies

1. Start an open discussion with your potential nanny or nursery about your child’s unique needs and daily routine - collaboration is essential for the best fit.
2. Investigate available nursery funding or tax-free childcare for nannies - know what support you’re eligible for before committing.
3. Continually assess whether your current childcare is working for both you and your child - don’t be afraid to review or combine options for the best result.

Links & Resources

• Snap Care (specialist nanny & SEN agency): snapcare.co.uk
• Nannytax (key payroll/funding info): nannytax.co.uk
• UK Government: Tax-free childcare and free hours eligibility: gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs
• EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage): gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage

Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know in the comments or email us at [email protected]

All Things Nanny is a podcast by Nannytax, the UK’s leading nanny payroll and employment support service.

Hosted by Helen Phillips

Produced by Matt Cheney at Brown Bear Studios

For more support and resources, visit (nannytax.co.uk/podcast)

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© 2025 Nannytax. All rights reserved.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or employment advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making employment-related decisions.