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STARTING A FAMILY
Providing Childcare:
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 This
is a difficult area for any mother and father with young children.
The standard of nurseries and nannies can vary enormously and it
is important to shop around for the right nursery or nanny for your
child.
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Cost is not always indicative of the quality of childcare so it is important that you take time to visit a prospective nursery and make sure it is suitable for your child. Nursery charges do vary and can impose a strain on budgets.
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From 1 st April 2004 all 3 and 4 year olds in England have been entitled to a free part-time early education place. This place could be in a variety of settings provided that it is registered by Government regulatory bodies and inspected regularly. Examples include registered childminders, pre school or play group, day nursery, private nursery school, state nursery school, nursery class in a primary school and reception class in a primary school (4 year olds only).
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A workplace nursery is still a very rare perk. Some employers give vouchers or cash towards the cost of childcare. These are currently taxable and you must declare such payments on your tax form. However, from 6 th April 2005 employers will be able to provide up to £50 a week of tax free childcare subject to certain restrictions, any excess over £50 will be taxable. The following are examples of employees who do make special provision:
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If your budget allows, you may decide to employ a nanny. Again, selecting a good nanny is vital and this can be fraught with difficulty. If you employ a nanny you are responsible for paying her tax and National Insurance contributions. You also have to pay employer's National Insurance. You must also give the nanny a payslip, showing her pay and the breakdown of deductions. Your local tax office will send you a "new employers" start pack - this gives step by step instructions as well as tax and National Insurance tables.
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