This is the most expensive option but if you can afford the cost you may feel that it works best for you and your child. It may be possible to share a Nanny with another family. When your child stammers it is best if the Nanny is a continuing and stable presence, as we do know that children who stammer can be very sensitive and may be affected by change.

You will receive the childcare Element of the Working Tax Credit if you are eligible for this as long as the person you employ is not a relative.

• Nannies and other home-based childcarers are employed by you to provide care for children, usually in your home.
• They will fit in with unusual working hours, and work part-time or even live in. Some may agree to do additional jobs around the house (cooking, tidying etc.).
• Shared nannies work for you and another family.
• Most nannies and some other home-based childcarers have a recognised childcare qualification or nursery nurse training, but this isn't compulsory.
• Thousands of parents are now entitled to financial support to help pay for childcarers working in the child's home if they are approved through the Childcare Approval Scheme.

How can I be sure of good quality care?

Nannies and childcarers working in the child's home are not normally inspected by OFSTED. However, nannies and other home-based childcarers can apply to the Childcare Approval Scheme and will have to meet basic criteria before being approved. Employing an approved carer under the scheme may enable you to take advantage of tax and National Insurance credits.

What will it cost me?

Wages range from £155 to £400 per week, depending on hours, their experience, where you live and whether they live in. You will also have to pay their tax and National Insurance contributions. Other likely costs include holiday and sick pay, a mobile phone for emergencies and putting them on your car insurance if you want them to drive the family car.

Questions to ask your nanny or home-based childcarer

• What qualifications, training and experience do you have particularly in the area of speech, language and communication? Are you willing to learn about stammering and if required work in partnership with my child's speech and language therapist?
• Have you been approved through the Childcare Approval Scheme?
• What daily regime will my child follow and what are your policies on eating, playing and behaviour
• If the Nanny is living in then you should be clear about friends or partners staying over, issues like smoking and use of the telephone.

Also remember...

• Ask to see their first aid certificate (is it current?) and Childcare Approval Scheme letter and relevant police check.
• Put everything in writing (hours, job description, length of employment, sick/holiday pay etc.
• You must take out employer's indemnity insurance in case of an accident.
• If choosing a nanny, always use a reputable nanny agency and check references. Talk to at least two previous employers.
• If your nanny lives in, you'll be expected to provide them with a room and food on top of their salary.

Find out more...

About the Childcare Approval Scheme.

Call the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900 for information about tax credits if you employ an approved carer.

Call the Working Families Helpline on 0800 013 0313.

Call the National Childbirth Trust on 0870 444 8707 for local branches with a nanny-share register.

Call the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN) on 01322 372 337 for a Nanny Pack

Contact your local authority for guidance on employing a nanny.

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