Cost of Childcare is Slowly Decreasing

Cost of Childcare is Slowly Decreasing

Findababysitter.com has revealed exclusive figures from its national database of childcare professionals to show the cost of childcare in the last quarter has decreased by two per cent.

The data of 170,000 registered childcare professionals has revealed that the average cost of hiring a babysitter in March this year was £7.20 per hour compared to the end of 2012 when the costs were higher at £7.55 per hour.

When it comes to childcare, there’s no compromise – my boys deserve the best, but by negotiating the best rate, it means we can afford to do other fun things when I’m with them

The research also showed that hiring an after-school nanny would have cost £.05 per hour towards the end of 2012, and as of March this year, the cost has dropped to £8.83 per hour.

Tom Harrow, working dad of one and CEO of Findababysitter.com, said: “We’re helping parents to get the same service great hands-on and supportive service that a childcare agency can offer, but without the high fees.

“The demand for cost-effective childcare is rising by the second – we see hundreds of new members registering their childcare requirements every day.

“Our research tells us that we’re helping parents to save an average of £1856 per year, at least, and in some cases, up to £2,600 by avoiding expensive childcare agencies.”

Furthermore, the study reveals that there has been a decrease in childcare costs when hiring a live-in nanny, part-time nanny, a housekeeper and a childminder too.

Hayley Stubbs, Mum of two, from Leicester said: “My eldest son is 10 years old, giving me a decade of experience when it comes to finding affordable childcare options.

“It’s not easy, but as time goes by I do feel more confident to negotiate a better rate for the service I receive. 

“Recent media reports on the amount of parents struggling to afford childcare has definitely made me feel like I’m not alone.

“When it comes to childcare, there’s no compromise – my boys deserve the best, but by negotiating the best rate, it means we can afford to do other fun things when I’m with them.”

“Thanks to Findababysitter.com, I now have a part-time nanny who is affordable, looks after the boys in their home environment and makes it possible for me to be a career mum, who they are proud of!”

Findababysitter.com is an online childcare search site, and is home to 220,000 members and provides parents with a cost-effective way to find local childcare professionals, without having to pay expensive childcare agency fees.