After-school nanny, club or childminder?
The four main after-school childcare options for London families, compared on who they suit, hours, flexibility and how you pay.
| After-school nanny | After-school club | Childminder | Babysitter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Your home | At school or nearby | The childminder's home | Your home |
| Care | One-to-one, your children only | A group | A small group of children | Your children, one-off |
| Hours | Set by you | Fixed closing time | Set by the childminder | Booked each time |
| Clubs and pick-ups from other schools | Yes | No | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Homework, dinner and bedtime at home | Yes | Homework time only | Dinner, not at home | Yes |
| Tax-Free Childcare | Only if Ofsted registered | If Ofsted registered | If Ofsted registered | Rarely |
Last checked 6 November 2026.
After-school nanny
A nanny collects your children, brings them home or takes them to their own clubs and training, supervises homework and makes dinner, and can stay for bath and bedtime. It's the most flexible option and the only one that's always one-to-one in your home. It usually costs more than a club, and the nanny is normally your employee, so there's payroll to run. Our nannies are paid £15–£20 gross an hour, and our membership, from £50 a month plus VAT, sets up the payroll.
After-school club
Wrap-around clubs run at or near school until a fixed closing time, usually with a breakfast club in the morning. They're the cheapest option and children are with friends, but places can be limited, they close at set times, and they can't take your child to a different club or training session.
Childminder
A childminder is self-employed and looks after a small group of children in their own home, often collecting from local schools. They're Ofsted registered, so you can usually use Tax-Free Childcare, but your children follow the childminder's routine and finish the day at their house rather than yours.
Babysitter
A babysitter is best for the odd afternoon or evening rather than every school day. For regular cover, the same nanny each week gives children more consistency than a series of different sitters.
Which suits your family?
A club works well if your children are happy in a group and you can always collect by closing time. A childminder suits families who want a home setting at a lower cost. An after-school nanny suits families with long or unpredictable working days, children at different schools, lots of clubs and training, or who want homework and dinner done at home.
Read more: After-school nannies in London · School run nannies · London nanny cost guide
Common questions
- Is an after-school nanny better than an after-school club?
- It depends on your family. A club is cheaper and sociable but closes at a set time and cares for a group. A nanny is one-to-one in your home, works your hours, and handles clubs, homework, dinner and bedtime.
- What is wrap-around childcare?
- Care before and after the school day. It can be a breakfast and after-school club at school, a childminder, or a nanny who does the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.
- Can I use Tax-Free Childcare for after-school care?
- Yes, if the provider is Ofsted registered. Most clubs and childminders are. A nanny only qualifies if they're registered with Ofsted, so ask before you rely on it.
- How much does an after-school nanny cost in London?
- Our nannies are paid £15–£20 gross an hour depending on experience, plus membership from £50 a month plus VAT. 3 afternoons of 4 hours at £16 an hour comes to around £214 a week including membership, plus any employer National Insurance.
- Is a nanny share cheaper than a nanny?
- Usually, because two families split one nanny's pay. The trade-off is sharing hours, routines and sometimes homes between the two families.
Sources
Checked 6 November 2026. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.