Flexible working hours and will often care for your child if sick.

Child remains in own environment.

Individual attention/time.

Convenience - you don't have to get your child ready and out of the house in the morning before going to work.

Total control over child's activities and day-to-day routines.

Ideal if you have more than one child.

Relatively expensive if they are only caring for one child and you must pay for their holidays (4 weeks) and make alternative childcare arrangements to cover their holidays or sickness.

Unless you go through a Nanny Agency you are an employer, and are responsible for paying your nanny's tax and national insurance.

Unless shared, this is usually a full-time childcare arrangement.

Additional daytime heating, food etc. are a hidden cost.

Little opportunity for social interaction with other children/babies.

Are not regulated by Law neither do they have to be qualified in childcare or nutrition.

Generally the most expensive childcare option.

Lack of continuity - nannies tend to stay on average for one year.

Lack of privacy if your nanny 'lives in'.

Checking/vetting procedures often not done or reliable.

No help with costs under the Working Tax Credit.