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Parents know how stressful caring for a child at home can be - even their own child - so, rather than worry about how a nanny might cope with a child during particularly trying moments, many prefer to choose a nursery.

One of the advantages is that nurseries offer a structured environment. All nurseries in England are inspected by Ofsted regularly for registration purposes, nursery staff work closely together (with rooms having more than one carer), and a manager oversees the running of the nursery.

Another plus is that nurseries have clear rules for parents to follow (such as picking up and drop-off times), so you know exactly what is expected of you. Parents also have the opportunity to meet other parents who may be able to lend support and exchange favours such as babysitting.

If you use registered or approved childcare, such as a nursery setting, you may be able to get help with your childcare costs from the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. For information on tax credits, call the HM Revenue & Customs helpline: 0845 300 3900.

A nursery place can be seen as a stable and reliable form of childcare, because the nursery will still be open regardless of whether one carer is sick or late. When you opt for a nursery you do not have to take someone else's sickness or holidays into account.

At least 50 per cent of staff in a nursery should be trained in early childhood education so they know what to expect from your child developmentally and are able to nurture his growing skills accordingly.

A nursery curriculum should include a wide variety of activities during the day to teach different skills, such as singing, dancing and listening to stories. Many parents like the fact that their children spend their days engaged in play activities in a structured setting. Of course, the trained staff will be ensuring that the activities are age-appropriate to the children, helping them to learn as they play.
Finally, toddlers can benefit from the opportunity to mix and socialise with other children, as it can help them to gain confidence. 

What are the disadvantages?

One problem with nurseries is that although you are paying a high charge, you must conform to their opening and closing times (though there should be some flexibility), and find back-up care when the nursery is closed or when your child is ill. Your child is also more likely to catch diseases such as colds and conjunctivitis, because she is exposed to more germs.

Children are less likely to get the one-to-one care that is taken for granted with a stay-at-home mum or nanny, and some research has suggested that very young children do better in a one-to-one environment. Babies, in particular, need a lot of love and attention to thrive and do well, and some parents do believe that the nursery is a more appropriate environment for older children when they are ready to develop their social and creative skills.

Finally, mums and dads know that looking after one baby, let alone three, is hard work, which is why some of them balk at the idea of a single carer looking after more than one baby at a nursery all day long. 

The bottom line

It is true that the quality of care dips when a person has to watch over too many children, but all registered nurseries must comply with regulations on child-to-carer ratios. Also, a number of nursery nurses working together can offer support and encouragement to each other when needed, as well as being able to share examples of best practice. Good nurseries keep the number of children in each group lower than the regulations stipulate, too. You will find it useful to ask about staff to child ratios when you visit nurseries.

The Children Act recommends:

• One carer for every three babies under two years

• One carer for every four children from 2-3

• One carer for every eight children from 3-5.

Reviewed October 2007