Childminding vs. Fostering: Pros and Cons

It can be a difficult decision to make when you undertake a child into your care. With the options between childminding and fostering, it can be confusing since the two options are very similar, and you still want to give the child the best care possible. The differences are childminding is caring for a child during an agreed set of hours, which is usually when the parents are at work. Whereas, fostering allows the child or children to live with their foster families. Still, these options allows the carer to care for the child. So, here are the pros and cons between the options:

Advantages of Childminding

Flexibility Childminders can choose which hours they would be available, and how many children they wish to look after. Yet, there is a legal limit in how many young children the childminder can undertake in one duration. This involves a working relationship thats needs to be established with the parents or guardians since they will be paying for the services.

Disadvantage of Childminding

No Allowances There are no allowances provided for childminding. The parents or guardians of the child or children payfor the services provided by the childminder. However, childminders can arrange their own contracts and agreed fees with the parents.

Advantages of Fostering

Allowances You can be compensated for looking after children whilst they are in your care. These are known as fostering allowance. Looking after a children can add up and be costly in the long run. So, the main advantages includes being compensated for your time and meeting the demands of your child. In addition, you can get an additional £10,000 in tax-free allowance from the fostering allowance. Training and care support Support and training can be provided for foster carers. Since foster carers are assessed yearly by the local council and fostering agency, the standards needs to be constantly maintained at a high-quality in order to care for the child. It can teach techniques in how to bond with the foster child as well.

Disadvantages of Fostering

Separation Unlike childminding where the hours are agreed upon, fostering a child can be unpredictable as they would still have contact with their family. Sometimes, the foster child would be reunited with their families, which can be painful for the foster parent to part ways especially if they have formed an emotional bond.   Expensive As the foster child will be living in the carer's home, it can be costly for the foster parents. Although there are allowances, sometimes, it may work out less than what you actually need for outgoing expenses. Therefore, there will be moments where the expenses will be coming out of your own pocket. Looking after a child can be a very rewarding process. Still, it is important to consider all factors when you make this decision. Both roles requires long hours and emotional investment, so it is best to be aware of the upsides and downsides of the process.  

Are You Interested in Working in Childcare?

If you're interested in working in childcare, then The Learning Station can help. We're a training provider based in Haringey, London and we've helped many individuals gain their Childcare Level 2 qualifcations. All childcare courses we provide are online distance learning, meaning you can learn in your own time and at your pace. If you would like to know more, please contact us.