Parents are being told they could save up to £2,700 on their childcare costs this summer by spreading them out to other families. During the summer holidays, many parents may be forced to pay more for childcare, especially when it comes to hiring extra help with childcare. Fortunately, parents can help mitigate these increased costs by arranging a nanny share.

This is an arrangement in which two or more families agree to employ the same nanny who can either care for all the children at the same time or split the week between the families. This can help lower overall costs and make hiring a nanny more affordable.

Robert King, director of nanny payroll services at Nannywage, said: “Nanny rates vary widely, with averages ranging from £11 to £14 per hour across the UK. In London, where demand is higher, rates typically range from £15 to £16 per hour. Families hiring full-time nannies often face weekly costs of £400 to £750.”

Robert added: "Nanny sharing is a smart and cost-effective way for families to manage childcare expenses without sacrificing quality. Across the UK, sharing a nanny who typically charges £11 to £14 per hour could reduce individual rates to £5.50 to £7 per hour per family.

“In London, where hourly rates are higher, sharing costs can lower rates to £6 to £9 per hour."

He continued: "Over the six-week school summer break, a private full-time nanny in the UK could cost between £2,640 and £3,360. With a nanny share, these costs drop to between £1,056 and £1,680 per family, saving parents anywhere from £1,584 to £2,160 during the holidays. For many, it’s an ideal solution that balances affordability with high-quality childcare.

"In London, where nanny rates are higher, parents can expect to pay between £3,600 and £4,500. Sharing a nanny brings this down to between £1,440 and £2,700 per family, making it a practical option for managing costs."

"Nanny sharing helps families split costs fairly while benefiting from high-quality care. Each employer should have clear agreements and separate contracts outlining schedules, holidays, and expectations. With proper planning, families can make sure the arrangement is both cost-effective and compliant with employment laws."

"Families sharing a nanny can save money while managing tax and payroll responsibilities smoothly. By splitting tax codes and National Insurance contributions proportionally, parents only pay their share of the nanny’s costs. Professional payroll services can handle these complexities, ensuring compliance with HMRC and giving families peace of mind."

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