Childcare Options

These are the childcare options most widely used in the UK. Rates of pay vary a great deal depending on qualifications, experience, age and working location. 

Nanny 

Can be qualified and trained to NNEB, DNN, BTec, NAMCW, NVQ3 or similar standard or simply have experience in this line of work. The Nanny could be expected to take sole charge and be fully responsible for babies and young children. The daily duties would be totally child related, from bathing, cooking meals, child's laundry, tidying of playrooms/child's bedrooms, school/nursery runs etc. 

The principle responsibility is to plan activities that help the children learn and develop through play and enjoyment in a safe and caring environment. 

Mother’s Help 

Usually newly qualified or unqualified with some childcare experience. Ideal for parents needing an extra pair of hands, particularly during school holidays. Would help with light household duties but generally are not left in sole charge of children for long periods. 

Au Pairs 

Mostly foreign students who are unqualified but may have some childcare experience. They would be suitable for school runs, after school care and some household duties. 

They would not usually be given sole charge of children for long periods of time. Sadly we cannot recommend Au Pairs as part of our service due to the difficulty in verifying qualifications and references and most importantly carrying out official Police checks. 

Maternity Nurses 

This is a specialised position for a fully qualified Nanny or Midwife who has extensive experience with newborn babies. They would usually live in and be available 5/6 days per week, 24 hours a day, helping parents and babies into a routine and giving advice. They can be self-employed or work on short term temporary basis, usually 1 to 8 weeks duration. 

Temporary Child Carers 

These are usually qualified Nannies that are in between jobs. Available at short notice