ROLES EXPLAINED
This is just a brief guide to explain many of the positions that our clients may require. We are always happy to discuss each role in more depth. Please do not hesitate to call or email us.
LIVE IN NANNY
A live-in nanny is very much part of the family. They will be provided with their own room, bathroom and meals. Live-in nannies are paid less than a daily nanny as a result. There may be greater flexibility for the family including wrap around care and a 10-12 hour day shift pattern.
The nanny may also travel with the family and provide regular babysitting. The nanny will be a professional childcare provider and will have sole charge of the children. The nanny will create a safe, secure and happy environment and ensure each aspect of a child's development are met in terms of educating, socialising, emotional and physical needs as well as encouraging independence.
They will undertake all aspects of childcare and nursery duties, preparing home cooked meals for them, dressing + bathing, potty training, weaning, washing and ironing their clothes and generally keeping on top of things. They will not be expected to do heavy housework duties - for this please consider a housekeeper nanny.
DAILY NANNY
A daily nanny is a professional/career nanny who has a genuine love of children. The role will be sole charge where they will retain a level of autonomy. A daily nanny may work up to 12 hours a day and babysit on agreement. Similarly to a live-in nanny role, the expectations are dressing and bathing his/her charges, weaning, potty training, washing and ironing clothes, tidying all areas used, sorting and organising toys, cooking and planning a weekly menu.
Additionally, the school run/attending classes, playdates, library/outings, providing constructive play, arts & crafts and reading. They will look after a child who is unwell and attend medical appointments. The nanny will only undertake tasks relating to the children and not additional housework/cooking.
A nanny housekeeper would be more suited to this role. The nanny should be provided for during a long day, this includes refreshments and lunch. A minimum of four weeks holiday (in addition to bank holidays) should be given. This should be set out in the contract provided.
AFTER SCHOOL NANNY
An after-school nanny is part-time and may usually work between 3 pm and 7 pm. The nanny will collect the children from school, give them their tea, help with homework, bathe and get them ready for bed.
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If agreed, the nanny will arrive a few hours earlier to prepare dinner, tidy up and do the children's laundry.
Holiday is pro-rata dependent on the hours/days worked. After-school nannies can be more expensive than a daily nanny because the hours are generally fewer.
MOTHER'S HELP
A mother's help will generally be a junior nanny who will work alongside a parent. They are on hand to assist where necessary as an additional pair of hands. This is reflected in the salary. The mother's help may play with a child whilst mum is feeding for example. They may also be asked to help with household tasks such as vacuuming, laundry, washing up/dishwasher, light cooking or meal prep, as well as ironing and tidying up.
NANNY/PERSONAL ASSISTANT
This role is the same as a daily/live-in nanny with the addition of personal assistant duties. This may include helping with the family business such as admin duties, managing professional and social requirements of the family, managing other staff within the household, taking care of family pets, taking deliveries, ordering food shopping and gifts, sourcing and over-seeing trades people, booking appointments/holidays, managing all aspects of the household calendar, supervision of homework and projects, PE kits and school bags. A nanny PA is often paid a higher hourly rate for this position.
GOVERNESS
A governess will invariably have a teaching/education background. She will often possess additional skills such as playing an instrument, languages or sport. The main focus is on education, homeschooling, etiquette and manners.
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The children will generally be school-aged. The governess may help prepare for school exams and assessments, advise parents, organise a timetable and liaise with school staff. Expect to pay a governess a higher salary than that of a nanny.
MATERNITY NURSE
Maternity nurses are usually OCN, MNT or Norland trained. It is reassuring for a new family having a qualified professional on hand to provide 24 hour care. She will help and advise on sleeping, feeding, nursery duties, as well as all other aspects surrounding a new baby.
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The maternity nurse will have her own room or share with the baby. Please try to book your maternity nurse a few months in advance where possible. We will be happy to advise/discuss your needs further.
NANNY HOUSEKEEPER
The nanny housekeeper role is predominantly to undertake all household tasks as required. This may include cleaning the house, all the laundry and ironing, cooking (not just for the children but the whole family), changing and making beds, answering the phone, shopping, running errands, looking after pets, sending post, tidying the garden.
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Some nanny housekeeper roles may simply be 70% housekeeping with only 20% childcare depending on individual circumstances i.e. doing the school run and the bedtime routine.
NANNY SHARE
A nanny share is generally between two families who are friends or neighbours. The hours are split between the two households where upon the children are cared for together. This can be very beneficial in terms of expense. Your children also have the advantage of socialising together, particularly if a household has one child.
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It is imperative that families agree on discipline, meals and activities. It is also worth considering the logistics surrounding arrangements over house, car and equipment. If you wish to explore the options of a nanny share but do not have a family to proceed with, we can help try to remedy this.
Please contact us for further assistance.
NIGHT NANNY
A night nanny will arrive early evening and will be on call overnight, until the morning. She/he will help regulate your baby's sleep pattern, sterilise and make up bottles, offer advice and give peace of mind.
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Your night nanny does not undertake any domestic tasks. You may require your night nanny until a good routine and sleep pattern have been met.
OFSTED REGISTERED NANNY
It is a voluntary choice for a nanny to register with ofsted. This can be a great asset for a family if they are entitled to childcare vouchers, and can save money in the long-term.
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The requirements needed to register are that the nanny is first aid trained, has liability insurance, a childcare qualification and holds an up-to-date DBS.
There will be a registration fee to pay, which some families are happy to cover (this may be negotiated at the time a job offer is made). The current fee is £103* annually. Once registered, the nanny will hold a unique reference number. The process of application is usually completed within twelve weeks.
For more information please click here.
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*correct at time of print
For a list of recognised childcare qualifications, go to
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder