Children's
& Young People's Services
Extended Services In and Around Schools
Nannies, Au-Pairs and Mother's Helps
What is a nanny?
Nannies are employed to care for children, usually on a full time basis. They do not always take on other household duties. They may be ‘residential’, in which case they will live with you or ‘daily’, where they will come to your home each day to work.
What do they provide?
Nannies provide a full range of activities for young children in the child's own home. They often care for more than one child in a family.
Registration
Nannies do not have to be formally registered in this country, however they may wish to register under the Voluntary Childcare Register. Most nannies register with an agency to find work and some of these agencies run basic checks on them, however it is advisable to consider organising your own Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks if employing someone.
Staffing/Qualification
The most common qualification for nannies is the NNEB (Nursery Nurse Education Board) now known as CACHE 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. Some have other childcare qualifications and/or a number of years work experience with young children. Ask to see any qualification certificates.
Cost
The cost of nannies will vary depending whether they are qualified, if they live in or out, how much experience they have and if they are trained for special needs children. Remember as their employer you will have to pay tax and National Insurance contributions.
What is an au-pair?
An au-pair is usually a young person from abroad who has come to this country to learn the language and culture by living with a family and looking after their children.
What do they provide?
Au-pairs are expected to help with nominal housework as well as looking after the family’s children.
Registration
There is no current requirement for registration as au-pairs are only meant to assist the parent unless you intend to claim WTC when registration on the Voluntary Childcare Register is essential. Most register with an agency to find work and some of these agencies run basic checks, however it is advisable to consider organising your own Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks.
Staffing/Qualifications
It is not currently necessary for au-pairs to have qualifications, however some may have childcare experience.
Cost
You should come to some arrangement in advance on what your agreed rate of payment is.
What is a mother’s help?
A mother's help is someone who looks after children in a family and also helps with household duties.
What do they provide?
Mother’s helps usually live out and come in for a few hours a day to assist the parent with a variety of duties, from basic childcare to housework.
Registration
There is no requirement for registration as they are only meant to assist the parent, however, if the parent intends to claim WTC then registration on the Voluntary Childcare register is essential.
Staffing/Qualifications
They are often unqualified but have some kind of experience - such as having raised their own children.
Cost
You should come to some arrangement in advance on what your agreed rate of payment is.
What is a baby-sitter?
A baby-sitter is someone that comes to your home and looks after your children usually during the evenings or at weekends. They may be family friends or could be employed through an agency. One of the biggest challenges faced by parents/carers is finding a reliable baby-sitter, someone you can have complete confidence in to care for your children.
What do they provide?
They usually care for children in the evening and may sometimes be expected to get the children ready for bed, read them stories and generally make sure they are safe until you return from your evening out. Sometimes baby-sitters care for the children at weekends during the day and they are expected to play with the children and keep them amused.
What the law says
The law is not clear because it does not state an age when children can be left alone. However parents can be prosecuted for wilful neglect if they leave a child unsupervised “in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health” (Children and Young Persons Act 1933). The law also does not state an age when young people may baby-sit. However, where a baby-sitter is under the age of 16 years parents remain legally responsible to ensure that their child comes to no harm. For this reason, the NSPCC does not recommend asking anyone under 16 to look after a young child.
Registration
Baby-sitters do not have to be registered with the local authority. If you employ a baby-sitter from an agency they may have undergone some form of checks, references, Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks etc.
Qualifications
Most baby-sitters have no formal training and are usually a family friend or neighbour. Sitters from agencies may have some form of training or qualification.
Cost
There is no set rate of pay for baby-sitters and you must come to some arrangement with the sitter in advance on what your agreed rate of payment is. Be prepared to pay more after midnight and on bank holidays. If you are using somebody from an agency they will have a set payment rate.
Choosing a baby-sitter
Follow your instincts. If you have any doubts about a baby-sitter, do not take them on. Always ask for at least two references and check these carefully. If possible choose a baby-sitter who is over 16. People under 16 may not be held responsible for any harm that happens to a child in their care. Remember that even some 16 year olds may not be mature enough to care for young children. Listen to your children; if they seem unhappy with the person looking after them, try to find someone else.
It is a personal decision as to whether your baby-sitter should be allowed companions to join them. Baby-sitting can be lonely but it must be clear that the children are their priority and make them aware of any house rules you may have.
We all have different views about discipline and behaviour so make your baby-sitter aware of your child’s routine and rules. If you do feel unhappy about any aspect of the care given discuss it with the baby-sitter as soon as the matter arises.
Issues to consider
As none of the childcare providers mentioned need to be registered it is important that you ask for references.
- Ask a friend to sit in on interviews with prospective carers; two opinions are always better than one if you are unsure about something.
- Form a written contract between yourself and the carer to ensure that each party is clear of their roles and responsibilities in the relationship before they commence work.
- Allow your children to have some kind of settling in period with their new carer or perhaps a trial period to see how they get on together. This is important when using a baby-sitter for the first time, as it would be very frightening for a child to wake up and find only a stranger in the house.
- Make sure the carer has a contact number for you and/or somebody locally they could go to for help (e.g. a neighbour) in the event of an emergency
- Familiarise them with the house; show them exits and where door keys are kept in case of fire and where first aid equipment may be found.
- When choosing a baby-sitter agree the time you will return and stick to it. If you are delayed, call and let them know. Provide them with refreshments and make sure they have safe transport home. Remember you may need to book a cab in advance for the sitter to ensure their leaving is not delayed.
Questions you may want to ask a prospective carer (if applicable)?
- What qualifications do you hold?
- What experience do you have in the childcare area?
- What are your views on:- Play? Food? Discipline? Education? Religion? Equal opportunities?
- Will you be willing to take my children swimming? To the library? To local carer and toddler groups (so that both the carer and your child can socialise), or do you have other ideas for activities?
- Do you have any first aid knowledge?
- Will you be willing to do extra hours if needed? If so, will I have to pay you for overtime and at what rate?
- Which household duties would you be prepared to take on?
- Do you drive?
- Do you smoke?
Training is available free of charge. For further information please call the Organisational Development Unit on:
If you would like further information on any of the carers mentioned above, please call Bexley FIS by phoning our help line where our information officers can provide you with a list of agencies and other groups who may be able to assist you.
Other useful contacts
- CRB (Criminal Records Bureau)
- Information Line: 0870 9090 811
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