Types of Childcarer

When choosing the right childcare for you, it may help to understand the different options that are available.

We get asked on a regular basis the differences between certain childcarers, so here is an overview of the different types of childcare available and what duties each perform:

NANNY (Live-out)

Nannies are employed by the parent/s to look after the children in the family home.  They can be permanent or temporary, full or part time.  Nannies usually have sole charge of the children but can work alongside the parent (shared care).  They usually have a childcare qualification and experience of being a nanny.

Nanny duties centre round the children and nannies are responsible for their:

Care and well-being
Educational and creative stimulation including socialising
Preparation of meals and feeding
Laundry
Ironing
Bathing and clothing

Whilst the nanny should clear up and tidy after herself and the children in all communal areas and playrooms, they are not responsible for general housework, food shopping or chores, unless this agreed prior to engagement.

Babysitting is usually arranged as a ‘paid extra’.

Nanny salaries vary greatly depending or area and hours.  Please ask your local branch for advice on the cost.

NANNY (Live-in)

In addition to the above, live-in nannies usually provide 2 nights babysitting included within their salary.  Live-in nannies work Mon-Fri and should be allowed free time at the weekend with the option of staying in the accommodation provided by the parent/s.  Live-in nannies should be provided with suitable accommodation either within the family home or separate from it.  Live-in nannies are cheaper than live-out nannies as food and accommodation is being provided by the parent/s.  Ask your local branch of Enchanted Childcare for more details.

NANNY SHARE

It is called a nanny share if two families share the same nanny.  They can operate in many different ways.  It can be a cheaper option for parents as they are sharing the cost of the nanny but can be more complicated to set up and if things go wrong. 

MOTHERS’ HELP

Mothers’ Helps are usually unqualified, newly qualified, or have little childcare experience.  They assist the mother in the care of the children.  They are not cleaners but may undertake light housework in order to help the mother in addition to the nursery duties undertaken by nannies.  Mothers’ Help is a popular choice for parent/s of a new baby when there are other children in the house or Mum needs help keeping on top of all the other household chores.  Duties should be discussed and agreed in advance.

MANNIES

Male nannies or Mannies as they are called are becoming more popular with single mothers and parent/s of boys who enjoy having a male figure around.  At Enchanted Childcare we do have some male childcarers on our books.  If you are considering a Manny, good references are essential.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARER

If the children are of school-age, then it may not be necessary to have a full time nanny in your employ.  It may be necessary for you to leave the house early so the childcarer would arrive and cater for breakfast, get the children ready and drop them off at school.  After school they can collect, attend after school activities, prepare the tea, help with homework and get the children bathed and ready for bed if required.  This type of childcarer is popular but difficult to find as the hours and salary are not always enough.  To make the position more attractive you can offer an average salary arrangement so that the childcarer still earns during the holidays or offer working hours during the holidays as well.

PROXY PARENT

If the parent/s is going on holiday, needs to be away on business or maybe going into hospital, then a short term live-in childcarer may be required, this is called a proxy-parent.  This type of childcarer will ensure your children’s routine is as uninterrupted as possible.  They will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the household in your absence.  Speak to your local branch if you are interested in a proxy parent childcarer.