Au Pairs
Au Pairs are an excellent solution for families with children of school age. However they are generally not trained or highly skilled in childcare so are not suitable for sole charge positions with young children or babies. You will need to offer accommodation to your Au Pair and pay a wage of approximately £50 per week. They are usually from Eastern or Central Europe and are available to work for either 5 or 8 hours a day depending on their visa status. Most Au Pairs will be studying whilst they are here and learning English is their primary focus.
Au Pair visas can not be transferred to any other type of work including nannying, they usually last for one year but are often renewable.
Lollipop Childcare does not recruit Au Pairs as they are difficult to obtain references and police checks for. However there are many reputable Au Pair Agencies who will be able to offer you good advice if this is the best solution for your family.
Childminders
Childminders look after children in their own homes (which are checked by Ofsted to ensure they offer a safe environment). Some have worked in childcare before and will be qualified. All registered childminders would have attended some basic training including first aid.
The amount of children a childminder will care for at a time depends on the age of her wards and how many of her own children she has. You will normally be expected to provide nappies and food for your child.
Whilst childminders are fairly inexpensive the same pitfalls apply as with Nurseries, if your children (or hers) are unwell you will have to make alternative arrangements.
A list of names and contact details can be obtained from your local Children's Information Service. Windsor and Maidenhead CIS can be contacted on 01753 869100.
Daily Nannies
Daily Nannies come to work in your home each day, most will expect to work between 8 and 10 hours per day, Monday to Friday. They will often babysit by arrangement.
They are often qualified but an unqualified nanny with good experience and excellent references should not be dismissed from your interview list.
Nannies usually prefer to work in a 'sole charge' capacity, meaning that they are the primary carer during their working hours. Some will share charge with you as parents but really this is the role of a Mother's Help. Attracting an experienced nanny to work as a Mother's Help can be equated to asking an Office Manager to take a position as a filing clerk so try to be realistic about the role you are offering and the type of applicant it will suit.
As nannies are skilled their primary focus will be your children some will assist with light housework and most will perform nursery duties, this usually includes preparation of the children's meals and a good nanny will be able to cook nutritious and enjoyable food.
Good nannies respect parents input into the daily lives of there wards and will always respect your wishes in terms of routines, dietary requirements and activities. It is important to remember also that as professionals they are interested in developing your children's potential and will have their own ideas, (drawn from experience) of ways to stimulate, educate and entertain your children.
They will also have valuable ideas and experience in how to assist your children in becoming sociable, how to broaden their creativity, how to effectively discipline and how to make them feel confident.
Live-In Nannies
Live-In Nannies perform the same duties as daily nannies but generally work longer hours (10 - 12) and regularly babysit. The salary is reduced for a live in nanny as they have no rent or bills to pay.
The accommodation that you provide is a selling point of the job, if you're offering the box room and your neighbours are offering a loft conversion with en-suite, lounge area, TV and video you will probably need to offer a higher salary or perks.
Doulas
Doulas are women experienced in childbirth who will help a mother through labour offering emotional support and practical advice. They will meet you before the birth and help you through your birth plan as well as ensuring your needs are met whilst at the hospital.
A maternity doula works in the same way as a maternity nurse assisting the mother with coming to terms with motherhood, showing them how to complete baby tasks such as bathing and will also assist by helping with light housework and sometimes cooking.
Mother's Helps
Mother's Helps assist with both childcare and household chores, they are best suited to families where at least one parent is present. Many are college leavers (CCE* or DCE*) and will usually have some good experience gained from college and will have completed many placements with both families and Nurseries assisting in the care of small babies through to 5 year olds.
Many Junior Nannies are Nursery Nurseries who wish to move into Nannying, they are generally capable of some sole charge care but may need assistance and guidance in the 'domestic' side of Nannying.
*Certificate in Childcare and Education (2 year course) Diploma in Childcare and Education 3 year course.
Nanny Shares - Cost and Time
Cost: This is the true meaning of a Nanny Share; two families will both employ a Nanny to care for their children at the same time, the employers are joint employers and share responsibility for the nanny's salary including deductions and benefits. The Nanny generally alternates working between the two homes and it is essential for the families to work closely together to make this arrangement work. The Nanny's salary is generally higher as the role is more complicated but the cost is split between employers and represents a good saving.
Time: A Nanny works independently for two families for example 2 days with one family and 3 days with another, she does not care for the children together and is employed separately. Only 1 employer will be awarded the Nanny's tax allowance, usually this is the employer offering the most days/hours but it is the Nanny's choice.
Nursery Nurses and Assistants
Nursery Nurses are qualified staff working in Nurseries and Crèches and other childcare centres. They can be responsible solely for a small group of children and are senior to Nursery Assistants who are unqualified.
Whilst they are as skilled and qualified as Nannies they are generally paid considerably less, a Nursery Nurse looking to move into Nannying is often an excellent option for a family with budgetary constraints.