Live in Nanny
A live-in nanny lives within your home and can be solely in charge of the children and general duties i.e. children’s washing, cooking, tidying of the toys and bedrooms. It is expected that a live-in nanny has her own bedroom , with some private space to relax. The cost of all the food and bills is also paid for (with exception of the telephone). Generally they tend to work between 10 to 12 hours per day. The majority of parents allow nannies full use of a car.
Babysitting can also be incorporated as part of the role. A live in nanny can be more flexible for last minute options. They are seen as part of everyday family life.

Live out Nanny
A live-out nanny comes into the home daily usually working a 10 hour day. They can be in sole charge of the children and carry out general duties i.e. children’s washing, cooking, tidying of the toys and bedroom.
Babysitting duties usually are agreed in addition to working hours and agreed in advanced.
A nanny holds some form of child care qualification (NNEB, BTEC, NVQ 2 or 3) or has over two years relevant child care experience. This provides them with the relevant knowledge to enable your child to grow and develop within a safe environment.

Mothers Help
A mothers help is usually there to assist the mother and work alongside her to help with the children. It is not expected that they are in sole charge of the children. Mothers help work both full time and part time hours from 25 – 45 hours, also live in or live out. The carer will have at least 2 years relevant child care experience but generally do not hold child care qualifications.

Au Pairs
An Au Pair is a carer with child care experience and a genuine interest in working with children. He/ she will have a desire to go overseas to learn a new culture, language and experience. An Au Pair is a single person who comes to live with an English speaking family. The idea is the carer stays and works for you in exchange of a wage, room and board. Generally they stay between 3 -18 months.
An Au Pair is not trained to be a nanny and therefore should not be left in sole charge of the children. They should not be used as a house-keeper or domestic servant.

A typical au-pair works 5 - 6 hours per day, Monday to Friday - usually caring for school-age children before and after school, and doing some light housework. Free time should be given daily for study or to pursue personal interests and they must have two days a week completely free. Au pairs are considered to be working if they are required to be available and are not free to leave the house even if the are not actively working, for example if the children are in bed asleep. Most families do not usually ask an au-pair to work weekends apart from babysitting. Au-pairs should not be asked to baby-sit every week, although one evening per weekend is not unreasonable. If there is additional work during school holidaysthen it should be made clear at the time of making the offer and reasonable additional money can be expected in return for this.

An au-pair might be an option for the busy mum who needs an extra hand on a daily basis.

Usually Au Pairs are paid
a minimum of £55 per week for 20-25 hours, £70-80 for 30-35 hours. £80-100 for 35-45 hours.

Temporary Carer
Safehands are able to provide families with emergency or temporary cover for one day or up to a few months. Our carers are experienced or qualified within the child care field. Dependent on your needs a temporary carer will be live in or live out. Remuneration depends on the experience and calibre of staff required.

Babysitters
See our babysitting pages on the main Safehands site - click here)

Maternity Nurses
Maternity Nurses support mothers and provide expert advice. Safehands will help place Maternity Nurses upon request.

Please note: the above information is purely a guideline to a typical nanny’s role. You and your carer will come to an agreement on working duties and relationships.