Nannies are employed by parents to look after children in the family home either on a live-in or live-out basis. They should either be qualified childcare professionals (see Qualifications) or should have at least two years experience of caring for children.

What nannies do:
Nannies are responsible for feeding, washing, clothing, educating and stimulating children. They should provide a safe and loving environment for the child and be expected to plan activities that help the children's learning and development. Nannies are not responsible for general housework or chores, although they should clear up after themselves and the children.

Nanny hours:
Most nannies work a five-day week. Although many do 50 - 60 hours, nannies are covered by the Government's Working Time Directive which limits a working week to 48 hours. Generally a daily nanny will expect to work no more than ten hours a day and be paid extra for one or two evenings babysitting per week. A live-in nanny will have one or two nights babysitting included in their wage.

Cost
A live-in nanny can expect at least £225 per week (net, ie after tax) and more normally it is between £230-£290. A live-out nanny can expect between £270 and £400 per week depending on hours and experience.

Other Cost Considerations:
If you decide to go for a live-in nanny remember that there will be extra costs.

• There will be higher domestic bills and extra food.
• You will need to insure them for the car if they drive.
• You may want to consider putting an extra phone line in their room so you can keep your main line private. If they have a mobile you may want to consider making a monthly contribution for calls made to the home and if they do not have one you might want to consider buying one so that they are contactable at all times when out with the children.
• Your nanny will expect regular pay reviews as with any other job. Some employers like to give bonuses after particularly busy periods, or Christmas, to show gratitude and to keep their nanny motivated.
• Remember that you will have to pay tax and National Insurance on top of the net amount. See Nanny Tax for details.

Nanny Qualifications:
Nannies looking for placements generally have a CACHE Diploma, which could be called a DCE (Diploma in Childcare and Education), DNN (Diploma in Nursery Nursing) or an NNEB. a BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies or NVQ level 3.

DCE CACHE DIPLOMA (Council for Awards in Childcare and Education). The CACHE diploma was formerly known as the NNEB or the DNN and is a widely recognised childcare qualification. It has been used to train early years practitioners for over 50 years. The course takes two years to complete and covers health, safety, nutrition and educational play for ages up to seven. Students work with children of different ages on placements in homes, day nurseries, hospitals and junior schools.

CACHE: Tel 01727 847636 / www.cache.org.uk

• CACHE FOUNDATION or CERTIFICATE AWARDS These year long, full time courses are not as comprehensive as a CACHE diploma but are considered a good basis for further training.
  
  CACHE: Tel 01727 847636 / www.cache.org.uk
  
• BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council). The BTEC courses cover the same material as the DCE but are considered more academic. There are several different levels. Check which BTEC your prospective nanny has studied.
  • The BTEC Higher National Diploma is a full time course that is the equivalent to the first year of a degree.
  • The BTEC National Certificate (also known as the BTEC National Diploma) is a part time course which is equivalent to two A-levels.
  • The BTEC First Certificate is a day release course equivalent to 4 GCSEs, grades A-C.
    

BTEC: Tel: 0870 240 9800/ www.edexcel.org.uk

• NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) NVQs are assessed within the workplace where students have to prove that they have achieved a certain level of competence and capability. Students have to complete 15 modules and courses can take up to two years to complete:
  • The NVQ level 2 is a qualification obtained by a childcare worker in a supervised role, e.g. a nursery assistant.
  • The NVQ level 3 can be obtained by professional childcare workers and could be considered the equivalent of a DCE . A childcarer undertaking this training shows a commitment to learning about high quality childcare. An experienced childminder or mother's help could apply to be assessed at this level.
  • The NVQ level 4 is undertaken by a childcare worker who would already be trained to management level - and tends to be more academically challenging.

Should I insist on a nanny with qualifications?

• If you meet a brilliant nanny with experience but no qualifications, don't rule them out. Common sense and on the job practical experience can often be just as good as a paper qualification. There are many childcarers who rely on past experience as mothers, grandmothers, teachers and nurses and are just as good as their DCE qualified counterparts.
• On the flip side however, some parents prefer to look for a nanny with qualifications as they feel it shows a dedication to a career in childcare rather than a job that they have just fallen into.

Live-in versus Live-out:

• Live-in nannies are the most flexible option - they can be called on for last minute emergencies but it is not wise to make a habit of this as too many unscheduled babysitting requests or late returns from work can set up bad feeling. In an emergency, however, they are present in the house and generally happy to help out.
• Live-in nannies generally expect their own bedroom and bathroom although most are happy sharing a bathroom with the children. Your nanny's bedroom should be pleasant and comfortable with a TV and, if possible, some private space to relax in away from the family.
• When you have a live-in nanny your home is their home. You have to work out how you feel about having friends or partners round. It's unreasonable to ban any friends at all as you don't want a miserable, lonely nanny.
• A live-out or daily nanny often feels like a more business-like arrangement. The nanny does the day's work and leaves. With a live-in, the line is less easy to define as the nanny is with you all the time and is much more part of your life.
• Live-in nannies are a cheaper option but you have to assess how much the living costs are going to add to the wage.

Points to help you decide if a nanny is for you:

• Nannies (particularly those who live-in) are likely to be the most flexible childcare option of all.
• A nanny can offer your child, or children, individual concentrated attention and if you are lucky enough to find one who stays for a good length of time they can become like an extended member of the family.
• Your child will be cared for in their own home and will receive one-on-one care.
• A nanny is, however, a more expensive option. Work out the entire cost including tax, national insurance, increased bills, car insurance etc. before you go ahead. If you think it's too expensive but like the idea of a nanny, you may want to try a nanny share - see below.
• Nannies aren't registered and, even if you go through an agency, it is ultimately your responsibility to check their references and qualifications and satisfy yourself that your childcarer has a gap-free CV. See checking nannies references..

Bestbear mums own tips for nannies:
"I have had two very successful nannies and before employing either of them I spoke to their mum, with their permission of course. It was great to get an idea of their family, to introduce myself and to have made contact should I need to talk to them in any emergency. Also I think that if you get a good feeling from the daughter and the mum's nice too - it's a very good sign." (Jill Freeman, Dorchester)

"Remember when drawing up a contract with your nanny that if you have another child you are effectively breaking that contract as you are asking her to work in entirely different circumstances. It is a good idea when drawing up your contract to add that the conditions which you are setting out should also apply to subsequent children." (Theresa Milton, Bath)

If you have any tips on nannies please email on feedback@bestbear.co.uk