What are nannies, babysitters and au pairs?
Nannies, babysitters and au pairs are different types of services available to look after children in your own home.
Nannies
Nannies can:
- Provide high quality, flexible childcare for children of all ages
- Be employed on a daily, live in or shared basis
- Work flexible hours, part time or full time, term time and holidays to suit you and your child’s commitments
Babysitters
If you are using a babysitter you must make sure that the person you have asked is capable and will provide adequate care for your child. This is because the law:
-
Does not state an age when children can be left alone, but 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"
- Does not state when young people can babysit, but if a babysitter is under the age of 16, parents remain legally responsible to ensure that their child comes to no harm
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) provides guidance for parents on good practice for using a babysitter.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) provides guidance on leaving children at home alone.
Ofsted Registered Childminders - Some childminders are willing to provide ad hoc babysitting in the child's home. You can find details of these childminders in our Childcare and Early Years section of the directory.
Au Pairs
An au pair is a domestic assistant from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs take on a share of the family's responsibility for childcare as well as some housework, and receive a small monetary allowance. Au pair schemes are subject to government restrictions which specify an age range, usually 17 to 27 years old. Further information visit the British Au Pair Agencies Association website
Recruiting a nanny
Finding the right person takes time, so do try to begin your search early.
Where can I find a nanny?
- Contact a nanny agency. Search our directory for nanny agencies. Please note the list is not exhaustive.
- Place an advertisement online. Websites you could consider using are:
- Contact local further education colleges that offer courses in childcare, to employ a newly qualified childcarer.
Appropriate checks should to be carried out. These include:
- Qualifications
- First aid
- References
- Right to work in the UK documents
- Disclosure and Baring checks
A nanny can register on the Ofsted ‘Voluntary Childcare Register’, to enable parents to use Childcare Vouchers or the Tax Free Childcare scheme. The government website Childcare Choices provider information about these schemes. Visit the Ofsted website for information on registering to become a home childcarer or telephone 0300 1231231.
For further information about recruiting a nanny, see Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey)
Employing a nanny
When employing a nanny, you are responsible for the following:
- Contract of employment
- Providing payslips
- Insurances, including employer's liability, home and car
- Deducting and paying the employee’s Income Tax and National Insurance contributions
- Paying statutory benefits, for example maternity pay, sick pay, paid holiday, redundancy pay and a workplace pension.
The GOV.UK website providers further information about employing someone to work in your home.