Home childcarers: nannies and au pairs
Nannies/au pairs provide childcare in your own home and are a popular choice for many families. They can look after children of any age, and can work flexible hours. This page will help you find out how to go about finding and choosing a home childcarer.
Note: This list includes includes nanny and au pair agencies and has been complied by FYi in response to requests from parents. We do not have any links with these organisations. We strongly advise that you carry out your own individual checks if necessary. Home childcarers have registered with Ofsted on the voluntary part of the Childcare register.
To find a nanny/au pair, you can:
- contact a nanny/au pair agency for a list. The agency may charge a fee and often carries out some checks (you should still complete your own). FYi hold a list, you can find agencies in the local papers, phone directories, online or in specialist families magazines. Or,
- place an advert in your local paper, specialist family magazines or on the notice board of your local colleges running childcare courses.
For further information, contact FYi by using the contact details opposite.
Information
If you’ve decided that you prefer home based childcare, you need to choose between a childminder and a nanny/au pair.
- Nannies/au pairs work in the home of the children they are looking after and usually for just one family at a time, although they can work for two families at a time.
- A nanny/au pair can fit into unusual working hours, work part time or even live in, providing a flexible childcare option which can particularly suit the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
- Nannies/au pairs work in the home of the children they are looking after and usually for just one family at a time. They can fit in with unusual working hours, and work part time or even live in.
- Many will have a recognised childcare qualification and nannies can be registered under the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The scheme requires nannies to have a Criminal Record Bureau check, and have a relevant childcare qualification. The scheme means that they undergo a reasonable amount of checks on their suitability to work with children. Parents still need to complete reference checks and check that working permits are in order (if required).
- Nannies/au pair costs vary (depending on their duties and whether they live with you or come to your home each day). As their employer, you are responsible for paying their tax and National Insurance. You will also need to agree on a written contract and include for example: hours, duties, pay, holidays and sick pay.
For more information contact Ofsted on 0300 123231.
Nannies/au pairs do not have to be registered or inspected by Ofsted.
How does the scheme benefit me?
Some working families and families where the child or parent has a disability can get financial support through tax credits when using a registered nanny. See Paying for Childcare for more details.
Barnet services directory for young people, children and their families.
Email this pageLast modified by: Lauren Burbidge on 07/09/2011