What nanny, childcare solution do I need?

We are often asked 'What is the right solution for me?'

At Nanny Plus, firstly we want to understand your particular circumstances, we listen to your needs, we ask about your lifestyle and your timescales and your budget. With excellent knowledge of the area and local childcare facilitates; we are able to work with you and advise on all aspects of childcare.

There are different solutions for different needs; below we have defined the main sources supplied by us. If you'd like more information on what all the different qualifications mean, click here.

For a guide to Nanny and Housekeeper pay and costs, please click here.

Nanny
Maternity Nanny
Nanny Share
Emergency, Temporary Nanny
Babysitting Service
House Keeper/House Couples
Live in v. Live out
Doula

Nanny
A Nanny is generally a qualified child carer who would be employed by you in your own home on a live-in or live-out basis (dependent upon your particular domestic arrangements). Most Qualified Nannies/Nursery Nurses are trained to provide for the care and educational development of children up to the age of 7 years. In practice though, domestic Nannies usually provide care for ages ranging from new-born to 8 years. However, if older additional children resided with the family, then a Nanny's responsibility would typically be extended to them. If your children are all in the 7 plus age group then you may wish to consider a House Keeper cum Nanny.
Some of the best nannies do not have formal qualifications, however they will have excellent references and lots and lots of experience.
However, if your requirement is for someone to take sole responsibility for your child whilst you are out of the home on a regular basis, we would always recommend an experienced / qualified nanny.

Nannies can either live in or attend your home daily. Full time, part time, or
on a nanny share basis.

They provide a safe, stimulating environment within your home in which your children can learn, develop and grow safely.

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Maternity Nanny
Maternity nannies are not typically qualified nurses, however they will typically hold an ONC in Maternity Practitioners, this is a Recognised certificated Award. In addition the will have a great deal of experience of working with newborn babies. A Maternity Nurse will have formal nursing qualifications and she will have had extensive nursing experience coupled with midwifery care. Both will work with the new mum and dad assisting and guiding over a short-term period. Their role is to establish a suitable routine for baby/babies and to advise parents on all aspects of care, hygiene and feeding.

Length of care is dependent on the family needs. These positions are usually residential, 6 days per week. When a firm booking is made for a Maternity nurse/nanny, the client contractually commits to employ the Nanny for a given period of time, on a self-employed basis. In the event that a booking is cancelled or is delayed due to a late arrival, the nanny is eligible and will claim 50% of the salary agreed for the period affected.

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Nanny share
Nanny share is when two families share a nanny, agree the terms of employment between them and share the costs.

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Emergency, Temporary Nanny
Nanny's who are available at short notice to assist with your emergency childcare needs.

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Babysitting service
Babysitters who are typically nannies registered with us that are looking to undertake extra hours. These child carers will look after your children in your own home or a venue organised by you - i.e. a hotel. They will care for you children whilst you are out for the evening.

For regular commitments and repeat business we will always endeavour to provide you with the same sitter. In addition, we recommend that small children meet their carer prior to the assignment. Our babysitters charge a minimum of 4 hours per session.

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House Keeper/ House Couples
Either live in or live out - Housekeepers look after your home as if it was their own. Typically duties include, all domestic activities, including light meal preparation, shopping, washing, ironing and cleaning.

It should be noted that Housekeepers are not surrogate nannies and therefore should not be expected to look after children on a full time basis.

House Couples - Whilst one of the couples works inside the home, it is usual for the other to work externally ie chauffeuring, gardening or heavy external tasks.

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Live in v Live out
Accommodation should where possible be self-contained. If this is not feasible, please remember your employee has the right to privacy and to formal non-working hours.

Whether you decide to seek a contribution to running costs of the accommodation or include in the overall package has a bearing on tax implications and independent advice should be sought.

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Doula
What is a Doula?

A Doula is an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in "mothering the mother" - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology (often their background training is midwifery or antenatal teaching) BUT the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff.

Postnatal doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mum and dad in the home following the birth of baby. With the help of a postnatal doula, a mother can enjoy some of the benefits of a prolonged "lying in" period. This will help her bond with her baby and spend extra time with any older siblings.

The role of a Doula

A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first time mum to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.

Before Childbirth - the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least once face-to-face. During Labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance. After childbirth, the doula may follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks.

How much will it cost?

This can range depending on the experience of the doula but as a very general guide you can expect to pay the following:

Antenatal / Birth doula

Usually charge a fixed price which can range from £250 - £500. A deposit (retainer fee) is also often required. Some doulas accept monthly payments or a reduced fee depending on the circumstances.

Postnatal Doula

Usually charge between £10 - £15 per hour (sometimes mileage is extra). A deposit is also generally required.

For further information please visit http://www.doula.org.uk

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