Nannies
Nannies work in your own home and do not have to be registered with Ofsted. However, see the Ofsted Registration and Inspection section for information on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register that nannies can opt to join.
Like childminders, nannies may be able to provide more flexible and personal care for your child. They may be live-in or live-out (daily) nannies. It's possible for families that require part-time care to take part in a nanny-share with other families, which can ease the considerable costs. You can find other families looking for nanny shares through the University's parent e-newsletters or try the service www.nannyshare.co.uk.
Nannies are employed by the family, who will be responsible for sorting out terms and conditions of employment, tax and national insurance. There are specialist agencies that will help with all aspects of employing a Nanny. Costs are high and can depend on the nanny's age, experience and hours worked, but if you have more than one young child it can work out cheaper than sending your children to a day nursery.
Au Pairs
Au Pairs are usually students from overseas wanting to improve their English, who live in the family's home and help with light domestic duties and childcare in return for food, lodging and a small wage. Costs can depend on the individual and the amount of hours you require the au-pair to work. There are specialist agencies that will help with all aspects of employing an Au Pair.