Please or to access all these features

Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

What's the difference between a nanny and an au pair?

26 replies

HeadFairy · 14/02/2013 14:00

Don't flame me, I know there is a difference of course. Nannies are highly qualified and experienced and have tons of training. Au pairs don't. But if an au pair has been working in childcare for 10+ years, usually sole charge but she has no formal training can she call herself a nanny?

Can Nanny A call herself a nanny? She has no formal training, has been working 10+ in childcare in various settings. She works a 30hr week and she works though she does no nursery duties (ie washing children's clothes, tidying bedrooms etc), does no structured activities with the children (one is at school all day and one is at nursery/pre school for 7 of the 30 hours. She usually lets the children entertain themselves and she is there as a responsible adult. She doesn't really cook beyond reheating food that's been cooked by the employer.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
SamSmalaidh · 14/02/2013 14:31

An au pair lives in the family home as part of the family (is included in meals, sometimes day trips, holidays, family events). Works around 25-30 hours a week doing some childcare and light housework and gets pocket money of around £75 a week.

A nanny can be live-in or live-out, usually does not live as a family member but is an employee so must be paid at least minimum wage, often works 50 hours a week, primarily childcare and related "nursery duties".

Swipe left for the next trending thread