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

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

Childcare

New to having someone look after my baby and I have some questions

18 replies

eenybeeny · 13/03/2007 12:42

Hi there I have a 7 month old DS. I just hired a babysitter to look after him a few hours a week while I work and get some bits & pieces done.

Question: What is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?

This LOVELY girl I have found is studying to be a peadiatrician and wants to work with children.

Also: My baby is... tempermental, to say the least. He is LOVELY but definitely responds best to me and his Dad isnt so great with other people. Any ideas on how I can help ease this transition?

I am paying her £6 an hour, how does that compare?

Thanks for your thoughts

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nally · 13/03/2007 12:50

(Hi, just wanted to say wow! £6 per hour is nice. I only get £3 per hour as a childminder!)

twocatsonthebed · 13/03/2007 12:50

I don't have any answers, but that sounds like just the kind of set up I want (someone to come in for a couple of mornings while I work). How did you find her?

eenybeeny · 13/03/2007 13:01

She advertised in my local post office as wanting work & I called her. She is really really great. I just want Alex to go easy on her, you know?

Nally £6 is good - I'm glad. It might be too much I dont know but some days she works late hours for me while I am at work (I work at a pub) so I wanted to make it worth her while plus I have no idea how much to pay so I just guessed.

OP posts:

nally · 13/03/2007 13:04

Yes, I would say that is probably about right. I belong to a professional babysitting company (www.sitters.co.uk) who only employ nannies, teachers and childminders and our rates are £5.25 per hour. Does she have any qualifications?

eenybeeny · 13/03/2007 13:05

She does... an NVQ and some other stuff I cant remember

She is going to Uni and training at Barts in London to be a Peadiatrician so she is really 'on the ball'

OP posts:

nally · 13/03/2007 13:05

not belong to! meant to say am part of - lol!

nally · 13/03/2007 13:06

sounds good to me!

marymoocow · 13/03/2007 13:06

Just out of curiosity what's the difference between a paid babysitter and a childminder? Is it just that they do it in your house? If so do they not have to have checks etc like a childminder (sorry for the sort of hijack)

eenybeeny · 13/03/2007 13:08

thats ok marymoocow I am wondering these things too...

and nally I didnt think the company OWNED you!

OP posts:

Eleusis · 13/03/2007 13:09

eenybeeny,
How many hours a week are you talking about? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but are you sure she isn't your nanny?

If it's a few hours hear and there, I probably wouldn't worry too much about it. But if it is say three regular mornings a week, you may find the IR knocking on your door one day to have a chate about tax evasion?

nally · 13/03/2007 13:10

Childminders go through the health checks and crb checks and Ofsted are the regulatory body, so there are regular inspections etc (which obviously does not count if babysitting in someone's home). Childminders have to have up-to-date first aid certificates and must have certain qualifications.

Eleusis · 13/03/2007 13:11

here not hear

marymoocow · 13/03/2007 13:13

so if you did it in the parents house you wouldn't have to class yourself as a childminder then and go through all the checks even though you are doing exactly the same things then? Or am i simplifying things too much. Sorry being a bit thick today. Just one of those things i've always wondered about really

Eleusis · 13/03/2007 13:17

If you look afger kids in their own home on a regular babsis you are their nanny, and whoever pays you is your employer. You work for them, and they set the rules, pick the activities, and so on...

eenybeeny · 13/03/2007 13:18

Its only about... 6 hours a week maybe? Possibly even less some weeks depending on my schedule. I know thats not much.

OP posts:

marymoocow · 13/03/2007 13:20

Thankyou. Sorry will leave the thread alone now

ScottishThistle · 13/03/2007 13:21

A Babysitter doesn't need to have any qualifications though many do & they usually only do occasional evening work.

Nannies are usually qualified (though not all are), work regular hours in the day & are your employee.

Eleusis · 13/03/2007 13:23

You don't have to leave marymoo, always happy to share my knowledge of the nanny/babysitter/childminder rules. The world of childcare is so complicated. It's no wonder people get overwhelmed with the choices.

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