The difference between a nanny and a childminder
Finding out the difference between a nanny and a childminder is very important, because a lot of people believe these two jobs are the same.
That’s not the case!
In fact, there are plenty of differences between a childminder and a nanny.
With that in mind, we created a small comparison article to help you figure out which is the better option based on your own requirements.
What is a nanny?
Generally, a nanny is hired to live with the family and take care of their child.
There are various types of nannies:
- A live-in nanny lives with the family,
- a doula lives with the new baby parents,
- daily nannies come to the family every day but they don’t live with them.
- There are also mother’s help nannies that come daily to take care of kids, and they also do some work around the house.
- Nanny share are nannies that work with multiple families and thus take care of multiple kids.
What’s important to keep in mind is that nannies are taking care of kids and don’t always have specific qualifications.
They do need to have a pediatric first aid qualification and also safeguarding knowledge. Ideally, they should be registered with Ofsted, but this is not mandatory. It’s also a good idea for a nanny to have a DBS check and insurance.
In the case of some nannies, you will notice that they also offer some extra services like babysitting duties, light housework and a few other things. These will differ from one nanny to the other, and they also come with extra prices.
Sometimes a nanny will go on holiday with the family so she can take care of kids. It’s also expected that nannies receive benefits and holiday pay too. In addition, nannies should be able to do all kinds of activities with kids, something to take into consideration.
What is a childminder?
A childminder is a small business professional. They are usually self-employed.
They work from their own home with kids. If you want to be a childminder, you need to have over 18 years old and you also need to take care of kids in your own home for more than 2 hours a day.
Most childminders need to Ofsted registration but again, this is not mandatory for the most part. There are some rare circumstances when you don’t need to be registered.
As we said earlier, the childminder is self-employed, and that means they have their own terms and fees.
They also choose their own procedures and write documentation on their own.
Unlike a nanny, the childminder should have some form of childminding qualification. Having safeguarding and first aid pediatric training is also essential.
A childminder should also have public liability insurance, they need a DBS check. The childminder also needs to comply with the statutory requirement of the Early Years and Childcare Register, and you also need to share info with parents as well if you are a childminder.
Which is the better option?
Nanny or Childminder?
It depends on what you need and what qualifications you are looking for.
At the same time, it also matters how you want the professional in question to take care of your kids.
In general, a nanny will be more attached to the family and she will take care of kids within the family’s home. A childminder is taking care of kids from their own home, which might be a good option if you are a busy family and don’t want to leave a nanny alone within your own home.
Both options are great, it all comes down to personal needs and requirements!
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