What Are Nannies and What Do They Do?

Finding the right type of childcare professional is an important decision for any family raising children. Here the childcare experts at Nannies Matter explain what a nanny can do for you and your family, including the wider responsibilities they can take on within your household.

What is a nanny?

A nanny is a childcare professional who provides in-home care for children. Unlike childminders or nursery staff, a nanny works within your home to provide consistent care that supports your child's development. Some families prefer to have the same nanny over a long period, which allows children to build a strong and stable bond with their caregiver.

The role of a nanny goes beyond basic supervision and can include:

• Preparing children for school

• School drop-offs and pick-ups

• Supervising homework and educational activities

• Preparing nutritious meals

• Organising playdates and outings

• Arranging and managing children’s appointments

• Assisting with household tasks, such as tidying children’s rooms

• Grocery shopping for the household

The duties of a nanny will depend on your specific requirements and the type of nanny you decide to hire.

What are the different types of nannies?

There are several types of nanny, each suited to different family needs:

Live-in nannies

A live-in nanny stays in the family home to provide childcare as needed. This arrangement is ideal for families with demanding schedules, as the nanny is more accessible for flexible or ad-hoc childcare requests. However, live-in nannies still work set hours that must comply with employment regulations regarding working time.

Live-in nannies often provide care for newborn babies or young children who require full-time attention. Because they live in the household, they can also assist with light household tasks, such as grocery shopping, preparing meals and keeping play areas tidy.

Live-out nannies

A live-out nanny travels to your home each day to work agreed hours. This arrangement suits families who require regular childcare support but do not have space for a live-in nanny or prefer a structured schedule. Live-out nanny jobs are popular among families who need assistance but want to maintain privacy within their home.

Live-out nannies provide flexibility, as they can be hired for specific hours or days depending on your needs. This makes for a cost-effective option for families who need regular support without the commitment of offering accommodation.

Nanny housekeeper

A nanny housekeeper combines childcare with household duties, providing flexible support based on your family's needs. They may take full responsibility for childcare or focus more on housekeeping while stepping in to look after the children when required.

Nanny groom

Looking after horses takes up a huge amount of time - in many ways, they need as much care and attention as children. This is where a nanny groom can help. Alongside typical nanny duties, they will assist with equine and stable management including feeding, grooming and exercising, as well as mucking out and preparing your horses for events.

How do I choose the right nanny for my family?

You should consider your family's specific needs and your expectations of what you want from a nanny:

• Schedules: how many contracted hours, and how much flexibility do you require?

• Household duties: do you need someone who can take care of household tasks as well as childcare?

• Accommodation: do you have available space for a live-in nanny?

• Experience: do you need a nanny who has previous experience with newborn babies, or entertaining multiple age groups at the same time?

Why choose Nannies Matter?

We have years of experience matching families with exceptional childcare professionals. Our team will sit down with you to understand your exact needs, and then find you the best range of candidates - so you can find the person that suits you best.

Unlike searching for a nanny independently, our service offers access to vetted professionals who have undergone background checks and have proven childcare expertise. Once you have chosen a nanny, we will continue to support you with everything you need to employ your nanny.

If you are looking for a nanny to support your family in the Home Counties of Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, call us on 07736 337065 or fill in our online contact form to discuss your requirements.