NANNIES
A nanny will care for one or more children in the children's own home and can be daily or live in. Nannies will be trained with the NNEB, BTec National Diploma in Nursery Nursing (or equivalent qualification) or will have relevant working experience. They will be able to take sole charge care of children from birth upwards. They will be responsible for all duties in relation to the children.

PARENTS` HELP
Parents` Helps are less experienced than nannies and do not hold childcare qualifications. They will work alongside the parents.

Both Nannies and Parents` Helps will work for up to 5 days per week and up to 9 or 10 hours per day. Additional hours will be by mutual agreement and will be paid in addition to the normal weekly salary.

Salaries will vary depending upon the age and experience of the applicant.

MATERNITY NURSE
Maternity Nurses are trained or experienced nurses or nannies who specialise in the care of new-born babies. They will work for 4 to 8 weeks from the birth of the baby. They are usually on call for 24 hours a day 6 days a week.

AU PAIR
An Au Pair is a young person coming from abroad to live with an English family. They come primarily to improve their language skills and to learn about the way of life. They are not qualified childcarers. They can assist a parent looking after babies and very young children or take sole charge care of children of 3 years and above. They will also undertake light housework duties.

An Au Pair will work for up to 25 hours per week and in exchange receive accommodation, food and pocket money of £50 per week.

CHILDMINDERS
Childminders care for children in the childminder`s own home. They charge an hourly rate per child. They must be registered with Social Services and your local office will provide a list of childminders in your area

DAY NURSERIES
Nurseries vary in the ages of children they will accept. Some will take babies from a few weeks upwards. Opening hours and charges will also vary.