Families - Arguments for and against childcare. - Qualifications. - Types of childcare. - Fees. - Pay and Tax. West Country Nannies  provide a full range of services at a competitive rate to suit everyone's needs and budgets, from Nannies/governesses to babysitters and after school care.   We pride ourselves in ensuring you that the right candidate is chosen for you. There is a variety of help available to suit your personal needs. We understand that your requirements may sometimes not require a fully qualified nanny, and at West Country Nannies we offer an extensive range. Regardless of the standard of the childcarer provider we check all current references, to ensure that the nanny/childcarer is adequate for the position you offer.  We also check that they have an up to date fully enhanced disclosure (CRB) within the last 12 months and First Aid certificate.    Prior to your introduction at a suitable candidate, we interview nannies in a relaxed environment, to establish their personality. This gives us a truer picture of the nanny/child carer and then helps us to find you, your perfect candidate to suit your family's needs.   We would also like to meet you and your family, in your own home, so that we can get an idea of your family's structure and routine and to ensure the future safety and happiness of our nannies and child carers.  We listen to what you want, and based on this, we select nannies from our books that are suitable to your family needs. Again this is to help you to relax and for us to see your family on a normal day.    Nannies are then informed of your needs before they meet you so that your precious time is not wasted on meeting unsuitable candidates. Please CLICK for information on job descriptions to help you decide which type of childcare might be best for your family. Arguments for having childcare • You have the choice for your child to grow up in their own home. • Your child's routine is not disrupted. • It is only parents who need to be up, dressed and out in the morning. • A nanny can provide hours tailored to suit your needs and give a relaxed atmosphere for when you walk through the door. • She can care for all the children in your family, including school aged children. • They can offer support and professional advise with child rearing. • Their duties may include housework and catering for the family. • A Nanny can become your personal backup, giving you time to yourself, and quality time with your children. Arguments against having childcare • You are responsible for employing her as a  member of staff. • Income tax and National Insurance must be at the correct level, and it is your responsibility, (we will help you with this.) • Nannies are not currently registered, by law, through Government regulatory bodies. CRB checks and references remain the responsibility of the parents, West Country Nannies check the nanny's history, however we  still cannot hold full responsibility should your childcarer not abide by the terms and conditions. It's essential that you check all references thoroughly, yourself and speak to any previous employers. • Nannies who may be inexperienced may not have the confidence to deal with emergencies. You need to decide whether this is likely to be a issue. Chilcare Qualifications There are a confusing number of childcare qualifications available nowadays, so it’s useful to have a basic knowledge of what they are when deciding which type of childcarer is most suitable for your family. We will always request proof of qualifications from any childcarer who wishes to be placed through us. Business and Technical Education Council (B-TEC) The B-TEC National courses in nursery nursing are for people who wish to work or are already working with children. Subjects covered are childcare practices and services, care of the sick child, human growth and development, learning activities, data investigation and a community assignment. NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing (DNN) This is the most commonly known qualification for professional work with children. Students usually attend a full-time course for two years. The equivalent qualification in Scotland is called SCOTVEC. A Qualified Nursery Nurse will understand the development of children from birth up to 8 years and will work with the children and their families to promote the care and education of the child. Nursery Nurses are responsible for promoting the physical, intellectual, emotional, linguistic and social development of children in their care. They contribute formally and informally to the assessment of children’s particular needs and identify problems, which need special attention. Norland Diploma This is a two-year course at a private residential college. Many aspects of childcare are covered, including maternity and paediatric care in a hospital. The Norland diploma and badge is not awarded until students have completed a year in a probationary post. Certificate in Childcare and Education (CCE) Provides students with a high standard of training to allow them to start working with children. The CCE can be used as a qualification in its own right or as a route to other childcare qualifications. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Childcare and Education The NVQ awards system was introduced for people involved in vocational work in a full or part time role. There are a series of NVQs specially designed for those working in childcare and education. There are no examinations for an NVQ. Candidates are assessed on their performance in the work setting against a set of national standards. Assessment is carried out by qualified assessors from the candidate’s workplace or by assessors who operate from the local NVQ assessment centre. The Certificate in Post Qualifying Studies The courses of education and training for the award are normally completed within 2 years and must consist of at least six locally devised units of study. Certificate in Play skills This is a vocational qualification gained by those who work exclusively with children aged between 2 and 5 years. The course of study lasts at least 180 days of full-time study, 55% of this time will have been spent in college with the remainder of the time spent in a practical placement. City and Guilds There are a variety of City and Guilds courses that lead to childcare related qualifications. The most appropriate course for Nannies is the Family and Community Care course. This is taken over two years and requires students to have several GCSEs as an entry qualification. There is a work experience unit as part of the course. National Association for Maternal and Child Welfare (NAMCW) The NAMCW certificate is a one-year course and the NAMCW diploma is a two-year full-time course, which involves two days practical experience per week in a variety of placements, including work with special needs and in playgroups. Montessori Centre Nursery (Foundation) Teaching Diploma Course The foundation Montessori training course is intended for those wishing to work with children from birth to six years. The syllabus includes the Montessori philosophy, child development and psychology, child health and school management. The next steps. Prior to your introduction to a suitable candidate, we interview nannies in a relaxed environment, to establish their personality. This gives us a truer picture of the nanny/childcarer and then helps us to find you, your perfect candidate to suit your families needs. We would also like to meet you and your family, in your own home, so that we can get an idea of your families structure and routine and to ensure the future safety and happiness of our nannies and child carers. We listen to what you want, and based on this, we select nannies from our books that are suitable to your family needs. Again this is to help you to relax and for us to see your family on a normal day. Nannies are then informed of your needs before they meet you so that your precious time is not wasted on meeting unsuitable candidates. What childcare is best for you?   With today's economy there has never been such an importance to balance your income with your outgoings. Choosing a nanny still carries a stigma dating back centuries, however in recent years it has finally, (and thank fully) been recognised by Parliament that a nanny can form a vital part to help families back to work.  Whether you are returning to work or starting a new job, juggling your families commitments, domestic chores and shopping whilst maintaining a calm and composed appearance for work is no easy task. A Nanny is like no other childcare, and by my experience, is priceless when she takes all this on board. So before you dismiss a Nanny on financial grounds take a moment to consider her worth. If you are still in doubt visit the Tax credit help line where up to 80% of a Nannies income is claimable from the government; www.hmrc.gov.uk Go to the purple box marked 'individuals and employees', then onto the first link. You will then find yourself on the Tax credits home page. Click the first link marked 'getting started who qualifies'. The second link from here takes you to 'check if you qualify'. You can now use their calculations based on your personal income, to see how much you can claim. The telephone number is 08453009300. Now consider this calculation, and take it off from the Nannies wages. If her income is still too high you and will still need to pay her tax, please remember this is not a standard tax, but much lower tax called 'Nanny Tax', designed for such families. Their telephone number is  0845 3000627 Type of childcare Full Time Nanny. Usually working a minimum of 16 hours a week. Often sole charge of your child. Nursery duties are often included in her routine, but little house work, other than maintaining cleanliness and tidiness as parts of the normal day. Expected pay between £7.00-£9.00 net per hour.   Part Time Nanny. A part time nanny works up to 16 hours a week. Like the full time nanny she is often sole charge of your child. Nursery duties are often included in her routine, but little house work, other than maintaining cleanliness and tidiness as parts of the normal day. Expected pay between £7.00-£10.00 net per hour. Be prepared that your nanny may have other jobs and therefore not available for extra hours you require or complete flexibility.   Mother/Fathers help.  Often parents and careers share responsibility for the children, with parents at home. Expected duties may include housework. This is often an ideal solution to parents in need of extra support, or those initially concerned about returning to work. This equally gives many new careers the opportunity to gain experience and confidence without full responsibility. Expected pay is between £6.00 - £8.00 net per hour.   Live in Nanny.  Lives in accommodation provided by you. Generally works longs hours, including up to two nights of babysitting. By providing accommodation fees are often lower, as the nanny has no overheads. You are responsible for their welfare, providing not only living quarters but food and utilities, (with the exception of a phone bill). Be careful not to over extend the nannies contracted hours, nor allow the nanny to volunteer to work longer than stated. She is not 'On Call'! It is often a difficult position to stay clear about hours agreed and contracted for. Expected pay is between £5.00 - £7.00 net per hour. For a 50 hour week with separate accommodation a wage of £250 is reasonable for a qualified experienced nanny   Maternity Nurse.  Your maternity nurse helps you are baby into a routine. Maternity nurses can join the family before baby is born, especially if there are other children in the family unit. They can give support to help other children adjust, emotionally support the parents as well as caring for aspects of the babies needs. They are expected to live in, ( either in her own room or with baby) and be on call 24 hours a day, with 2-4 hours off during the day, 6 days  a week. Expected pay is £140 - £160 gross per day. From the start date a maternity nurse should be paid £60 per week in the lead up the birth, as she is expected to be all call 24 hours. Experienced Childcare.  This is an unqualified nanny / career. She may have vast amounts of experience and can equally match all the duties of any nanny with a childcare certificate. Expected salary full time and part time starts at national minimum wage up to £7.00net per hour. " Emergency Nanny. Same as all other nannies but is available within 24 hours. They are often highly experienced to be able to join your family at short notice. Expected pay between £12.00-£17.00 gross per hour.   Proxy Parenting. The career is often qualified as a nanny with experience of caring for children as sole charge. This role is for parents who need to go away but need their children's routine to remain the same. The proxy parent takes full responsibility, for the children and running of the home, 24 hours per day. Expected pay depends on individual circumstances, average 24 hour care approximately £160gross.   Au Pair. Au pairs are usually between 18-27 years old, and their main purpose for being in this country is to learn and understand our culture and language. They may have little or no child care experience, and are primarily a part of your family, living with you. Any care of children and light housework is rewarded with small amount of earnings as pocket money, between £55 -£60 per week.   Au pairs should be given time to study, and are generally only available for work 5 days a week.   Governess. These are trained nannies or teachers/ social workers/ health visitors etc, with knowledge and experience of fulfilling all nanny duties plus schooling. Expected pay between £15 - £20 net per hour.   Function Nannies. Caring for the children during special functions. The nanny may be expected to care for up to 4 children from several different families. Parents remain responsible throughout the day and stay on sight, whilst the nanny gives extra support in making the day stress free and special. Expected pay from £7.00gross per hour.   Babysitters. To care for your children, generally at bed time, duties can include bathing, bedtime stories and putting to bed. Often babysitters have sole charge whilst you are out of the home, however you remain responsible for the safety and wellbeing of both children and babysitter. Expected pay from £4.00 gross per hour   After-school Service. This is a part time services providing care for your children before and after school. Ideal for parents needing to start work early or finishing late. The career may not be qualified, but should have a clean driving licence and insurance to be able to transport your children. It is the parents responsibility to ensure car seats are properly maintained and fitted. Expected pay starts from minimum wage, plus 27p per mile as petrol allowance, if no car is provided by the parents. Westcountry Nannies and Childcare Agency Fees Nannies & Governesses Permanent • Full time:  Two weeks net salary. • Part time:  Two weeks net salary. • Mother's/Father's help:  Two weeks net salary. • Weekend Nannies:  Two weeks net salary. • Babysitter, regular introduction:  £30. Temporary • Full Time:  £140 per week. • Part time:  £15 per day. • Maternity Nurse:  £140 per week. • Proxy Parent:  £100 per week. • Weekend/Bank holiday Nanny:  £15 per day. • Babysitter:  £10 per night. • Emergency Babysitter:  £20 per night. • Emergency Nanny:  £5 per hour. Unqualified / Limited Experience Childcarers Permanent • Full time:  Two weeks net salary. • Part time:  Two weeks net salary. • Mother/Father's help:  Two weeks net salary. • Weekend childcare:  Two weeks net salary. • Babysitter, regular introduction:  £20. Temporary • Full time:  £130 per week. • Part time:  £7.50 per day. • Weekend/Bank holiday Childcare:  £7.50 per day. • Babysitter:  £5 per night. • Emergency Babysitter:  £10 per night. • Emergency Childcare:  £15 per day. Au Pair £270 (either temporary or permanent). Information for you regarding your responsibilities to pay tax. Information for Families regarding your responsibilities to pay tax All salaries are based upon the nanny’s age, experience, qualification and duties involved within the job. As a general guide qualified and experienced nannies earn between £6.00 and £8.00 net per hour. (If any of the children have special needs, it can go up to £12.00+ per hour). A mother’s help generally earn between £5.00 and £7.00 net per hour. Full time live-in positions earn between £200.00 and £300.00 net per week. Maternity nurse are usually paid between £900.00 and £1500.00 per week for 24hour live-in duties. Nannies wages are almost always quoted in net. It is the responsibility of the employer to pay tax and NI contributions in addition to this wage. National minimum wage from the 1st. October is currently £5.80 gross per hour for nannies aged 22 years and over, £4.83 for nannies aged 18 to 21 years, and £3.57 for under 18 years. These prices tend to increase every six months, and we suggest you check figures are correct when a nanny applies for a position. Petrol allowance is also given to a Nanny who uses her own car, and currently this stands at 40p per mile For further information on nanny tax and PAYE please visit www.nannywageltd.co.uk Home  |  Familes  |  Nannies  |  Gallery  |  Contact Us  |  Sitemap  | Nannies Terms & Conditions   |   Parents Terms & Conditions