Live-Out Nanny Job Description
Being a live-out nanny is highly rewarding and a popular career choice. For some it can be an unrivalled early step in an exciting career in childcare, but also many highly experienced childcare professionals love being live-out nannies due to the many advantages the role has to offer.
If you want to become a live-out nanny, here are our answers to questions we are often asked about this varied role:
Live-Out Nanny Duties, Responsibilities & Skills
What are the duties and responsibilities of a live-out nanny?
The responsibilities of a live-out nanny include anything related to the children and will largely depend on how many children you care for, their ages and the routine of the family. Duties could include
bathing
changing and dressing children
doing the children's laundry and changing their bedding
planning and cooking healthy meals for the children
cleaning up after the children and their friends and organising clothes/toys
shopping relating to the children
planning educational activities
helping with homework
school runs
arranging activities inside and outside the home and taking the children to and from these
etc
What skills should a live-out nanny have?
In addition to childcare experience, you should have the skills to carry out all of the duties associated with your role as mentioned above – such as understanding nutrition, meal planning and cooking and experience of carrying out household duties.
Good live-out nannies are punctual, reliable and organised. Being patient, caring and sympathetic is a must – as is having good problem-solving skills, being flexible and able to think on your feet. A great imagination and the ability to have fun are essential too!
A lot of Greycoat Lumleys nannies bring other skills, such as teaching or child psychology qualifications with them, though these are not essential if you have the right experience, attitude and are the right 'fit' for a family.
Do nannies need qualifications?
As mentioned above, some of our nannies have formal qualifications or many years' experience but these things are not essential. Having solid childcare experience, the right attitude and great references can be enough because often the success of a placement depends more on the personality of the nanny and how they 'click' with the children and family. As a minimum you will need a good level of proven childcare experience, along with a paediatric first aid certificate and a valid DBS certificate.
Do nannies do housework?
Live-out nannies do anything relating to the children. In addition, you should be prepared to help with things such as running errands, family shopping etc. You should always show flexibility and help out where necessary in the home.
How many families can a nanny work for?
As many as you want and your time allows for.
Can a nanny work from her own home?
No.
Live-Out Nanny Career
Is being a nanny a career?
Definitely. Some people work as nannies for many, many years and become well-known in the industry.
How can I become a qualified nanny?
You don't necessarily have to have qualifications to become a live-out nanny, just solid childcare experience. However, it can be helpful to have any of the following qualifications:
Cache Level 3 in childcare
NNVQ
Norland Training
Montessori training
Can I be self-employed as a nanny?
Yes but most nannies prefer to be employed as clients pay their taxes.
Do nannies have to be registered?
Not necessarily although you can join the OFSTED Voluntary Nanny register. Some employers ask for this so it's a good idea.
What are the pro & cons of being a live-out nanny?
Pros
Working with children in their own environment
1 to 1 focus with the children you look after
Compared to a live-in nanny you will likely work shorter hours and have more distinction between work and home
Forming lifelong bonds and becoming part of a family
Having flexibility to plan your own day, do fun activities with the child and be more spontaneous
Cons
You have to pay rent whereas a live-in nanny does not
Live-Out Nanny Salary
How much does a live-out nanny earn?
A live-out nanny currently earns between £10 to £12 per hour, depending on factors such as experience and qualifications, the number of children they will be working with, whether or not they drive, speak other languages and whether travel is involved with their role. Nannies usually work between 8 and 11 hours a day, so a live-out nanny could earn up to £660 net per week. Find out more on the average nanny salaries page.
How are nannies paid?
Nannies are paid through a payroll company, such as NannyTax. Your salary is paid directly into your bank account, usually monthly.
Do nannies get paid vacation?
Yes. You get 20+ days paid holidays per year and bank holidays. This is for nannies working a five-day week, if you work less days then the holiday will be calculated pro-rata.
How many hours does a full-time live-out nanny work, compared to a full-time live-in nanny?
Live-out nannies usually work 45-55 hours per week, while live-in nannies usually work a 60-hour week, plus two evenings babysitting.
Nanny vs. Childminder
What is the difference between a live-out nanny and a childminder?
A childminder cares for children in their own home whereas a nanny works in the family's home.
Nanny vs. Au pair
What is the difference between a nanny and an au pair?
An au pair doesn't necessarily have any previous childcare experience. Au pairs come to the UK to learn English/study so therefore can only work part-time. Au pairs are not allowed to work with babies under three months old.
You can browse our latest live-out nanny vacancies here.
