Preschool Care - Child Minders & Nannies

Nannies look after babies and children at the home of the young ones – unlike child minders who care for children at their own home i.e. the home of the child minder.

There are usually big considerations as to whether Nanny should live within the household – or whether he/she should work several hours as required, during the day time, and return to his/her own home in the evening. Nannies who live within households should always be supplied with their own individual bedroom – and a Nanny must never be “on call” 24 hours a day. For a happy atmosphere, a good relationship needs to be set up with your Nanny from the start – and expectations of the job need in-depth discussions in advance. That way, no-one is in any doubts about the part they have to play.

Baby minders and child minders are often an invaluable help to parents. Always ensure that they have the important credentials before considering leaving your baby or child with an individual person for supervision. Discover what the child minder envisages doing with your child during each day – for example, going shopping, a walk to the park and any creative activities (if the child is older) which will enhance their development. Enquire about the Minder’s daily/weekly charge for child care. Enquire about anything which enters your head. Caring minders will quite understand that many things require consideration.

The biggest benefit of a good working relationship between a parents and their Nanny, or child minder, - helps the young one(s) to feel happy and develop well emotionally.