Nannies provide full day care for children across a range of ages but work in the children’s own home. Some nannies “live in” at the family’s home. As a result nannies do not have to register with the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales. However, if a nanny is looking after the children of two or more families at the same time, he/she must register with the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales as a childminder.

Nannies are often, but not always, trained and experienced in childcare. Some nannies are self-employed, while others work for an agency.

The Au Pair is a cultural exchange for young people aged between 18 - 27. An Au Pair lives as part of the family and is not usually trained or even very experienced in childcare.

You, the family, are their employer and are therefore responsible for insurance, income tax and the like. Nannies or Au Pairs are not registered or inspected, so there are no checks on their suitability except references that you follow up. It is important to follow up references even if they have been checked by an agency.

You are not able to claim Childcare Tax Credit under the Working Tax Credit scheme if you use a nanny or an au pair.

For more information contact:
EYDCP Unit (Contact Us)