Every family has its own version of the ideal babysitter or nanny, whether it’s having the kitchen prowess of Michael Smith or multilingual fluency. Despite this, what most childcare seekers tend to overlook is the type of childcare they require!
While you might know the differences between a nanny and a babysitter, what if a mix between the two is what you really need? Welcome to the part-time nanny.
If you need someone experienced in childcare to help you in the bringing up of your children but only for a few hours or days a week then a part-time nanny might be for you. We’ve put together five questions to help you decide whether hiring a part-time nanny could be the key to your perfect childcare solution.
- What Do Part-Time Nannies Do?
A part-time nanny “should have the same qualifications that full time nannies possess,” says Becky Kavanagh of the International Nanny Association. She’s someone who watches the children before and/or after school or a few days a week. Maybe the family only needs help while a parent works part-time or the kids are home from school. As long as the nanny works under 35 hours a week, she’s considered part-time.
- Why Do I Need a Part-Time Nanny?
Many families find part-time nannies convenient because they can help out in the window of time when they are at work, but their children are out of school. This is also the time of day when stay-at-home moms tend to need a little extra help. A mom with several kids may hire a part-time nanny so that she can shuffle older kids to their after-school activities, while the nanny can stay around the house playing games with the younger children.
“She is that extra set of hands that can help Mom through the tough after-school hours, or even through dinner, the bath and getting ready for bed, when their partner isn’t home yet,” explains Katie Bugbee, managing expert at Care.com. “The part-time nanny title typically entails a more qualified carer than an “after-school sitter”.
The part-time nanny is a carer that “won’t just be there while the child does homework, but one who will actually help to teach effective and lifelong skills.”
While an after-school sitter could be great for driving kids to and from activities, a part-time nanny may teach the children French, set up play dates and exciting excursions and do the family’s laundry. She is the carer that can go above and beyond and truly shape your child’s upbringing.
- What Should I Look for in a Part-Time Nanny?
You should approach the hiring process the same way you would for a full-time nanny. This carer will be spending a lot of quality time with your children, so it is important that he or she has substantial child care experience and skills like CPR and First-Aid training.
It’s also critical that families find someone that they feel comfortable “co-parenting” with. “You want to find someone who you feel could be a third parent in your relationship,” says Bugbee. “Someone who will not only care for your children as her own, but also will help teach the unique goals that you set for your children.”
- How Much Should I Pay Part-Time Nanny?
Salary depends on the where in the country you live, the typical rate in that area, and the number of children you have. Check out our nanny calculator to figure out the going rate in your area. Keep in mind that part-time nannies may expect more than regular babysitters, but typically come with greater experience and involvement in your child’s life.
- What Is The Tax Situation With Part-Time Nannies?
When you employ a nanny you have the same legal responsibilities as a commercial employer and you must operate a PAYE scheme and pay Tax and National Insurance on their behalf.
Care.com has partnered with the UK’s premier payroll service, Nannytax, who have been supporting domestic employers for over 19 years and is the original and leading payroll support service for employers in the home. For a fixed fee of £276.00 (including VAT per annum) Nannytax provides unlimited advice and support on all pay and employment related issues.