A nanny is aged from 18 years upwards and is usually female although there are a few male nannies around now. Nannies can be qualified, having done a two year college course and gained an N.N.E.B., N.A.M.C.W., BTEC, NVQ or similar certificates or they can be a former Mother's Help with several years' experience but no formal qualifications.

A nanny's responsibilities are termed 'Nursery Duties' (looking after the children and their belongings only). This usually includes washing, ironing and cooking for them (and for them only) as well as cleaning their nurseries and/or bedrooms. She will not do general household duties other than those to do with the children. If the nanny lives in she will have her own bedroom and usually a private bathroom. Some nannies have their own self-contained apartments and many are given a car or the use of the family's car.

A nanny's wage depends on qualifications, experience, age and whether she lives in or out. Nannies who live in are paid less than those living out but that's because they get a room and full board. Some employers offer traveling expenses for daily nannies - i.e. nannies who live out. Nannies in London are generally paid between £200-£400 per week net.

A daily nanny should not work for more than ten hours a day with one or two evenings per week babysitting paid on top of her wage (or as otherwise agreed). Most nannies have no objection whatsoever to the occasional Saturday morning or full day at the weekend (for extra money or time off in the week) if you have a special event to attend. However, if you insist on most weekends being worked you will find it hard to find a nanny who wants to do that.

A residential nanny should not work more than 10 hours per day (not taking into account evening babysitting). Residential nannies work up to two evenings babysitting per week (included in the wage). It is usual for both Daily and Residential nannies to receive two full days off per week (possibly working an occasional half or full day at the weekend by mutual arrangement, for extra money or time off in lieu).

If you find yourself requiring regular help at the weekend you should consider a weekend nanny. Everybody needs their time off from work - including nannies!

You could have a nanny share where you share a nanny with another family and meet the costs together. Under the 1989 Children Act nannies must be registered by the local authority if they look after children from more than two families in the same place at the same time. However, most nanny shares involve just two families, often where one family has the nanny to live in and therefore pays her less than the other one.