Information on Different Types of Childcare Jobs

Nannies & Mother's Helps
Newly Qualified Childcarers
Part Time / Temp
Nursery Nurses
Jobs Abroad
Maternity Nanny
Other Childcare Roles

Nannies & Mother's Helps

Live in nannies
Normally work an 11-12 hour day, Monday to Friday, together with 2 nights babysitting included. A live in nanny can be in sole charge of the children and you would normally perform "nursery duties" i.e. doing the children's washing and ironing, keeping their rooms tidy, clearing away the toys, cooking for the children and clearing up in the kitchen afterwards. Most nannies should not do extra domestic duties, as they are primarily childcarers. See Nanny/Housekeeper for this type of role.

Live out nannies
Normally work a 10 hour day, Monday to Friday. A live out nanny does not normally do babysitting unless this is agreed in advance, and this should be paid as extra. As a live out nanny you can be in sole charge of the children and normally you would perform "nursery duties" i.e. doing the children's washing and ironing, keeping their rooms tidy, clearing away the toys, cooking for the children and clearing up in the kitchen afterwards.

Mother's helps
A Mother's Help can be live in or live out. You do the same sort of hours as a nanny however the difference between a mother's help and a nanny is that as a mother's help you do not yet have enough experience to be left in constant sole charge of children. This type of position suits someone who is newly qualified or who does not have much experience working with children. You normally work alongside the mother, caring for the children. You are not a cleaner, and so are not expected to do household duties, but you may be required to do light duties such as the family shopping, or loading and unloading the family washing. These duties should be discussed in advance with you. 

Contact your local Tinies branch using the link at the top of the screen for more information on working as a nanny or mother's help. Alternatively go to our Job Search to see current vacancies.

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Newly Qualified Childcarers

It is often difficult for newly qualified nannies to find the perfect job. Families can be reluctant to take on someone straight out of college regardless of their skills. Often the best and most rewarding alternative is to find a job as a mother's help (see above). With the right family you will be fulfilling exactly the same role as a nanny and you can have the added advantage of companionship with the mother. As time goes on in the job, you will often have periods of sole charge to build up your experience of working on your own with children.

Alternatively you might prefer to start your career in childcare at a nursery (see below). Tinies has very strong links with a number of nurseries and we are happy to recommend only nurseries that will look after you in your new career.

Another excellent alternative for a newly qualified childcarer is working as a children's rep with a holiday company, such as Thomson, First Choice or Mark Warner. See Jobs Abroad below.

Contact your local Tinies branch using the link at the top of the screen for more information on starting your career as a newly qualified childcarer, or if you want to find work with a holiday company. Alternatively go to our Job Search to see current vacancies.

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Part Time & Temporary Child Carers

Temporary Child Carers
Each of our branches has lots of different jobs available on a temporary basis. Please contact your nearest branch for further details.

Emergency Child Carers
If you are looking for flexible hours, varied work and above all excellent rates of pay, then register with your local Tinies branch for emergency and temporary work. This is a unique service, which would appeal to part-time nannies, semi-retired qualified child carers, nannies between jobs, or qualified nannies that would like to make some extra money.

Contact your local Tinies branch for more information on registering as a temporary and/or emergency childcarer and to discuss jobs. Alternatively go to our Job Search to find the right position for you.

Part Time Child Carers
If you would prefer to work part time then Tinies probably has a better chance of finding you a family with the same requirements than anyone else. The service is exactly the same as for nannies although the search for the family can be more difficult. The more flexible you are the easier it is for us to find a family who have a job that will be suitable.

If you are looking for part time work, then you may find employment through Tinies in a Nanny Share. This is when two families get together to employ a nanny for their children. You may end up with both sets of children on all days, or alternate between caring for one family's children on one day, and the other family's children on the other days.

Contact your local Tinies branch for more information on part time and nanny share positions and to discuss jobs. Alternatively go to our Job Search to find the right position for you.  

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Nursery Nurses

Working in Nurseries
Nurseries in the UK range in size from the very small (15 children in the nursery) to the large (150 children). Children who attend nurseries in the UK are aged mainly from 3 months to 5 years. Nurseries are often split into rooms: the Baby Room normally takes children aged 3 months to 18 months, the Toddler Room takes children aged 18 months to 2.5 years, then the Preschool Room takes children aged 2.5 years to 5 years. Within those rooms, the nurseries are required to work within certain ratios of carers to children. The layout of the nurseries varies enormously depending upon the size of the nursery, and how the nursery is organised. A manager and deputy manager run the nursery, and each Room normally has a Team Leader or Head of Room, who is in charge of that room.

Nursery Workers
Nursery workers work within a team, caring for the children, playing with the children and concentrating on child development and learning (these days you will be required to work within the framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage). With the babies, nursery workers are required to provide a stimulating and safe environment, change their nappies, feed them, keep them clean, and follow their sleep routines. With toddlers upwards, then nursery staff will be required to do all sorts of activities with them, of a fun nature as well as an educational nature. They will contribute to the planning and organisation of those activities. They will be required to keep them safe, clean and happy. They will be required to communicate with the parents and prepare reports. A nurseries' staff is made up of qualified nursery nurses, nursery assistants and normally college students gaining work experience. Each nursery will normally also have a Deputy Manager and a Manager.

Why work in a Nursery?
There are a number of reasons why a job in a nursery could be the right job for you.

Newly Qualified
For many carers coming straight out of college, a position in a nursery helps them to build up their childcare experience, and give them the confidence to go on to other careers in childcare.

Working in a team
Often nursery workers have chosen to work in a nursery because they enjoy the environment - they prefer to work with people rather than on their own. You have colleagues at the nursery to give you support and help, and with whom you can make new friends.

Diversity
You may not know what age of children you prefer to work with. By working in a nursery, you will have the option of working with a wide range of children.
Set hours: nurseries have set hours, and therefore you are not going to be asked to stay late (as can often happen as a nanny). If you want to work extra hours, then you can always find work through the parents of the children at the nursery.

Non-driver: If you do not have a driving licence, it can be difficult getting a nanny position, particularly if you live in rural areas. Therefore a nursery may be a better option for you.

Career options: Working in a nursery exposes you to different career options, such as managerial roles, childcare course assessors, teaching positions etc.

Contact your local Tinies branch for more information on working in a nursery and to discuss available work in nurseries.  Alternatively go to our Job Search to find the right position for you.

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Jobs Abroad

If you are a UK childcarer and you want to look at work abroad, Tinies has a dedicated International desk, which specialises in finding experienced nannies and childcarer jobs overseas. There are lots of advantages to spending some time working abroad. You see a new and different culture; you get the chance to learn at least the basics of a new language; and it looks great on your CV. However, you must think carefully before deciding to take on a job abroad, for example, have you been away from home before, will you miss your friends/family/boyfriend, are you confident enough to make new friends and grasp a new language.

To view our jobs abroad, please go to our Job Search at the top of the screen or email our Tinies International Desk on international@tinies.com.

Thomson Holidays
If you would like to do more of a temporary stint abroad, or perhaps you are fresh out of college and would like some experience before deciding on your chosen childcare career, then a job with Thomson holidays may be the answer. Thomson is part of the largest travel group in the world, and continues to be the UK's number one holiday company. Tinies are responsible for all of Thomson's childcare recruitment, and we are looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals to join our overseas team of nannies. With a variety of destinations, from Bulgaria, Spain to the Greek Islands, the world really is your oyster, as a Thomson Kidzone Rep!

Our Kidzone teams make a difference to over 90,000 children's holidays every year. If you like variety, can handle responsibility and love experiencing all sorts of new and exciting things, we have got the perfect job for you!

What is a Thomson Kidzone Rep?
Kidzone gives you the chance to work with children aged 3-12 years. You will provide a varied programme of daytime and evening activities that make sure that every kid on a Thomson holiday has a brilliant time. The little ones are happy, the parents get a well deserved break and it's all thanks to you!

Thomson crèches mean that even the tiniest of tots have the best holiday ever. Our dedicated crèche reps look after all the 0-3 year olds, making sure that no one is left out!

Requirements
We need open minded, team players that get along with people of all ages, who are keen to join in with the fun! You must...

• Be qualified to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent (Level 3 for crèches)
• Hold a UK Passport
• Have a permanent National Insurance Number
• Be 18 years plus
• Be English speaking
• Hold a valid First Aid Certificate
• Be hard working with a sense of adventure!

Make a difference to a kids' holiday, and your future... let the journey begin!

For more information please contact your local Tinies branch or contact either Rachel Stamp or Cathy Whitfield by email at kidzonereps@tinies.com or telephone 01582 645 275.

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Maternity Nanny

If you are a qualified Nursery Nurse (CACHE, BTEC or NAMCW), Registered Nurse or Midwife and you have 5 years experience working with babies that would enable you to support mothers and babies in their own homes then you could join our excellent team of Maternity Nurses working in areas all over the UK. Our Maternity Nannies attend the family home after discharge from hospital and live in for the first four to eight weeks after birth to support and care for both mother and new baby.

Tinies Maternity Nannies give an expert service in all areas of infant care especially feeding and sleep routines, weight gain patterns, dealing with minor ailments and maintaining good hygiene. Care and support of the post natal mother and helping with breast feeding is especially important. They are there to help a new mum through those first crucial weeks of the baby's life and to provide advice and guidance, as well as allowing the mum to rest and catch up on sleep.

There are many different types of Maternity Nanny:

Maternity Nanny
These are experienced maternity nurses & maternity nannies, ideal for supporting first time mothers or those who have special needs, for example following Caesarean Section delivery. There are also maternity nannies that are good for mums with older siblings, as they will not only care for the new baby, but will also help out with the older children. Typically a maternity nanny will come to your home for anything up to approx 8 weeks following the birth of the baby. Generally they will stay with the family until a routine has been established working 6 days per week 24 hours per day, caring for the mum and the new baby.

Multiple Birth Maternity Nanny
These are very experienced maternity nurses who specialise in multiple births. They are ideal for parents expecting twins or triplets and great at establishing routines.

Doulas
Doulas will be experienced in childcare (particularly with babies) as well as being willing to assist in household duties and the general running of the home. This service will include light housework, shopping, cooking, ironing and general assistance in childcare. They tend to work 4-8 hours per day. They can be both pre and post natal. Pre-natal doulas can be available at the birth if required.

Night Nanny
These are experienced maternity nannies that specialise in establishing a routine that will ensure that baby sleeps through the night. They usually work from 9pm-6am or 10pm-7am.

Sleep Consultants
If you really need that special bit of help and want the advice of an expert to get your baby into a routine, then it may be worth calling in a Sleep Consultant. Please speak to Tinies for more information on this.

Tinies Maternity Practitioner Training Course
If you wish to learn more about being a maternity nanny, then why not attend our Tinies Maternity Practitioner Course. Click on Tinies Training above for more information or call 01332 856 392.

Contact our dedicated Tinies Maternity desk for more information on working as a maternity nanny on maternity@tinies.com or call 0845 481 1961. Alternatively go to our Job Search to find the right position for you.

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Other Childcare Roles

Nanny/Housekeeper
This is where the job of caring for the children and managing the household are combined so that the nanny is also responsible for shopping, cooking, light housework and supervision of other household staff if applicable.

Proxy Parenting
This job is where a nanny will take full 24 hour responsibility for the house and children whilst parents are away on business or holidays.

Babysitting
This is where childcarers look after children in the evenings. This is usually in the parents own home for a short period of time whilst they are out for the evening.

Au Pairs
These are foreign girls or boys who are able to assist the mother with household and childcare responsibilities but are usually not qualified to be left in sole charge of your children. You should be aware, however, that an Au Pair should never be expected to take sole charge of children under the age of 3 years. Only a Nanny has sufficient skills and experience to take such responsibility. Tinies does not supply au pairs to parent, but we will be happy to recommend a company that does if you are or are interested in becoming an au pair. Please contact your local Tinies branch for more details.

Childminders
A Childminder is someone who looks after children in their own home. Whilst standards vary, lists or registered childminders are available from your local Children's Information Service. Childminders must be registered by Ofsted in England/Wales, and regulated by the Care Commission in Scotland. Most childminders work in their own homes, sometimes with a partner or assistant. Childminders are self-employed and negotiate a fee with parents for the service they provide. Childminders must have had basic training and hold Public Liability Insurance. For more information visit: www.ncma.org.uk.

Contact your local Tinies branch for more information on these various childcare positions. Alternatively go to our Job Search to find the right position for you.