A nanny may have sole charge of the children and duties may include any child related task.

A qualified nanny holds a childcare qualification such as: DCE; NNEB; BTEC National Diploma in Nursery Nursing; NVQ1, 2 or 3 in Childcare Education or City & Guilds Family and Community Care.

Some trained teachers and nurses also seek nanny positions.

Some of the best Nannies do not have formal childcare qualifications. Often a combination of a caring and practical nature, a natural aptitude for relating to children and a proven track record in working in the childcare sector help to ensure that a candidate has what it takes to make a good Nanny.

Typically, a Maternity Nurse/Nanny is a trained or experienced Nanny or Midwife specialising in caring for newborns.

Maternity Nurses/Nannies will take charge of a new baby and guide and advise the mother on feeding patterns, sleeping routines and other aspects of newborn babycare.

Employment periods can vary from a few days to four months plus and are appointed for 12 or 24 hour day or night care, five or six days per week.

Usually a young person seeking a first job in childcare. They should not be expected to take sole charge of the children immediately, but can help with light housework, washing, ironing, cooking and taking children to and from school or nursery.

Usually someone with some childcare experience who is happy to combine the role of a Housekeeper with some childcare duties. An ideal example being someone who cleans, washes, cooks and irons during the day and takes and collects the children from school – looking after them until their parents return home. They will also look after the children in school holidays.

A qualified, unqualified and/or experienced Nursery Nurse who wants to work abroad either on a winter or summer season. This person needs to be confident, enthusiastic, flexible, energetic and be able to work as a team. An ideal position for someone who wants to travel and see the world. Companies offer different positions dependent on level of qualification and experience.