Shortage of aupairs ... employ a mothers help
With the shortage of au pairs and parents struggling with childcare due to the pandemic, could this be an opportunity to those who are eager to become nannies to fill the cap in the capacity of Mothers help? This role is junior, and it is to help and assist parents with childcare in a share care role.
The candidate is normally keen to work with children and may have limited experience through babysitting and generally this is for family members. It is the first step in their career and the beginning on the career ladder. Training to become a nanny is available in various ways. Having worked experience with children and training is very beneficial for both parties in this working relationship. The role will grow and confidence of the mothers help will continue so that more responsibility can be taken.
The Main duties include: Preparing meals Washing Ironing Tidying and general cleaning Collect from nursery /school Some preparation of meals Looking after the children alongside the parent/ taking some sole charge when ready for the responsibility Shopping for the family
This could be the solution for parents at this difficult time of sourcing childcare and offer this opportunity to those wishing to take up childcare.
Wages:
Current ratesThese rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage.
The rates change every April.
Year 25 and over 21 to 24 18 to 20 Under 18 Apprentice
April 2020 (current rate) £8.72 £8.20 £6.45 £4.55 £4.15
A Mothers help will normally work between 25-30 hours per week and undertake training whilst working. Normally offering up to a contract and will be entitled to normal employment rules and regulations with holiday and all other entitlements. If your mothers help is a live in As an employer you can offset some of the cost of this against the wage for NMW purposes. There are maximum amounts you can offset, and this was £8.20per day or £57.40 per week however at time of going to print this was correct and we advise clients to check with a reputable payroll company such as way2paye for updates.
https://way2paye.co.uk/
(Thank you for confirming figures)
If the mothers help is residential and lives as part of the family this system does not apply. As they will receive a weekly pocket money like au pairs. The employee needs to be part of the family to the extent of eating with the family living in their home and being counted as part of the family. This then is not under the same rules of minimum wage. There are strict rules to this and just because they live in does not mean the above rules apply.
Training: Children are precious and for the very young it is a great advantage to take on a person that will undertake training to understand all aspects of being a nanny from meals, activities and working as a professional in a family home. There are many options to someone wishing to train in childcare:
College to take Diploma- Nursery nurse/ to become a nanny Common core skills for nanny role specific
Online courses
Finding someone:
I would always suggest parents ask for an agency to assist them. A reputable agency will have experience in sourcing childcare for a family home, interview, advise to the parents and candidate, help you with a contract and support you throughout the placement.
Costs
These will vary parents are looking from £250 up to £1,000 normally for a placement. Please check with the agency you are using.
Project action offers the common core skills for nannies which is mainly online but with the opportunity for individual interaction. Other training we would advise is first aid, and safeguarding ( as an individual course)
Links:
We have worked with professionals for many years in this industry so please look at our site for reputable companies from nanny agencies, first aid and payroll who will assist parents further
