Babysitters, Nannies and Au Pairs
Babysitters
Babysitters look after your children in your home for a short time.
Babysitters are not registered childcare providers.
The London Borough of Harrow does not have a list of babysitters.
You are responsible for finding a reliable babysitter.
Before choosing a babysitter, you should
- Interview them.
- Ask for references.
- Check their experience.
- Make sure you are happy with your choice.
Nannies and au pairs
Nannies and au pairs are types of home childcarers. They look after children in the children's home.
Nannies
Nannies can look after children of any age.
Nannies do not have to register with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted).
However, they can choose to register voluntarily with Ofsted.
If a nanny is registered, you may be able to get help with childcare costs.
For more information, visit the nannies section on the Ofsted website.
Au pairs
An au pair is usually a young person from another country who is aged 18 or over.
They help with childcare and housework in exchange for food, a room and money.
Au pairs are not registered childcarers. They cannot register with Ofsted.
For more information about au pairs, visit the British Au Pair Agencies' Association.