A Nanny Staffing Agency Guide to Different Types of Home Based Childcare
A Nanny Staffing Agency Guide to Different Types of Home Based Childcare
There are several different types of home based childcare, and families often confuse the terms and are not sure what they offer and how one differs to another. In this blog, we are going to explore the different types of childcare.
Choosing your home based childcare and finding what works best for you and your family
When it comes to choosing the best childcare for your family, it's all about finding a solution that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and home.
At Hummingbird Home Staff, we specialise in the recruitment and placement of trusted household staff, including live-in nannies, maternity nurses, after-school carers and so much more.
If you're seeking full-time support, occasional help, or a more flexible arrangement, our expert team will guide you through the process to find a nanny who meets your unique needs. With so many home-based childcare options available, we’re here to help you make an informed choice that works for both you and your children.
Nanny
A Nanny is a qualified and experienced child carer who will either live in with the family or visit daily as needed to provide childcare for the children within the family.
Not all nannies are qualified but will have many years childcare experience behind them that supports their profession. Some nannies will Live In with their families if a good standard of accommodation can be offered.
Nanny Housekeeper
A Nanny Housekeeper is a Nanny who is happy to provide additional support with housekeeping and some cleaning though this will vary from person to person in terms of what level of housekeeping they are willing to undertake.
They also do wraparound care by getting the children up and off to school in the morning before returning to the house to do the housekeeping and make ready for the afternoon school pick-ups.
After School Nanny
An After School Nanny is a Nanny who provides support in the afternoons only. Usually, they won’t start until around 2.30pm and will work until 6.30 / 7.00pm. An Afternoon Nanny typically provides after school care and help with tea, homework and the evening routine.
Childminder
A Childminder is a qualified child carer who works from their own home providing childcare for multi working families between 7.00am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
They will do activities and go out and about with the children during the day, will pick up children from school in the afternoon and take them back to their house for tea and playtime before they are collected by their parents at the end of the day.
Proxy Parent
A Proxy Parent is a nanny who will come and cares for the children 24 hours a day while the parents are away. They will be totally responsible for everything needed within the home and the childcare.
Night Nanny
A Night Nanny is a Nanny who comes in to work over night to help with a new baby or young child who is struggling to form a good sleep routine. They usually work from 7.30 pm through to 7.00am.
Maternity Nurse
A Maternity Nurse is a qualified baby specialist who will come to the family home immediately after the new arrival and will work 6 days a week and be on duty for 24 hours a day. They are there to establish a sleep and feeding routine and allow the mother time to recover from the delivery. the maternity nurse will usually only stay for a few weeks.
Au Pair
An Au Pair Nanny is a bilingual foreign language student who provides cleaning and help with childcare during the week.
Ideally, they should work no longer than 5 hours per day and does this in return for board and lodging and a minimal wage. This type of help will be younger and unqualified. Usually, they start with the family and intend to stay around a year.
Babysitter
A Babysitter is a person familiar to the family or via an agency who comes and looks after the children while you go out for the evening. They are usually a family friend or neighbour who comes and sits with the children before they go to bed. They are usually unqualified and work on an ad hoc basis.
Need Help with Getting the Right Home Based Child Care From an Experienced Nanny Staffing Agency?
At Hummingbird Home Staff, we can help you find the right home based child care tailored to your family's unique needs. As an experienced nanny staffing agency, we specialise in matching families with the best candidates, whichever kind of nanny job you need.
Every family is different, and that's why our dedicated consultants take the time to understand your preferences, routines, and household dynamic before recommending a placement.
With over 25 years’ experience in matching high-quality nannies to our families, you can count on our expert team to find the perfect nanny for your family. If you're keen to find out more about our services and how we can help you find the right nanny for your needs, contact us today.
Linnea Tormajer. Hummingbird Housekeepers and Nannies

