What’s The Difference Between a Nanny and Au Pair?
Often families may struggle to realise whether they need a nanny or au pair to cover their childcare needs. While both can no doubt provide excellent care for children, there are a few major differences in terms of responsibilities, living arrangements, and employment terms.
Nannies
⭐️ Professional Caregivers: Nannies are professional caregivers who will often have formal training in childcare-related courses and significant previous experience. Most families expect nannies to hold at least an up-to-date first aid qualification and a DBS check on the national update service. Further qualifications may also make a candidate more desirable such as being OFSTED registered, a CACHE or BTEC diploma, or even a relevant degree, can make a candidate highly desirable.
➡️ Need help showcasing your qualifications? Download our free nanny CV template or get professional support with our nanny CV writing service.
⭐️ Employment: Nannies are typically hired as employees (either full-time or part-time) and are paid an hourly wage. They are entitled to benefits such as national insurance & pension payments, maternity leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday and statutory sick pay. Some nannies may choose to be self-employed.
⭐️ Living Arrangements: Some nannies may choose to be live-in nannies and therefore have a lower monthly wage to offset this. Alternatively, they may live out and commute to the family's home daily. You can also find rota positions where you will live-in for 2 weeks at a time whilst on duty before having 2 weeks off where you will be expected to have your own accommodation.
⭐️ Responsibilities: Nannies generally take on a broad range of childcare responsibilities including planning play & organising educational activities, preparing children's meals, helping with homework, attending children's groups and classes and sometimes performing light nursery household duties related to the children such as laundry and tidying communal areas.
➡️ Looking to progress in your nanny career? Consider a career coaching session to explore your next move and boost your confidence.
⭐️ Duration: Nanny positions are often long-term, with many families looking for someone to stay for years as their children grow. However, there are also short-term or temporary nanny roles, such as holiday or maternity cover positions.
Au Pairs
⭐️ Cultural Exchange: Au pairs are usually young individuals (aged 18–30) who join a host family abroad as part of a cultural exchange. They may have limited formal childcare experience, but often bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. This arrangement can offer children a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures and languages.
➡️ If you're new to childcare and need help getting started, download our free au pair Canva template to create a polished candidate profile for your host family.
⭐️ Employment: Unlike nannies, au pairs aren’t traditional employees. They receive a weekly allowance (rather than a salary) and typically work 20–30 hours per week, assisting with childcare and basic household tasks.
⭐️ Living Arrangements: Au pairs typically live with the host family as part of the arrangement, receiving a private room and food paid for in addition to their monthly allowance.
⭐️ Responsibilities: Au pairs help with childcare and light household chores, generally working a set number of hours per week (often around 20-30 hours). Au pairs are not typically expected to care for young infants alone and are more suited to toddlers and school-age children.
⭐️ Duration: The stay of an au pair is usually committed to one year, with the possibility of an extension if both parties agree. This shorter duration is ideal for families with school-aged children looking for temporary childcare solutions and cultural exchange opportunities.
In short, nannies are professional, long-term caregivers with training and experience — perfect for families needing reliable, skilled childcare. Au pairs, on the other hand, offer cultural exchange and light childcare support on a part-time basis and are often just starting their journey into childcare.
➡️ If you're an au pair ready to transition into a nanny role, or you’re not sure where to begin, book a 1:1 career coaching session to gain confidence, plan your next steps, and build a CV that stands out.
Kickstarting Your Career: Why Hiring a Professional CV Writer is a Smart Investment
In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted CV is more crucial than ever. It’s your first impression, your initial handshake, and often, your ticket to securing that coveted interview. Despite its importance, many job seekers underestimate the value of a professionally written CV. Here’s why hiring a professional CV writer can be a game-changer— especially for those in the nanny and childcare industry.
1. Expertise in CV Crafting
Professional CV writers bring a wealth of experience and industry knowledge. They understand the intricacies of different job markets and what employers are really looking for. A great writer knows how to tailor your CV to highlight your strengths, minimise any gaps, and present your experience in the best possible light.
If you're applying to agencies or families and feel like your current CV isn’t quite cutting it, check out my Nanny CV Writing Service — tailored specifically for childcare professionals.
2. Tailored specifically to the nanny/childcare community
Nannying is unique — it’s personal, flexible, emotionally involved, and often difficult to summarise professionally. Knowing how to frame your skills in a way that appeals to both parents and agencies is an art.
As someone with extensive experience in both childcare and career support, I know how to help your personality and strengths shine through.
➡️ Just starting out? Grab my free nanny CV Canva template to get the basics right, or upgrade with a bespoke CV written just for you.
3. Highlighting Accomplishments, Not Just Responsibilities
A common mistake in CV writing is listing duties instead of results. A professional CV writer can transform everyday tasks into impactful achievements — making your work sound as valuable as it truly is.
For example:
Instead of “helped with bedtime routines,”
Try “successfully established and maintained a consistent bedtime routine, improving child sleep quality.”
That’s the kind of upgrade I deliver in every personalised CV package.
4. Objective Perspective
It’s hard to be objective about your own experience. A professional writer brings an outside perspective, asking smart questions to uncover hidden gems and make your strengths stand out.
Many of my clients feel unsure of how to “sell themselves.” That’s where I come in — helping you feel proud and confident about what you bring to the table.
5. Saving Time and Reducing Stress
Writing a strong CV takes time — especially if you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities. Handing the task over to a professional means you get to focus on finding the right job and preparing for interviews, rather than stressing over formatting or wording.
Let me take the pressure off with a done-for-you service that saves you hours of frustration.
7. Boosting Confidence
Having a polished, professional CV gives you confidence walking into any application or interview. You’ll know your experience is being presented in the best light — and that sense of self-belief can be felt by employers too.
Pair it with a 1:1 interview coaching session if you want to walk in fully prepared.
8. Return on Investment
Yes, hiring a professional is an investment — but it’s one that pays off. A strong CV helps you land roles faster, apply for higher-paying jobs, and stand out with ease.
One job offer can easily make up the cost of a professionally written CV — and then some.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A professionally written CV isn’t just a document — it’s your first chance to shine in front of agencies and families.
✨ Download the free nanny CV template
✨ Or explore the CV writing and career coaching packages to take your job search to the next level.
Don’t leave your career to chance. Let’s get you noticed — and hired.
Nanny Lingo Explained
Nanny Lingo Explained- common acronyms for childcare related phrases
When starting out as a new nanny or au pair it can be tricky to work out some of the common abbreviations used by families and agency’s. Below is our handy guide to help get you started-
MB
Mum boss
DB
Dad boss
NK
Nanny kid/kids
NF
Nanny family
G1
Girl aged 1 years old
B5m
Boy aged 5 months old
HNW
High net worth- a family with a high income
UHNW
Ultra high net worth- a super wealthy family
HP
High profile- a family that is famous or especially well known such a television or sports stars
NWOC
Nanny with own child- typically used when discussing the nanny bringing their own child to work with them.
SE
Self employed
HK
Housekeeper
PA
Personal assistant
PT
Part time hours
FT
Full time hours
SAHM/SAHD
Stay at home mum/ dad
WFH
Work from home parents- something that is a lot more common since COVID
UNICORN FAMILY
Something many nannies strive to find- the perfect family that they enjoy working with and truly feel appreciated by.
Let us know in the comments if we forgot any!
Go Gross Campaign
Just like any other industry, salary for nanny jobs should always be agreed upon in gross form. Let’s explore why this is so important for nannies and au pairs.
Understanding Gross vs Net Pay- What You Need to Know
Something we hear a lot from nannies and au pairs is that they find gross vs net pay can be very confusing. Just like any other industry, salary for nanny jobs should always be agreed upon in gross form. Let’s explore why this is so important to ensure you’re being paid correctly.
Originally many nanny jobs were paid cash in hand and therefore a net pay was used when referring to salary. More recently, rightly so, professional nannies are insisting on being employed legally. This means you are eligible for worker's rights, holiday allowance, sick pay, maternity/ paternity/ adoption leave & pension contributions. For that reason pay should only be agreed in gross terms to ensure you are getting everything you are entitled to.
Gross pay is the total amount earned before any mandatory or voluntary amounts such as tax deductions, student loans, national insurance and pension payments. This is the figure that should be in your signed contract when you begin a job.
Net pay is the amount you are left with after all these deductions are made. Also known as ‘take-home pay’
Why the Distinction Matters
Net pay means any tax rebates are issued to you rather than your employer.
You can choose to pay more into your pension if you wish.
If you are taking out a mortgage, a new loan or starting a rental contract you will need to show your salary in gross figures to prove your income to be eligible.
You will get the benefit of any government changes to tax allowance e.g annual April tax allowance increase
It ensures that your employers are legally employing you
How Net Pay is Calculated
You can use this nannytax calculator to work out your gross to net figure to ensure you are happy with the salary before agreeing to a contract when beginning a new job.