NannyTax X Fox and Cubs Nanny Agency
At Fox and Cubs Nanny Agency, we understand that choosing the right childcare for your family is a big decision. Both nannies and au pairs offer flexible and invaluable support, but there are key differences between the two roles that parents should consider before deciding which option best suits their needs.
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve partnered with Nannytax, the UK’s leading nanny payroll experts, to outline the main distinctions between nannies and au pairs.
What is an Au Pair?
An au pair is a young person who lives with a host family and helps care for the children. However, they are typically not considered an employee but rather a temporary member of the family. Many au pairs come to the UK to experience British culture and may also attend English language classes.
💡 Key Facts About Au Pairs:
✔ Live-in arrangement with meals and accommodation provided
✔ Receive ‘pocket money’ instead of a salary (usually a minimum of £90 per week)
✔ Work up to 30 hours per week
✔ No formal childcare qualifications required
✔ Limited responsibilities compared to a nanny
📌 Important to Know:
- Au pairs are not entitled to National Minimum Wage or holiday pay.
- They may need to pay Income Tax and National Insurance if their earnings exceed a certain amount.
An au pair can be a great option for families looking for flexible support, but their role is generally less structured than that of a professional nanny.
What is a Nanny?
A nanny is a professional childcare provider who either works full-time or part-time in your home. Unlike au pairs, nannies typically have childcare experience, qualifications, or specialized skills, such as:
✔ Childcare certifications & training
✔ Multilingual abilities
✔ Experience working with children with special educational needs (SEN)
💡 Key Facts About Nannies:
✔ Can be live-in or live-out
✔ Are considered employees or self-employed (depending on the arrangement)
✔ Work structured hours, usually full-time or part-time
✔ Have professional childcare experience or training
✔ Can take on additional responsibilities like meal prep, homework help, and light housekeeping
📌 Hiring a Nanny: Your Responsibilities as an Employer
When you hire a nanny as an employee, you are responsible for:
📌 Paying their salary
📌 Providing a contract of employment
📌 Issuing payslips
📌 Enrolling them in a workplace pension (if applicable)
📌 Paying tax & National Insurance contributions
📌 Holding an employer’s liability insurance policy
📌 Administering statutory pay, such as holiday and maternity pay
While becoming a nanny employer may seem overwhelming, Nannytax makes the process simple! Their expert nanny payroll services handle everything from setting up a Nanny PAYE Scheme to issuing P45s when your nanny leaves.
Which Option is Right for Your Family?
✔ Choose an Au Pair if:
✅ You need casual, part-time childcare support
✅ You’re open to hosting a live-in caregiver
✅ You don’t require formal childcare qualifications
✔ Choose a Nanny if:
✅ You need structured, professional childcare
✅ You require a qualified caregiver with experience
✅ You prefer more tailored and consistent support
Both nannies and au pairs provide wonderful benefits, but it’s important to choose the right fit for your family’s lifestyle and needs.
Need Help Hiring a Nanny?
At Fox and Cubs Nanny Agency, we specialize in matching families with experienced, highly qualified nannies who provide exceptional childcare. If you’re considering hiring a nanny, our team is here to guide you through the processand ensure you find the perfect fit.
📩 Get in touch with us today!
🔗 Looking for payroll support for your nanny? Discover more about Nannytax:
🌐 www.nannytax.co.uk
