The increase in the number of middle class families with two income earners has ensured that the demand for nannies is on the up. Duties include ferrying the kids to school and social activities, helping with homework and feeding time etc. This type of role can include housework like washing and ironing, but often the household has a cleaner as well to take care of these tasks.

Ideally, you should have a driver's licence as many positions include doing the shopping and dropping off the kids. This of course means that you could land up driving a fancy car around. Bonus. There is also the chance of going on vacations with the family. Another bonus.

Positions can be live-in or live-out. Live-in positions have the perks of free accommodation and food, but you could be on call at odd hours. Also, baby sitting could be expected, especially on weekends, and this could dent the social life. Live-out positions may not offer as many hours as live-in positions which in turn restricts pay.

It is a good idea to go through an agency as they have positions on offer in a number of areas. This also gives you the opportunity to get out of London into the villages of the home counties.

Qualifications/attributes

none necessary, although experience in working with and caring for children is a plus. Make sure you get a police clearance certificate and at least two good references. These are essential when dealing with kids in any job

Working hours live-in

10 per day, on call sometimes. You may get a day or two off an weekends, but there is always the possibility of baby sitting.

Working hours live-out

Depends entirely on the position. 4 - 10 hours per day.

Pay live-in

£ 140 - £ 200 per week

Pay live-out

Should be in the vicinity of £ 200 - £ 250 per week for a full time position, but this can vary according to the situation.

For help in finding a job in this area contact the following