Childminding at home requires the services of a nanny. A nanny can be defined as a person who takes care of one or more children belonging to a single family, within their own home. Many nannies live in, having their own room in the family home and sharing in family life, depending on the circumstances of their employers and themselves. Traditionally a nanny was deemed a servant and would be in service on the staff of a large household, although this is seldom the case in modern times. A nanny should not be confused with a governess; the role of a governess is quite different and will concentrate almost solely on the child's educational needs.
Historically during the late 19th and early 20th century a nanny would be known as a nurse, and was usually female. She would have her own area of responsibility and would run the entire nursery, often a whole suite of rooms. She would sometimes have an assistant, a nursemaid, who would help here with her daily tasks. Although seen as a servant, a nanny was usually treated better than a junior servant due to her close relationship with the younger family members. Indeed, it was not uncommon for a young nanny to spend her entire working life taking care of multiple generations of children for the same family. The fictional character of Mary Poppins is a perfect example of a traditional nanny.
Historically during the late 19th and early 20th century a nanny would be known as a nurse, and was usually female. She would have her own area of responsibility and would run the entire nursery, often a whole suite of rooms. She would sometimes have an assistant, a nursemaid, who would help here with her daily tasks. Although seen as a servant, a nanny was usually treated better than a junior servant due to her close relationship with the younger family members. Indeed, it was not uncommon for a young nanny to spend her entire working life taking care of multiple generations of children for the same family. The fictional character of Mary Poppins is a perfect example of a traditional nanny.