Nannies

What is a Nanny?

A nanny is usually qualified and/or experienced in child care. Child care courses often last for 2 years. Shorter courses are sometimes provided by training colleges, in which case the nanny may not necessarily receive the same remuneration.

Family Registration for a Nanny

Duties

The nanny is capable of taking sole charge of the 0-5 year age group and is responsible for nursery duties covering the child's well being e.g. washing, ironing, cooking and potty training.

The nanny is not expected to carry out general housework beyond taking care of the children's rooms and belongings and if living in, her own room as well. He/she should provide a full range of activities suited to the child's age and ability both inside and outside the home. This will include organising and supervising the cultural, leisure and social activities of the children.

A live-in nanny will expect to have his/her own room with usually a TV provided. He/she should have 2 days off per week, normally taken at week-ends and have most evenings free apart from 1-2 weekly baby-sitting evenings and such baby-sitting evenings will not be charged for by the nanny but is inclusive in her weekly salary.

If a nanny lives out, he/she will normally work a 5 day week from Monday to Friday. A daily nanny will not expect to do any evening baby-sitting unless this is agreed beforehand and is paid as an extra.

There is no registration fee for clients only a placement fee once the nanny has accepted a job offer.

Salaries are based on age, qualification and experience and you should contact our agency direct for advice on daily and live-in weekly/monthly salary rates.

Delaney International recommend using a skilled payroll service such as 'nannytax', tel no 0845 226 2203 to handle the mother's help PAYE and national insurance.

Terms of employment

It is essential where the placement is permanent (i.e. more than a few months) to have a written statement of the employee's terms of employment which should be signed by you both and dated to avoid any misunderstanding.

Suggested terms are as follows:-

Duties - including hours of work and time off.
Holidays - 4 weeks paid annual holiday. Employees usually have public holidays free but if they do have to work over a public holiday, they should be given time off in lieu or paid for the day/s that they have worked.
Sickness provision - how much benefit will you pay and for how long?
Salary - whether this is paid net of tax and National Insurance contributions and on an agreed date each week/month.
Notice of termination - employees are entitled to a minimum of 1 week's notice and usually this is normal on either side within the first 4 weeks of employment although it is fair to give 2 weeks' notice if the employee is from abroad. 3-4 weeks' notice should be given after 4 weeks continuous service. Summary/immediate dismissal is usual in the event of serious misconduct, e.g. theft or drunkenness.
Probationary period - and if so for how long?
Confidentiality - you may wish to state that business and private affairs of the family should be kept confidential.

The above terms should be discussed before the employee starts work and the statement or contract should be signed by you both and dated either on her arrival or beforehand.

Please note that all placements made between Delaney International Ltd and our clients are subject to compliance with our agency's terms of business.

Terms of Business