Nanny agency FAQs
Employing a Nanny for the first time
Don't know everything about employing a nanny? Don't worry, we've got it covered!
You are not alone in having questions about employing a nanny. Most employers have only ever employed a handful of employees and many are first time employers, so it is only natural to have questions. We have compiled some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you find the answers you need. If you do not find answers to what you are looking for then please contact us by phone, email, chat and we can help you further.
Employing a Nanny
1. Are Nannies entitled to sick pay?
Just like any other employee, when a nanny is absent from work due to sickness their employer is required to administer Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Please see the following links for more detailed information: https://www.nannytax.co.uk/legislation-statutory-rights/statutory-rights/sick-pay
2. How much holiday entitlement do Nannies get?
Nannies are employees and by law, a full-time employee is entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks (28 days) of paid leave per annum. This includes the 8 UK bank holidays each year. Please see the following link for more detailed information: https://www.nannytax.co.uk/legislation-statutory-rights/statutory-rights/holiday-pay
3. Do I have to provide my own Nanny contract? We then present the candidate to you:
Families are welcome to use their own nanny contract. Alternatively you may use the template contract Kinder Staff includes as a courtesy with the fee. Either way it is sensible to have it checked over by your lawyer before it is presented to your new employee.
4. Do I have to cover my Nanny’s NI and tax?
Yes, the family is responsible for operating a PAYE scheme for the Nanny. The family deduct the Tax and National Insurance a nanny owes from the nanny’s gross earnings. The family then pay this to HMRC on the nanny’s behalf.
We will put you in touch with a reputable Nanny Payroll company.
5. How much do I have to pay my Nanny?
Nannies are usually paid anywhere between £17 and £25 gross per hour. For part-time contracts or short term, a nanny can receive £20+ per hour. Junior or lesser qualified / experienced nannies would receive the lower end of these rates.
Nannies on overseas placements are on higher salaries and Nanny-Governess/ Nanny-Educators are on higher rates.
6. How much notice do I have to give my Nanny and vice versa?
Once the Nanny has completed their probationary period, the notice period is usually 4 weeks written notice on either side. If you are already employing your nanny, check what was agreed in the employment contract.
7. What are the fees for a Nanny placement through Kinder Nannies?
Please make an enquiry for our current fees, stating whether you are in the UK or overseas.
8. What are the usual duties of a Nanny?
In a nutshell; Nannies usually prepare meals for the children with appropriate sized portions, keep the children entertained with age-appropriate activities, support the child’s emotional and physical development, arrange playdates and activities, clean and tidy up after the children, take care of the children’s laundry/ironing/change their bedding etc, keep play areas tidy and organised, bath the children and put them to bed (if required by the parents), and they may also be asked to babysit.
9. What qualifications does a Nanny need?
A nanny may in fact not hold any formal qualifications, but rather have gained formal experience as a Nanny. However, qualifications which some nannies may have gained include:
- NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Childcare and Education or in Early Years Care and Education. Most sought after is the Level 3, which qualifies a candidate for unsupervised (sole) care, whilst candidates with a Level 2 are suitable for supervised positions (they may be working towards Level 3).
- NVQ in Play Work. This qualification is to work with children aged 5 to 15 years old.
- CACHE Certificate in Child Care and Education. This is for nursery/kindergarten or playgroup assistants and mothers’ helps.
- CACHE Diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB). For childminders, classroom assistants, nannies, nursery nurses, and playgroup supervisors.
- CACHE Advanced Diploma in Child Care and Education. This qualification is for advanced practitioners, inspectors, managers, registration officers, and verifiers. It is a specialised award and should only be taken by candidates with a more general qualification such as the NNEB or the NVQ.
- CACHE Specialist Teacher Assistant Award for classroom assistants.
10. What hours do Nannies usually work?
Nannies often work long hours; they start work early in the morning and continue until 6 or 7 pm, or even 8pm. Many nannies are working 9 to 11 hours per day (45 to 55 hours per week) Some nannies work 60 hours, live in or live out, but this is becoming less popular, certainly if live out. The Rota nanny arrangement is becoming more popular, where nannies will work 12 hour shifts, or 24/7 for a couple of weeks on, then be a couple of weeks of when the 2nd rota nanny takes over.
11. Do Nannies normally live in or live out?
Most nannies live out, but nannies can live-in too, it depends on their preference and what accommodation you are able to provide. Most live in nannies appreciate a separate nanny annexe, or some separation of living/ sleeping quarters.
12. Do Nannies work part time or full time?
Our high calibre professional nannies generally work full time, as they are professionals and need a full time salary. Most commonly they have a preference to work full time (44-50 hrs per week) Generally professional nannies don’t accept jobs with a low number of hours and correspondingly low salary.
13. Can Nannies have sole charge of babies and toddlers?
Yes, as long as they have qualifications and/ or training with newborns/ babies/ toddlers. If not training then a good amount of previous experience.
14. How much babysitting can I ask my nanny to do?
Some nannies are happy to babysit once in a while, but it is not something they relish if they already work 50-60 hours per week. Live in nannies are more likely to be ok with it, but they don’t want to do too much babysitting either and it must be paid for. Babysitting is normally paid extra if it is not a fixed part of the contract.
15. How can I get my Nanny DBS checked?
Nannies can apply for an Enhanced DBS check through Kinder Nannies. Payment can be made via PayPal, debit or credit card. Applicants must check that they have the correct documents in place first. Please see the following link for more guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/documents-the-applicant-must-provide
16. How can I help my Nanny obtain or refresh their first aid qualification?
Nannies usually need to cover the costs for first aid qualifications themselves. We can put nanny in touch with good Childcare training or paediatric first aid courses.
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