Information for Clients

We have put the following information together as general advice and guidance for parents planning to employ a member of staff for their household. If you have any questions or would like to register with us please do not hesitate to contact us.

Registering as a client and adding your vacancy is as easy as 1,2,3…

1) Complete the new client registration form

2) Our team will send you a secure link to provide more details about your vacancy.

3) A member of the team will contact you to disccuss your requirements.

It is always helpful to have the children at home so that they can meet the nanny. You can see how they interact with each other, but do try to have someone there to look after the children during most of the interview. Always ask to see references and/or Diploma.

It is always helpful to have some questions ready:

• Find out as much as you can about previous jobs and how long she stayed at each one.
• How would she organise her day and what activities would she do with the children.
• Try and talk about the nanny’s views on discipline, coping with tantrums, mealtimes and sleeping routines. You know your own, but need to establish if the two of you are compatible.
• Give your views about friends and other nannies, who may call or visit your home. If she is to be live-in a list of house rules can help, including use of the telephone, watching TV, listening to music and inviting her friends (male or female) around after work hours.
• Discuss any arrangements about cars and driving. Does she have a clean licence?
• Make sure you cover what duties you expect from her. Include in your discussion washing, ironing, cooking and shopping for the children.

Ask about her health:

• Does she suffer from any allergies, etc.

Ask some personal questions:

• Does she have a boyfriend?
• Where are her family and how does she relate to them.
• The more she talks the more you will find out about her.

If you are happy with the first interview then ask the Nanny to come back for a 2nd interview and to spend time with you and your child/children. When you have decided on the right nanny try and spend a few days as a ‘hand over period’ with him/her before you return to work (if you are going to) so that you can get to know each other. This will also give her a chance to establish a relationship with the child/children and have an understanding of their routine before being left in sole charge, or if you are replacing a Nanny it is always a good idea to have a few days of hand over. If you feel the Nanny is not suitable for your family please contact us with your concerns.

Below is an outline of a typical Nanny job, it is for you to refer to when drawing up your contracts and so that you know a little of what to expect. We advise you to have a contract so that both parties have something to refer back to if any problems or issues arise. We also have a sample contract if you would like to see one.

• To provide a safe, secure and loving environment for your children. Duties will include preparing meals, sterilising bottles, preparing feeds etc. Washing, ironing and putting away the children’s clothes, making sure they have appropriate clean clothes available each day. Tidying the children’s bedrooms and playrooms.
• Taking the children to activities during the week. Taking them to school/nursery and picking them up.
• Ensuring the children meet other children for play opportunities regularly and to try and stimulate your child’s all round development.
• Taking the children to the Health Centre for check ups, vaccinations etc and to the dentist when necessary.
• Checking and ensuring that there are sufficient supplies such as bread, milk, nappies, wipes etc for each day, buying items at local shops if necessary, keeping an account of all kitty money spent.
• Organising birthday parties for the children.
• A live-in nanny should have her own private room and either have a separate bathroom or share with the children. If a car is needed one should be provided and the employer should pay insurance and tax. It will be up to the individual employer if the use of the car is extended to out of work hours.
• The salary will vary according to duties, experience, qualifications and how many children are to be cared for. An average live-in wage is £400 – £650 gross per week. An average daily wage is from £500 – £750 gross per week. The employer is responsible for paying Tax and National Insurance. Once you have employed a nanny you must inform your local tax office. There are now companies that will deal with this for you and we recommend NannyTax. Both you and the nanny should expect to give a months notice if the position comes to an end.