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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

nanny's meals & contracts

34 replies

monkeyboys · 25/02/2008 14:27

it's my first time posting here - i've eventually found my way here while looking for our first nanny who fingers crossed, we've finslly found! no pressure, only back at work in 4weeks eh? (!)

we're just at the stage of drawing up contracts - hooray! unfortunately we had to go through anagency in the end - i say unfortunately because of their charges rather than the hopefully lovely nanny they've found us. quite an easy job for them really - they sent one applicant to us and she seems perfect for us, esp compared to the others i've seen/spoken to.

aaaanyway, my question was about nanny's meals. when we asked at the interview, she said of course she eats with the boys. that's fine by us - we're not going to quibble over an extra sandwich/portion of bolognaise etc etc. but the contract the agency have sent us says under benefits nanny receives 'all meals'. does it need to be that formal? and does that mean if they go out for the day say, we'll get billed for any food bought? is that normal?? we're so new (and naive!) to this. hubby says that in no other job would an employee be fed - he's got a point but we both agree this isn't just another employee. we've asked for packed lunches wherever possible. i might just get rid of the whole paragraph but thought i'd ask advice as you seem like a much more seasoned bunch than me

any other top tips for the contract???

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eleusis · 25/02/2008 15:03

I think my contract says something like all meals (normally but not always prepared and consumed at employer's home) provided by employer. In other words, I provide the food, but that is not a free ticket to eat out whenever you want.

monkeyboys · 25/02/2008 15:03

sorry, didn't mention, she's a live out nanny (i value our guest bedroom too much!).

thanks for the quick responses so far - if its normal that's fine. like i said we weren't going to quibble but just nice to know what's the 'norm' and expected so we're not unpleasantly surprised by it iyswim? dh knows the nanny/parent relationship is very differnt to that with his office workers, he was definitely different in the last few interviews we did (relaxed, himself) than the first one (formal, interviewer hat on)!!

have also talked about having friends over/going to other friends. we've said its fine as long as its not all one way and we'd quite like that to happen as it'll be nice for the boys. don't expect my friends to bring a pack lunch with them on a play date for the boys so why is this any different??

lol at the nanny eating us out of house and home - i'd like to see here try with the amount of food in this house

OP posts:
jura · 25/02/2008 14:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

trockodile · 25/02/2008 14:50

Also, if she has (nanny)friends over you normally pay for their food -not nec prawns and smoked salmon! In most situations this would be off set by reciprocal invitations but worth knowing.

Bink · 25/02/2008 14:44

On your specific question about days out, yes, cost of nanny's lunch (or whatever meals involved) would normally be met by employer. Most employers do a cash float system for expenses - nanny's lunch would usually come out of that.

Is she going to be live-in or live-out?

juliewoolie · 25/02/2008 14:42

A live in nanny will expect all meals to be paid for except when she is out and about on her days off. If she goes out for the day with the charges her meals will also be paid for by you. The same applies for a live out nanny during working hours all meals provided by you.

I appreciate that your DH is saying on no other job would an employer pay for meals, but in nannying this is the way it is and although you are employing someone the regular office type employee employer rules dont work.

HarrietTheSpy · 25/02/2008 14:40

nanny is a daily nanny.

HarrietTheSpy · 25/02/2008 14:40

OUr contract says (to the effect of) the nanny can help herself to whatever snacks she wants during the day, and we expect her to help herself to lunch at our place. Sometimes they do this, sometimes they bring there own food, it really varies. We've never had one eat us out of house and home - and I've never heard anyone else speak of that !!! - although current one makes a bit too much food for DD, so there is sometimes wasteage in that regard.

You can certainly say, take a packed lunch on outings.

soapbox · 25/02/2008 14:33

IME for a day nanny, all meals that nanny has whilst working are paid for by the employer. For a live-in nanny, it is all meals whilst working and any other meals eaten at home, (i.e. everything except for meals she eats outside the home when she is not working).

HTH