Nanny cover for maternity leave

[MammyT]

If looking for a nanny to cover maternity leave, can I set this up as a fixed term contract? I know I can't offer a full-time role obviously but wonder who would actually want this role anyhow from a nanny's point of view.

That aside, is it okay to offer a fixed term contract purely covering the period the nanny is out?

Yes, I feel you can set it as a fixed term contract - though do you know an end date? If the person on maternity leave does not come back to work, then the contract could be extended and made permanent.

Some nannies who are looking for say a 1 year position before going travelling may want the job.

Nannynick - I very much appreciate the answer. We're trying to do the right thing of course, but it's all new to us!

You can offer a long term temporary contract with a clause that it is till your old nanny returns. I did this and also told new nanny that if old nanny chose not to return (she didn't) then it could become permanent (it has). I got a fab nanny to cover and she is staying on.

Yes, of course, its the same as any job to cover maternity leave.
I (when employing Optometrists to cover mat leave) used to advertise for a 6 month contract with the possibility to extend.
I don't think you'll have any problems employing someone as long as its 6 months