Nanny study leave

[Ilovemangoes]

We are employing a nanny for 3 days a week, 36 hours in total. We're starting to draw up contracts and I'm thinking about putting something in about a number of days the nanny could take as paid study leave, or maybe a pot of money she could use against courses/paid days off to attend courses (with proof of attendance/registration). We're keen to create a good supportive work environment for her to encourage her to stay! Has anyone got any experience of this, or does it sound like a rubbish idea? How much would be a good figure? We're paying her £9 gross/hr. Would it be a good idea to have an accrual period?

Rather than setting something in the contract, why not just do it on an as-and-when basis if a training need becomes apparent, or either of you see a course that looks relevant?

It's just that in every job I've had it's been in the contract! I have noticed it's not mentioned in the specimen contracts I've seen. Do most people do it as and when then, or is it not usually catered for by nanny employers?

I have never heard of it written in to a contract for nannies although there is in practice done kind of provision, especially for things like first aid, in many cases.

Better to pay for (job-related) courses as this is not a taxable benefit; if you pay for time off there is 2xNI and tax to pay so she gets less than 60% of what it costs you.

The only situation where anything would be expected to be in the contract would be a trainee on day release in a nursery.

Thanks MrAnchovy that's really helpful!

I wouldn't make it contractual.. I'd make it ad hoc, and offer it if your nanny turns out to be exceptional and you think it's appropriate .

Just seen that you want to create a supportive environment.. That is brilliant, and if the nanny turns out to be all you'd hoped then you could have a great thing going.

Just be a bit wary to promise too much up front that you might regret later.. You can always add extras but you can't remove things quite as easily.. Plus if you set the reward bar really really high up front, you don't leave yourself very far to go x

Paid study leave I would say is very unusual in nannying. Even pay for courses I think is unusual, though if you wanted your nanny to do a specific course then you paying for that course does make sense.

Nannies should be doing CPD but in reality not sure how many of us do it on a regular basis - it's more a case of as and when a course comes up or needs renewal (such as first aid, safeguarding children).

Lovely that you want to offer to pay towards additional training but as others have said, just do it as and when, not have in contract.

The family I work for has paid towards the cost of my course fees for a degree I am doing. It is very kind of them and it makes me feel like they really appreciate me!