Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Paid childcare

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

First time nanny employer - what to put in the contract etc.

5 replies

DizziDoll · 03/12/2013 21:58

Following another thread I had about crb check for a foreign nanny, I thought it might be useful for me to have a thread for first time nanny employers. The last one seems to be from 2009.

So, what should a first time nanny employer think of once she/he has found their nanny. So far I have:

  • call references
  • get NI number if not from the UK
  • check certificates (first aid, security)
  • contract - what things to include?
  • car insurance if providing a nanny car
  • public liability insurance (possible included in home insurance)
  • prepare a welcome pack if nanny not from the area

Help me complete the list Smile

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
nannynick · 03/12/2013 22:15

Check ID documents. UKBA Summary Guide for Employers on Preventing Illegal Working in the UK (PDF)

Contract - see ACAS: Written Statement for what it must contain.

There are example/template contracts and nanny payroll companies can often produce a contract. Example Contract. If using an example/template contract check it meets the requirements as some may have been produced some time ago.

Agree a Gross Salary.

Probationary period - how long, when reviewed, notice period applicable during probation. This is to make it easier for both sides to cancel the agreement if things do not work out in the initial month or so.

Hours of work. Clearly defined if possible or example given of typical rota for say several weeks.

Holiday entitlement. Minimum is 5.6 weeks There is no right to time off on bank holidays, if you need your nanny to take bank holidays off work as part of their annual leave then make that clear.

Accommodation details if providing. Details of which meals are provided.

Gross Misconduct. I would include in this section things that you feel will result in instant dismissal. Some contract templates say things like: Misconduct which may be deemed gross misconduct includes but is not limited to theft, drunkenness, illegal drug taking, child abuse and violent or threatening behaviour (be it verbal or physical).

I feel that if there is something you specifically would dismiss them for, then you should put what that is so it is clear from the start. This could be things like smoking on duty or on your property at any time.
If it is legal to have a clause like that I don't know but I feel it states the intention of the agreement, so I would have thought that a tribunal would take it into account.

DizziDoll · 04/12/2013 11:18

Thanks nannynick.

With regards to sick pay - what is the usual amount of sick pay that is offered to nannies?

Also, we hope to keep our nanny a long time and as she will be living with us, we want to make it a nice experience for her as well. From the nannies out there, what makes you feel happy with a family.

The nanny we are hoping to hire is a 55 year old lovely Italian lady.

OP posts:
3mum · 04/12/2013 19:56

From personal experience I would think of all the things which are important to you and put them in too. IME it is the little things which are the killers. Want your child to eat fruit at least once a day and fresh veg with every meal? Put it in. Want them to attend toddler gym classes? Same applies. If nothing else it does make you take a really good look at your own routines and decide what you can live with someone else doing differently and what you can't.

nannynick · 04/12/2013 22:26

A lot of nannies I feel do not get any sick days written in contract. Employer can then decide on a case by case basis if they will pay or not. Some nannies do want there to be some sick days in contract.

DizziDoll · 06/12/2013 22:25

What is a reasonable probation period. 1 month, 2 months?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page