Nanny help

[chelc1979]

Ok this is my first post here so be gentle with me please .....

I have 3 children in childcare -
10.5 year old who does afterschool club
3 year old at nursery & due to start school in September
22 month old at the same nursery.

I've had various issues with the nursery and quite frankly loosing the will to live with them despite raising numerous complaints I feel like the parent constantly moaning - but rightly so I feel.

Anyway I've thought about hiring a nanny instead - this thought has been on and off for the past 6 months but feel maybe I'm too out of my depth with the whole understanding of it all.

I claim Tax credits towards childcare and use childcare vouchers, I know to carry this on I would need an Ofsted Registered Nanny. I know I can claim part of her salary - I think it's net salary, is it the employers part of the NI contributions I can also claim? I can add annual payroll costs, mileage if she drives & uses her own car?

I had been thinking about asking one of the girls at the nursery she is lovely and the children adore her. She has her own daughter which I have no problem with her bringing she's nearly completing her level 3 but unsure of Salary any ideas as to a guide. Were based in Surrey.

If you've made It this far without running away thank you any help would be fantastic :)

My understanding is that it is the Gross salary, Employers NI and the payroll service cost. Other costs such as mileage can not be claimed as where would the line be drawn for that? People would add activities, food, all sorts of things. One of the WTC forms gives info 2 or 5 can't remember which, though I don't think it specifically says what is and is not included. Call tax credits helpline, maybe they know.

There is a cap to the amount that can be claimed. 70% Of 300 I think, so 210 a week max.

Assume you are in England, as you mentioned Ofsted. If you are elsewhere, then do state country as it may vary and certainly the childcare regulator will change.

In surrey salaries vary, £8-£12 gross I expect is a range. Surrey is a big place, some parts are more London, where costs can be higher.

However nursery salaries tend to be low, £14,000 a year is not unusual, though not sure how many hours that is for.

Check nursery contract with regard to poaching staff, you may find there are 'agency' fees involved.

Once they have their Level 3 they should not need to do that much to become registered - first aid will need to be in date (courses are valid for 3 years), they will need nanny insurance such as from MortonMichel, they will need suitable insurance on their car if using that to transport your children.

I don't know about what you can claim but do know you can use vouchs if your nanny is registered, which helps. For three children I would seriously consider it. The cost of childcare per child is so high that I think a nanny would work out cheaper. The only thing I don't know is whether for the baby and toddler you will still get the government funding which might make a difference.

Try calling a nanny payroll company and asking for advice. We use PAYE for Nannies and find them very helpful.