House Rules type thing for new nanny. What have I forgotten?

[IAmAPaleontologist]

What should I be including?

Got stuff like carseats, no bike helmet no bike, computer time allowances and stuff. What else do I need to put on?

nanny must always leave loo door open when she goes

Is this a profesional nanny or an au pair. Because I think a professional nanny would not need house rules, and already be well versed in do and dont's

We've been advised to have stuff written down so we all know where we stand, not necessarily dos and don't but stuff like how much computer time ds1 is allowed rather than telling her and hooing she remembers while ds1 tries to convince her otherwise (he can be very convincing ) and stuff we take for granted but others might not Eg she did not know that you shouldn't have winter coats on in fixed harness carseats. Nanny rather than au pair but first nanny job.

I shall allow my nanny to use the loo in peace I think .

I'd rename it 'welcome pack' or 'information pack'. 'House Rules' just sounds a bit....not very welcoming.

Food - likes/dislikes, what they're allowed in the way of snacks and when, when and what can they have as a treat. What she can use/what she shouldn't use. Any allergies or intolerances.

Numbers - your and DH mobile and work, doctors, emergency contact (grandparent or similar), friendly neighbour (if you have one).

List of local activities - indicate the ones they like, but give her the freedom to try some others as well.

Rules - if you have any 'shoes off' type rules put those in.

Medicine - what do you want her to do if she feels one of them needs Calpol/Neurofen?

If you have preferred discipline methods - words you do or don't use.

Also, if she's new to nanny jobs, and depending on age of DC, maybe a list of suggested local activities that they like to go to (paid and unpaid). Not only does that give her some guidance but also gives a signal regarding what's appropriate in terms of payment etc?

Use of kitty/adding stuff to shopping list/online order

Do extended family visit and what is the expectation? Nanny still 100% on duty? Granny can take over and nanny can get on with chores?

Names and numbers of friends for play dates

babysitting rules - can she have a friend over? can she stay overnight (if she'd prefer - my nanny does occasionally as we have a very nice spare room and the sleep in is always welcome)

If children are older rules about playdates, eg Can the nanny arrange play dates or will you arrange them? If a friend invites your child for a play date at the school gate can the nanny say yes?

Thanks.

Local stuff she is fine with, she lives in the next village and our dc go to the same school. She isn't a live in and won't be babysitting so no need for any of that. I'm just making a house file with useful stuff in it to try to make life easier for us all so she knows where to put things/what to do when. We will of course be going through it all but I don't expect her to remember everything first time and it will be easier if she knows where to find the answers rather than having to ask/hunt around.

How things work - any particular way you do laundry, where to find the fuse board, where to find spare light bulbs, where to find torches/candles, sewing kit.
What day is bin day, where to put/collect bin. Recycling scheme details.

I would put down general information and then a weekly planner, specifying times of various activities/pick ups etc and if you require specific household tasks done on which day.

Be clear about money - how much she can spend on activities or food when out.

If in doubt,write it down. Things might seem obvious or patronising to you, but having everything written down avoids misunderstandings and forgetting things.

Also be sure to discuss and have written into the contract, what the expectation is regarding last minute extra hours and pay, any household chores, amount of notice required of holiday dates etc etc. also make sure you ar clear about sick pay, maternity pay for her and notice periods of terminating the contract on either side. Yes to what happens if she is at work and you or other family members are at home and take over the childcare - be clear if she is still involved and helping out, if she is then free to leave or if you require different tasks to be done.

Ah ok it's kids rules rather than rules for the nanny!

I'd set out a schedule of the kids usual routine and activities and tack any rules like screen time on to the end of that.

Anything the dc are tricky/fussy about (eg "DS is terrified of dogs" or "DD won't sleep unless all three teddies are lined up")

Bit of both I suppose but yes, general house stuff/rules/information/useful to know stuff from "The CD player is picky about what it plays" to "The medicine box is here and contains XYZ please document any calpol given in the handover book"