Nanny contract - HR support/advice

[Goostacean]

Hi, we're about to employ a nanny for the first time. I run a small business so I'm thinking of either using my business's payroll provider or the Govt Basic PAYE tool to do payroll. However, we do need a proper contract. I've found some templates online e.g. from childcare.co.uk but is it worth getting an HR agency to provide one/check it over and if so, which would you recommend? Thanks :)

The online ones from ChildcareCoUk and NannyJob.co.uk are fine. Do read them carefully though as you will need to adapt to your circumstances. Sometimes things can be out of date, watch out for pension percentages for example.

Have a read of contracts you use in your business, see if there is anything you usually have there which is not in the nanny contract.
One thing that comes to mind is a compulsory period of shutdown over Christmas, where you expect employees to use annual leave. That is common in some businesses and not others.

Make sure you agree a gross salary with your nanny. As a business owner I highly expect you already know to do that but just in case you have been talking to a nanny agency which is trying to say net wage is normal!

PAYE basic tools was due to be phased out, not had any further info on that though, so use it while it exists.
Your business payroll provider/accountant could also do payroll for your nanny, just make sure to keep things separate... use your personal PAYE scheme not the business PAYE scheme.