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Paid childcare

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

nanny's meals & contracts

34 replies

monkeyboys · 25/02/2008 14:27

it's my first time posting here - i've eventually found my way here while looking for our first nanny who fingers crossed, we've finslly found! no pressure, only back at work in 4weeks eh? (!)

we're just at the stage of drawing up contracts - hooray! unfortunately we had to go through anagency in the end - i say unfortunately because of their charges rather than the hopefully lovely nanny they've found us. quite an easy job for them really - they sent one applicant to us and she seems perfect for us, esp compared to the others i've seen/spoken to.

aaaanyway, my question was about nanny's meals. when we asked at the interview, she said of course she eats with the boys. that's fine by us - we're not going to quibble over an extra sandwich/portion of bolognaise etc etc. but the contract the agency have sent us says under benefits nanny receives 'all meals'. does it need to be that formal? and does that mean if they go out for the day say, we'll get billed for any food bought? is that normal?? we're so new (and naive!) to this. hubby says that in no other job would an employee be fed - he's got a point but we both agree this isn't just another employee. we've asked for packed lunches wherever possible. i might just get rid of the whole paragraph but thought i'd ask advice as you seem like a much more seasoned bunch than me

any other top tips for the contract???

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
nannynick · 25/02/2008 23:14

[email protected] will do it.
Note to any spammers - I protect my e-mail address with a commercial anti-spam filter, over 45,000 e-mails have been blocked in the last year.

nannynick · 25/02/2008 23:16

Wasn't HPI... haven't had dealings with them, though did go on the Watercress line yesterday, so very near them!

monkeyboys · 25/02/2008 23:25

yep, the watercress line is very near them although much further from me (and you i'd imagine in berks/surrey). will email you - the first part of my email address is min btw. can you delete messages on here once you've put them up or are they there forever more?

OP posts:
RahRahRachel · 25/02/2008 23:33

I eat all meals on duty with children. Had a day out to the zoo today, so ate breakfast with children then took pack lunches for all of us - if we were eating out I'd expect my meal to be paid for too. I would always expect entrance costs for me to be covered by my bosses same as the children's tickets, as well as additional travel expenses and my coffee/ice cream if we stop in a cafe on a day out. I've always paid for coffee/tea at playgroups etc out of the children's kitty too.

nannynick · 26/02/2008 06:39

Mumsnet HQ I think like to keep messages on here for ever... though requests can be made to have them deleted.

nannynick · 26/02/2008 07:21

Don't think this got mentioned, but while your hubby is right that in most jobs, lunch is not provided (though there are some jobs in which it is, such as teachers - though I suspect some schools make a nominal charge), nannies don't get a Lunch Hour, or any breaks at all during their working day. So meals is a sort of replacement for the lack of breaks. Info about Rest Breaks

Modify the contact if you feel it isn't totally clear what is meant. Nothing to stop you putting down exactly what you feel is defined as a meal, and which meals are included - eg, Lunch and Tea eaten with the children.

Talking of contracts, make sure salary is agreed GROSS not Net.

nannynick · 26/02/2008 07:22

PS. Feel free to e-mail me a copy of the contract, if you want my view on it's contents.

Wakeuppeople · 27/02/2008 15:47

I've also noticed that many agencies are now offering fixed rates, based on how many days worked by the employee and discounts if invoices are paid on time as well as not registering with other agencies.

I guess also that even if you are advertising on your own site, it must have some cost not zero e.g hosting costs, web designer, time etc

If there is someone out there that works for an agency, perhaps you could let us know (generally) what the fee structure is based on. I'm quite realistic and understand that the fee has to cover business premises, equipment, employment costs etc, but was wondering how many nannies are interviewed (time cost) that never comes to anything (either get a job elsewhere or after reference checks prove unsuitable) I bet the % of non return on time employed is quite high?

Blda · 29/02/2008 13:49

My point of view is you get what you pay for,

most agencies in london charge between 2000 - 5000 for a experienced, professional nanny, but its not as simple of just sending out a cv,

i know personally that there is an awfull lot of work in finding good candidates, they have to meet the candidates, interview then, reference check them, apply for their cv, rewrite their profiles and then send them out to you, not to mention the amount of people they interview that they dont take on ..
i have heard some nightmare stories - and after all that work i bet they have a lot of wasted work when the nanny finds a job through them or the fmaily uses another agency,

i dont think its a lot of money for the amount of wokr they do really ...

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