My responsibilities as employer of nanny?

[HolidaysQueen]

My DH and I have finally decided that we'd like our DS to be looked after by a nanny when I return to work in March. I just wondered if somebody can explain some of our responsibilities towards any nanny we employ or point me in direction of a website which explains this simply.

I know about tax etc. and would be using a company like nannytax to manage all of that. But what are our other responsibilities towards her/him? I'm thinking: trial period, changing hours/days (partic important as the exact terms of my return to work is uncertain at mo), maternity leave, terminating contract/redundancy, managing performance, setting expectations for what they should and shouldn't do etc.

Also, do we do things like feed our nanny, cover expenses like petrol/travel or not?

Thank you!

Contract (called a written statement) within 2 months of starting - ACAS: Written Statements. As a nanny I prefer having this before I start work. This document would include things about disciplinary procedure, notice periods, probationary period, the nannies duties, holidays (note use the BusinessLink Holiday Entitlement Calculator to calculate how much holiday your employee gets - the figure produced can include Bank Holidays), sick pay (suggest only SSP), hours of work, what you feel would be Gross Misconduct - grounds for immediate dismissal.
Payslips and Tax side of things you already know about.
You need Employers liability insurance - this is usually part of your household insurance, so check what your policy covers.
Your nanny should have food provided for them whilst on duty. This typically means Lunch at least... with possibly Breakfast and Tea as well depending on their hours. You can request that the nanny eats with the children and can be expected to eat similar to the children (will depend on the children's age... nannies may not like EBM for tea!).
Maternity rights would be as per any usual employee - ACAS: Maternity Rights - Paternity Rights would apply (if having a male nanny).
If the nanny is using their own car to transport your children, then you can pay up to the Approved Mileage rate, currently £0.40 per mile HMRC: Travel Rates. The nanny should have adequate motor insurance (you don't pay that, the nanny does).

Thanks, nannynick Just about to renew household insurance so good we know about that in advance!