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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A LIVE-IN NANNY?
A live-in nanny is someone who looks after your children and who lives in your home. They are able to take sole charge of young children and/or have shared care, working as part of a team alongside a parent.
Having someone live in your home can be daunting for a family but can also be a massive advantage for both the family and for the nanny.
A family gets much more flexibility from a live-in nanny than a live out nanny. Live-in nannies generally work longer hours and are happy to include a couple of evenings babysitting as part of the arrangement. Live-in nannies are often happy to travel with their employers and a family never need worry about their nanny arriving late to work due to adverse weather or transport, and no time and money is lost on commuting or travelling.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS?
Live-in nannies require their own space and privacy. She should have her own bedroom and bathroom (in some cases she may have to share the bathroom with the children). Occasionally separate accommodation is included as part of the nanny package. A nanny’s room should be furnished and have a television and good storage space. House rulesshould be made clear from the start and also mentioned in the nanny's contract.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A NANNY?
Nannies are responsible for all duties relating to the children only. This means providing care such as bathing, dressing and preparing nutritious meals made from fresh healthy food for the children.
Nannies are expected to wash, iron and organise the children's clothes, school uniforms and sports kits. She will ensure that toys are clean and safe, organised and tidied away at the end of the day, and the play area and common areas are kept clean and tidy.
Nannies will also ensure the children are active and social; she will organise play dates, attend baby classes, initiate outings to the park, library and other extracurricular activities. She will use her knowledge and skills to further the children's development through play. She will provide activities such as creative arts and crafts, singing, reading and other learning opportunities.
Nannies drive children to and from school and after school activities, they should be capable of helping and supervising with homework and other educational activities including teaching a second language or musical instrument.
Nannies are often happy to run errands for the family including shopping for the household.
Nannies are not expected to do any heavy housework, family cooking or any other chores not related to the children.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD FOR A LIVE-IN NANNY?
The nanny's food is provided and paid for by the employer. The employer should discuss the types of food that the family normally purchase. The nanny should discuss the types of food she likes to eat and whether she has any special dietary requirements. The nanny is entitled to request certain foods set within a reasonable budget determined by the employer.
WHAT IS THE SALARY FOR A NANNY?
Salaries will depend upon age, experience, and the duties involved and will depend on whether they are a live-in or live out nanny. The salary normally ranges from £350 net/ £430 gross per week- £400 net/ £500 gross per week for a junior nanny and from £500 + net /£660 + gross per week for an experienced nanny. Live out nannies charge an hourly rate ranging from £12-£15 net per hour/£13-£17 gross per hour.
Rota nannies, maternity nannies and Governesses often command salaries from £800 net/£1093 gross per week. Please note these are only guideline. Each position is individually negotiated and more experienced nannies may command higher salaries. Employers are responsible for paying nannies tax and national insurance as well as their auto enrolment pension scheme. We recommend using Nanny Tax, who will manage this for you www.nannytax.co.uk
Nannies in the UK are legally entitled to the same employment rights as any other employees. They are entitled to statutory holiday pay - 28 days paid holiday including bank holidays. Holiday time is normally taken at a mutually agreed time. It is often agreed that a family chooses 2 weeks and the nanny chooses 2 weeks. If the family requires their nanny to travel with them, then this must be discussed and agreed prior to employment commencement.
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TOP TIPS FOR A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT
Finding the right nanny with the right experience is difficult. Finding the right nanny with the right experience who will get on well with every member of a family is very very difficult!
You are inviting someone to live in your home so chemistry is key to making a successful placement.
While you want your nanny to feel at home, you may want to establish some house rules so that everyone is on the same page and there are no miscommunications. We recommend that you provide a list of house rules including any curfews, whether they are permitted to invite friends over and, if the kitchen is shared, when they are able to have access to the kitchen to cook for themselves.
The family should provide a legally binding employment contract stipulating the contractual working hours, duties, benefits and salary.
A nanny should be given their own private room and bathroom. If that is not possible, then a bathroom only shared with the children.
It is very important that a live-in nanny has complete time off when she is not on duty. Of course there should always be flexibility but do not assume they will babysit unless prearranged and any extra babysitting that has not been agreed in the contract should be paid for.
It is important that the children in the family respect a live-in nanny’s space and time off. They should not be allowed to go into her room in her free time. It is most likely she will be a good, kind and friendly nanny and won’t have the heart to send them away; but she may feel that her free time and private space have been invaded.