Questions & Answers

Being a Nanny

This can be the most rewarding vocation that you will experience, you need a genuine love of children,  be able to work one to one, proactive and enjoy being creative and a master of many tasks.

Our philosophy at Nanny Link is that you are professional in your career. We look for those who have qualified i.e. Norland, NNEB, NVQ, BTEC and so forth. Nanny Link does not register those who want to try or train through experience. Being a nanny you are working on average, a 10-hour day, and on your own it is very important you are pro active, organised and happy to work on your own. As a trained nanny you would not only have learnt through theory but also have practical experience to help you make an educated decision on working with children, appreciate and understand the developmental, educational, emotional and well being of your charges. This is why Nanny Link branches are run by qualified nannies that will understand the requirements and standards of a professional nanny.

Types of nannies

Live in Nanny:

A nanny will live with their family and will normally have their own room and bathroom. Food and accommodation is calculated as part of their salary. Most live in nannies will work Monday to Friday and the hours are between 7.30-7.00. Parents may request babysitting once or twice a week

Daily Nanny (Sole charge)

Arrives daily to the family home and hours vary normally between 7.30-6.30. The further out of London a nanny works, normally means longer hours due to parents commuting to and from work.

Nanny share

This is normally a nanny who looks after two families in one home or shared between the two. Both families can become separate employers. Where two families share a nanny the nanny normally earns a higher rate of pay due to the extra responsibility.

Nanny with own child

Similar to a nanny share however the nanny will bring their own dependant to work. Again at Nanny Link we only register those who are professional nannies. Therefore a parents often gains a very experienced nanny but for a lower rate than a sole charge nanny.  Many parents in this situation take a % off the nannies normal rate to reflect the fact the nanny is able to bring their own child to work therefore saving childcare costs.

Employing a Nanny

It is a legal requirement that all nannies work with a contract of employment, Tax and National Insurance (Ni) is paid and employers Ni. (Please see our average wage table). As an employer you must confirm that you are covered by insurance in your home to employ a nanny.  If you are concerned please call your insurance company and Morton Michel which is on our website.

For payroll procedures please contact our chosen companies Nanny Tax and Waye2paye who can advice you further

Why choose an agency

A reputable nanny agency will save you a lot of time and be pre-selective in helping you choose a nanny. How they help:

1. Interview all applicants face to face
2. Check all information and backgrounds
3. Be selective
4. Ongoing support for you and the nanny
5. With Nanny Link we are not only professional nannies, our founder Margaret has the experience of being a working mother and employer of a nanny

Advertisements:

Parent can pay local papers, specialised magazine to place personal advertisements. This however can manifest into many enquiries on potential applicants who will be unsuitable. A parent must be personally very meticulous and through on all information given. This can be time consuming.

Internet:

Again the Internet can offer a place for parents to advertise by paying a fee. Some parents will be fortunate but again it can lend itself to problems as with advertisements

Local reputable agencies are able to access the nannies and clients needs. They will give fair and objective advice to the nanny and the client.  The agencies, on success of placement should be able to assist with employment, contract, and payroll and on going support

Nanny Link’s ethos is:
“A nanny is an investment in your Childs wellbeing “

Parents may be able to receive assistance via family tax credits or vouchers via their work place. Please check with the Inland Revenue for tax credits or via your personnel department at work with regards to vouchers.

Nannies do not gain from being registered, as it is a financial award for parents. However as Nanny Link standards are high on who can register 99% of our nannies will automatically be able to register which normally takes 4-6 weeks and at present will cost £100 per annum. Please check with OFSTED for costs.

To register, nannies will need to have:

1. Recognised child care qualification
2. First aid
3. Insurance
4. CRB check

Please be aware that nannies that are registered will not have been interviewed regarding employment history or references. The regulation is that the paperwork for qualification, insurance and first aid are seen.  Therefore it is imperative that parents still go through all the interviewing process if they are not using an agency.