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.

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.

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. Parents often gain a very experienced nanny but for a slightly 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.

A parent employing a nanny with their child attending the workplace must ensure they have adequate insurance for this purpose.  Employers have a duty of care to make sure their home is safe for the nannies child to be present i.e stair gates, locks on cupboards and garden areas are to the level for that childs age.  A risk assessment is advised that both parties sign.

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.

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
2. Check information and backgrounds
3. Be selective
4. Support for you and the nanny

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Help with childcare costs and Ofsted

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. . Please check with OFSTED for costs.

To register with ofsted, nannies will need to have:

1. Training with common core skills/ Professional childcare qualifications
2. First aid
3. Insurance
4. DBS