Nannies - What to Expect

kindergarten2A nanny is someone who you employ to give one-to-one care to your child in your home. A nanny is expected to take responsibility for your child's daily care, preparing their food and planning activities to support their education and development. Nannies are not usually expected to do housework or daily chores.

However they can reasonably be expected to clear up after the children and keep the house tidy.

If you employ a nanny, you will have to provide her with a contract, and will be responsible for paying her tax and national insurance. You should also provide paid holidays and sick leave.

What qualification can I expect my nanny to have?

There are many qualifications available, but most nannies generally have a DCE (Diploma in Childcare and Education), DNN (Diploma in Nursery Nursing) or an NNEB. Alternatively, they may have a NVQ Childcare qualification or Edexcel (BTEC) National Diploma in Early Years. Of course, there are many excellent nannies out there with no formal qualifications but a wealth of experience. In all cases, you should obtain a number of references before selecting a nanny, and be sure to check them out thoroughly.

Live in or live out

Nannies may either live in the house with you, in their own room or self-contained ?flat?, or live out in their own home. Live-in nannies generally charge a lower rate, and the advantage is that they are in the house andon-hand to help in any emergencies, and will probably be prepared to do some evening babysitting work as well. However, you may decide that having a live-in nanny would compromise your privacy, and prefer to opt for a live-out nanny with fixed working hours.

Nanny Shares

A nanny share is where two families employ a nanny to look after their children, and spread the cost between them.

Advantages of a Nanny

  • Dedicated one-to-one care for your child,
  • Experienced childcarer: will probably have a good network of other nanny friends, enabling your child to meet and
    socialise with other children of a similar age,
  • Can care for your child in your own home and on your terms: if your child is ill, your nanny will be able to care for them, whereas a nursery or childminder will not.

Disadvantages of a Nanny

  • The most costly childcare option,
  • You are responsible for paying your nanny's tax and National Insurance contributions,
  • As employees, nannies are entitled paid leave and maternity pay and leave,
  • There is no formal registration and inspection framework for nannies, unlike nurseries and
    childminders,
  • Difficult to monitor a sole childcarer,
  • If your nanny is unable to work, you will have to make contingency childcare plans.