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Employing a Nanny 

What is a Nanny?

Nannies:
  • Care for children in the child's home.
  • Don't need to be Ofsted registered, but some choose to be or are asked to by parents.
  • Must be at least 18 years old. No other specific requirements, but ideally should have:
    • First aid training
    • Child protection training
    • Childcare qualifications (like NNEB, CACHE Diploma, NVQ, or BTEC)
    • 2 years of experience (practical or theoretical), depending on what the parent wants.
Some nannies live with the family, while others travel to the home.
Night nannies:
  • Specialise in caring for babies from new-born to 1 year old.
  • Can be hired for a few nights to several weeks, usually working 8 to 12 hours a night.
  • Take care of all baby needs at night, like:
    • Changing the baby
    • Settling the baby
    • Helping the baby develop a good sleep pattern
    • Bottle feeding or bringing the baby to the mother for breastfeeding.
Shared nannies:
  • Two or more families share a nanny.
  • Can be complicated with employment and taxes, so it's good to get advice.
  • If more than 2 families use the nanny at the same time, the nanny needs to register as a childminder.
Nannies can look after children of any age and can work at unusual hours.

The pros and cons of using a nanny or home-based childcare

Benefits of home-based childcare:
  • Your child can bond closely with the nanny at home.
  • Siblings of different ages can be cared for together.
  • You have control over your child's routine.
  • Nannies can offer care for more days and times than other childcare options.
  • You and your child don't need to travel to a childcare setting.
  • Children can be cared for even when they are sick.
Factors that might make home-based childcare less suitable:
  • Your child might be happier and more stimulated around other children.
  • Continuity of care is important; au pairs can stay in the UK for only 2 years, and nannies might move on.
  • You will have the responsibility of employing someone, which includes:
  • Arranging contracts
  • Sorting out payslips
  • Handling tax and national insurance contributions
  • Managing workplace pensions
You might miss out on financial support for childcare costs.
Only Ofsted registered nannies can offer:
  • Tax-Free Childcare,
  • Universal Credit Childcare and
  • Childcare Vouchers as payment.
Nannies, whether registered with Ofsted or not, cannot offer government-funded free childcare.

Finding a Nanny

You may be able to find a suitable nanny for yourself, through a friend of the family or by word of mouth. The other option is to use a Nanny Agency. The Association of Nanny Agencies, list London based Nanny Agencies.

Why use an agency?
Agencies will check the suitability before putting families in touch with the Nanny. This includes

  • verifying qualifications
  • obtaining and checking references
  • police checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  • arranging visa applications in the case of au pairs
  • to assist in the drawing up of contracts
  • Advise on things such as pay

If you choose to find someone yourself, see what you need to do and to be aware at www.gov.uk/au-pairs-employment-law

Other childcare based in your own home

Au Pairs:
An au pair comes to the UK to live with your family, experience a new culture, and learn a new language.
They provide childcare and help with housework in exchange for:
  • Free board and lodging
  • Attending a local language school
You give them pocket money. They are not considered employees and don't get employee benefits or pay normal taxes.

Babysitters:
Babysitters look after your children while you go out for an evening or short periods.
They are often family friends, but you can also find them through agencies.
Babysitters are usually paid by the hour or evening, and you negotiate the rate.
You are responsible for your child's safety.
The NSPCC recommends babysitters be at least 16 years old.

Mother's Help:
A Mother's Help has childcare experience but no formal qualifications.
They assist you with looking after your children and may do light housework.
The cost depends on their duties and hours.

Family and Friends:
If a family member or friend looks after your children at your home, they don't need to register with Ofsted if:
  • They do it as an occasional favour, not for payment.
  • Your children are all aged eight or over.
  • The care happens in your home.