A Nanny is expected to wash, iron and organise the children's clothes and belongings. She will ensure that toys are clean and safe, organised and tidied away, and the play area kept clean and tidy.
She will also ensure the children are active and social; for example she will organise play dates, attend drop-ins, outings to the park, library, zoo, etc.
A Nanny will use her knowledge and skills to further the children's development through play. She will provide activities such as creative arts and crafts, construction play, singing, reading and other various learning opportunities.
A Nanny is not expected to do any heavy housework, family cooking or any other chores not related to the children.
Working Hours
A Daily Nanny's working day is normally10 hours. Most daily nannies will expect to start at around 8am and finish around 6pm. If you would like the nanny to work slightly longer hours this must be discussed and agreed before employment commencement.
Nannies usually work a 5-day week that runs Monday to Friday. If you require a Nanny to work weekends, then payment should be time and a half or two full days off time in lieu. This arrangement should always be discussed during the interviewing process and agreed before employment commencement, as many nannies like to keep their weekends free.
If you require your Nanny to baby-sit then this must be discussed and agreed before employment commencement. Most Nannies are happy to baby-sit Monday-Thursday if they are asked in advance and paid extra or time in lieu.
The employer should provide lunch for the Nanny during a normal working day. If the Nanny works overtime, breakfast and/or dinner should also be provided.
Salary
Salaries will depend upon age, experience, and the duties involved and will range from £350 - £450+ net per week. The employer is responsible for paying the nannies tax and national insurance. See Nanny Tax for more information. Most Nannies discuss their salary in terms of net payment. To avoid any misunderstanding it is advisable to ensure the net salary and gross salary is clearly understood and agreed.
Baby-sitting rates vary from £7- £9 per hour. The baby-sitting rate must be discussed and agreed before employment commencement.
Holidays
Under the 1988 Working Time Regulations, Nannies are entitled to a minimum of 4-weeks paid holiday. National Bank holidays are given or additional payment is made at time and a half rate or two days off time in lieu. Holiday time is taken at a mutually agreed time. Some families agree holiday time using a combination of 2 weeks the Employer chooses and 2 weeks the Employee chooses.
If the family requires (or may at a later date require) the nanny to come on holiday with them, then this must be discussed and agreed prior to employment commencement. In the contract, it is advisable to detail what is expected of the nanny while away and the salary that will be paid for working longer hours.
