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.
A Nanny 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 live-in nanny's working day is normally 11 hours per day Monday to Friday with 2-3 nights baby-sitting included in their salary. Baby-sitting is normally agreed to be taken Monday-Friday. Any additional babysitting should be paid. A baby-sitting rate should be discussed and agreed before employment commencement.
Most nannies work a 5-day week that runs from Monday to Friday, starting around 8am and finishing at around 7pm. If you require your Nanny to work weekends then a payment of 1 ½ is paid or a day off is given as 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.
Salary
Salaries will depend upon age, experience, and the duties involved and will range from £250 - £350+ net per week. The employer is responsible for paying the nannies tax and national insurance.
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.
Accommodation and Food
The nanny will require her own separate bedroom. Most nannies are happy to share a bathroom with the children/family. The room should to be furnished and have a television and DVD player, a desk and good storage space. House rules should be made clear from the start and detailed in the nanny's contract.
The nanny's food and domestic cleaning products are provided and paid for by the employer. The employer should detail the types of food that the family normally purchase. The nanny should detail the types of food she likes to eat and if she has any special dietary requirements. The nanny is entitled to request certain foods set within a reasonable budget determined by the employer. It should be discussed during the interviewing process when the nanny takes her mealtime times.
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.
