Nannies look after children of any age in the family home.
They are usually flexible with their working hours which is helpful if you need someone to look after your children when other types of childcare are not available.
You can have a live-in nanny or the nanny can simply come to your home at agreed times on set days.
Safety checks
There are no legal or training requirements for someone to work as a nanny. However, you should contact the Criminal Records Bureau to run a police check on the nanny before you employ them. Call 0870 90 90 811 or visit their website for information.
Nannies do not need to be registered or inspected by Ofsted, but can become registered under the Ofsted voluntary childcare register, as long as they hold a suitable childcare qualification, first aid certificate, and a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure. For more information on the Voluntary Childcare Register visit www.ofsted.gov.uk
Prices
Nannies charge between £150 to £400 per week after you have paid their tax and national insurance payments. Contact the Inland Revenue for more information on 0845 607 0143.
If you are employing a nanny who is registered by Ofsted, you may be eligible to receive financial help through tax credits or childcare vouchers.
Choosing a nanny
Before hiring a nanny, you should:
- Ask for two forms of identification, at least one with a photograph. Do not accept photocopies.
- Check if they are approved with a nanny agency, If they are, in most cases they will have first aid training and will have undergone a police check (i.e. CRB disclosure).
- Check their references until you are completely satisfied, even if you are employing them through an agency that assures you this has already been done.
- Contact at least two of their previous employers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Find out if they have any qualifications such as first aid training. Ask to see original certificates, do not accept photocopies.
- Draw up a contract that covers what is expected of them, their job description, their working hours and their length of employment. This should be at least one year.
You should also ask:
- Why they enjoy working with children and why they want the job they are applying for.
- How they will organise their days. What activities would they plan for your child?
- What their attitudes are to issues such as behaviour, potty training, eating and sleeping.
If the nanny is going to live in your home, also discuss off duty time with them.
How to find a nanny
As nannies do not have to be registered, there is no national or local list of suitable nannies. Many nannies who are looking for work will be registered with a nanny agency. You can get a list of local agencies from the Families Information Service. As you will be the employer, you can also advertise for a nanny in local newspapers, or through Jobcentre Plus.
Related pages:
Contact us:
Families Information Service
2nd floor, New Town House
Buttermarket Street
Warrington, WA1 2NJ
Tel: 01925 443131
Email: fis@warrington.gov.uk