If you are looking for a dreamier childcare routine that doesn’t involve bundling your little one out of the door at 7.30am with a hastily-made pack lunch and a Weetabix stain on your work shirt, welcoming a nanny into your home could be exactly what you need. Hiring a nanny is a tempting childcare option for a smoother, stress-free life, but what exactly does it entail? Here are seven things we think you should know:
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Having a nanny at home means your little one can stay in familiar surroundings while following their own personal routine when it comes to naps and mealtimes. Make sure you spend time with your nanny to explain exactly how your child works to ensure minimum disruption. Do they need a favourite teddy bear to sleep? Will they only eat a sandwich cut a certain way? Even the smallest details count.
When employing someone, you need to create a contract. This should state your nanny’s salary, working hours, holiday entitlement, notice period and job description. Any requirements of your nanny should also be included to avoid future problems. Will they need to take your child to activities and classes? Do they need to take holiday at a certain time? Put it in the contract!
Apart from a job description, it is also desirable to establish a set of household guidelines that your nanny can follow to understand how you run your home. It’s up to you to influence routines and habits to ensure everyone is relaxed and comfortable. For example, what are the rules of the fridge? Can your nanny have guests? Can they use the Wifi?
When employing a nanny, you need to consider their salary. Depending on their experience, qualifications and skills, they may command their own salary expectations. A more experienced nanny may mean higher costs, but they will also bring a wealth of knowledge with them. Don’t forget to pay attention to minimum wage rates, but be aware you will probably pay more.
Becoming an employer means that you need to take care of your nanny’s tax contributions, national insurance contributions, pension and payslips. If all this extra paperwork seems a bit of a headache, nannytax.co.uk is the UK’s market leader in nanny payrolls, and can sort everything with the HMRC for you!
Nurseries and childminders can’t provide that one-on-one individual attention you may desire for your child, but they do encourage helpful social interaction with other children. To ensure your child doesn’t miss out, help your nanny to schedule in a variety of classes, activities and playdates. This way your little one will be used to other children and school won’t be such a shock.
Finally, don’t forget to consider how your nanny will transport your child around. Will they have use of your car or provide their own vehicle. Are they insured? You will also need to agree on how they will claim for expenses such as petrol and running costs. The benefits of being able to get your child around to different activities is priceless, so look out for a nanny with a full UK driving license.