Nanny checklist
Nanny checklist
If you’ve never had a nanny, it can be daunting. This could be the first time you’ve employed someone, making you an employer and so the first time you’ve been responsible for payroll! I’ve been through it as a nanny and helping lots of families get set up and there are a few steps that need to be taken before your nanny starts. I thought it would be a good idea to create a checklist for you – let me know if you think I’ve missed anything!
- A contract
This is probably the most important item on the checklist for you. This lays out your nanny’s responsibilities and your duties as an employer. It’s a good idea to make it detailed but not overload it with information. Make sure it includes the important information – not sure what that is? That’s ok – I can help you write your contract, combining templates I have already and details about your nanny and you.
- Set-up with a payroll company
This is probably the most important thing for your nanny on the checklist and I don’t say that lightly. Remember that this is their job so don’t leave it to the last minute to set up their monthly salary payments.
Paying your nanny doesn’t just involve moving money from your bank account to theirs every month as sadly, nanny tax has to be calculated! Luckily, there are experienced and knowledgeable companies who can help you set up your nanny pay and deal with any issues that crop up during employment. I can help you get set-up and answer a lot (but not all!) of queries that you might have.
- Check ‘right to work’
This is all done as part of the service that I offer but it’s important to bear in mind if you don’t use East Green Child Care. It is a legal requirement that all new employees have their right to work in the UK checked.
- Tax free childcare
If you’re going to use tax free childcare, don’t forget to set up the account on the government website. It’s a really good idea as long as you’re eligible as the government contribute towards your childcare costs. It’s not the same as childcare vouchers, though, and the two schemes can’t be used at the same time so be careful.
- Employer’s Liability Insurance
As I said at the beginning, this might be the first time that you’ve been an employer and so you will need employer’s liability insurance. This just means that you, as an employer, are protected should anything go wrong.
- Car Insurance
And in a similar vein, if your nanny is going to be driving your car/s, make sure that they’re added to your car insurance plans. You might want to show your nanny so that they know that they’re not breaking the law before they set off to baby group.
- Baby car seats
And one more car one: if your nanny is using her own car, you should make sure that the correct car seats are provided and fitted and that they’re secure. You may wish to buy a second set of seats so you aren’t continuously taking the seats in/out of the car.
- Credit card
Many families give the nanny access to a credit card for them to charge work expenses. This avoids the nanny having to pay for child-related items themselves and then ask to be recompensed, and it means that you have an itemised list should any disputes arise.
- Keys
Your nanny will need their own key/s for your home. Have spare ones cut for them. It’s a positive sign that they’re welcome and that you trust them.
- Emergency contacts
Make sure that you have a list of emergency contacts ready to go through with your nanny plus any critical information. Emergency contacts would be your mobile numbers plus work numbers and your doctor’s phone number. Critical information might be allergies that your child has and any necessary medication.
- Make sure their room/s are ready for them.
If you are employing a live-in nanny, then make sure their space is ready.
They will definitely need a private bedroom but make sure there’s space for their belongings in the bathroom if they’re sharing with the children and, if they have their own or shared TV room, that it’s ready for them too. It should be a comfortable place for them to relax with access to a TV and perhaps some subscription channels – to be discussed with the nanny.
All of these points help to get the nanny – family relationship off to a professional but welcoming start. Do remember that your nanny is probably nervous about starting with a new family, but if the interview and selection process has been thorough and the getting-to-know-you stage has gone smoothly, then I have every confidence that you’ll have a happy household and happy, well-cared for children!
If you have any questions about any of these points, please do give me a call.
Hazel x