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The Role of the Nanny
A nanny needs to be stable, self sufficient and have a responsible
personality. They should have a flexible approach and the ability
to show love and affection to the children in their care. A nanny
is responsible for the child's safety, development and well being
when the family is not at home and will care for them as required
when they are.
Nannies Duties
A nannies normal day to day duties include the complete care of
the children and also: children's washing and ironing; keeping the
children's rooms clean and tidy; cooking the children's meals and
shopping for the children if so required; the stimulation of the
child in play to ensure good development; and promotion of the child's
health. Although the nanny should be flexible, you should not expect
general domestic duties to be part of your job.
Hours of Work
When employed in a private household, it may be difficult to strictly
define hours of work and free time. Most nannies are allowed 2 days
free per week, which are usually taken at weekends.
Nannies should be given at least 4 weeks paid holiday per year plus
Bank Holidays. Extra payment or time in lieu should be given for
any Bank Holidays worked. Most experienced nannies expect double
rates of pay if expected to be available for Bank Holidays.
Qualifications
Many employers expect a nanny to hold a formal child care related
qualification such as NNEB, B-TEC or NVQ. Other employers look at
the Nannies previous experience or a combination of the two.
Interviewing
Before attending the interview think about questions likely to be
asked. It is important to have a positive attitude when attending
the interview.
Questions likely to be asked at an interview might include: What
activities you envisage for the children, the daily routine, suitable
playthings and activities, safety aspects, first aid and what food
to prepare.
Remember to show an interest in the children and ask questions about
them. It may be helpful to write down a few questions to ensure
that all important points are covered at the interview. Employers
expect their nanny to be professional and you should therefore be
suitably dressed. In addition a clean driving licence is often requested
and most families prefer to employ a non-smoker.
General Information
It is important for a nanny to ensure that a written contract of
employment is agreed before taking a job. Lauvic Nanny Service are
able to provide model contracts. It is also important to ensure
that the employer will deduct Tax & National Insurance and to establish
whether salaries quoted are Gross (before deduction of tax & National
Insurance) or Net ( after deduction if Tax & National Insurance).
Arrange to have a payslip each payment day.
If you need to use your own car for your job(s), always CHECK with
your insurer first and if necessary, get them to extend cover for
business use. It may be that your employer will be willing to pay
for this.
Employment Conditions
As previously stated, it is important that Nannies are flexible
and that both employers and nannies should ensure that a written
contract is agreed before starting a new job. Lauvic Nanny Service
are able to provide model contracts and our advice is that any contract
should include details of the following:
The nannies' duties
Start date
Pay, including details of reviews, whether
paid weekly or monthly and whether the rate quoted is before any
statutory
deductions. Remember employers are responsible for making deductions.
Holidays, including when these are to be taken.
Sick pay
Hours of work
Notice periods for termination of employment
Confidentiality.
Pension arrangements (if applicable)
Accommodation arrangements, if applicable/necessary.
Travel arrangements and costs where applicable.
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produced by guide2care.com
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