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Choosing a Nanny
Lisa Mallinson -
May 2005
CIS@kirklees.gov.uk
Why choose a nanny?
Nannies provide childcare in your own home. Trained nannies can provide
you with high quality, professional childcare. They can look after children
of any age and they can often work flexible hours to fit in with your working
hours. You need to provide good working conditions, a reasonable salary
and make simple tax and national insurance arrangements.
There are no legal requirements on a person applying to work as a nanny
- so it is up to you to make sure that you are employing a nanny who will
look after your child/ren well.
How do I find a nanny?
Nannies are not regulated by Ofsted so Kirklees Children's Information Service
does not hold lists of nannies. Nanny agencies in your area will be listed
in Yellow Pages under Nanny Agencies.
The Children's Information Service can also provide you with a copy of this
guide and a list of local nanny agencies.
How do I make a careful choice when choosing a nanny?
Employing a nanny is an important responsibility because it will be up to
you to make sure the person is able to look after your children well. Being
a nanny is a skilled and demanding job. Look for training, experience and
a positive attitude to the job. You can use a nanny agency or advertise
for a nanny but always interview thoroughly and ALWAYS CHECK ALL REFERENCES.
How many children can a nanny look after?
Nannies usually look after the children of just one family in that family's
home. However in the case of nanny-shares the children of two or more families
can be looked after. A nanny looking after children of more than two families
must register with Ofsted as a childminder.
What hours do nannies work?
Nannies can sometimes work flexible hours to fit your work hours. Make sure
the hours are reasonable and clearly explained before the nanny starts to
work with your children. Many nannies are happy to work part-time. They
often take children to school, pre-school or other activities.
How much does a nanny cost?
Employing a nanny means you become responsible not only for paying the nanny's wage or salary but also for deducting the tax and National Insurance contributions. The Inland Revenue operate an Employers Helpline on 0345 143 143 for advice on tax and National Insurance. The National Minimum Wage is £3.50 per hour for 18-21 year olds and £4.10 for those aged 22 and over (as at 13-02-02 ). For more information, or to order some free guidance, please telephone the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678.
The new Childcare Approval Scheme is a way of ensuring that a nanny is over 18 years of age has enhanced police clearance, has completed training that is included on the approved list on www.dfes.gov.uk/childrenswfqualifications and has a current first aid certificate. You will still need to interview and take up references. There is a charge of £97 to become an Approved Childcarer, this fee covers the cost of processing the application, and making all the checks. Using an Approved Childcarer will mean that you will be able to claim working tax credit if you are eligible. For further advice or information on tax credit call 0845 300 3900 or apply online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits
What other types of childcare look after children
in your own home?
Au pairs are single young people from other countries who stay with a family to help with children while they learn English. They can help you for up to five hours per day. For more information contact the Home Office on 08706 067 766. Au pairs are not usually trained to work with children and therefore are not generally considered suitable to look after young children while parents are out. They can be a good option for providing after-school childcare. A Mother's help usually works with you rather than looking after your children while you are out. Maternity nurses are specially trained to take care of new babies for up to three months after the birth.
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