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 or children well.

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How do I find a nanny?

Nannies are not regulated by Ofsted so Kirklees Family Information Service does not hold lists of nannies. Nanny agencies in your area will be listed in Yellow Pages under Nanny Agencies.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 for advice on tax and National Insurance.

• Inland Revenue Employers Helpline: 08457 143 143

The National Minimum Wage is £4.83 per hour for 18-21 year olds and £5.80 for those aged 22 and over (as at 01-10-09). For more information, or to order some free guidance, you can telephone the National Minimum Wage Helpline.

• National Minimum Wage Helpline: 0845 6000 678

Using an Approved Childcarer will mean that you will be able to claim working tax credit.

• Paying for childcare

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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.

• Home Office: 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.

The Family Information Service offers free information, advice and guidance for children, young people and their parents or carers on finding and paying for childcare, parenting issues, family activities and organisations that can offer further support.

• Tel: 01484 414887
• Email: fis@kirklees.gov.uk

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Texting service

You can text these keywords:

• childcare
• parenting
• activities
• organisations
• money

Plus:

• your name

To this number:

• 07800 002 431

An information officer will call you back within 6 working days to talk about how we can help you. Standard network charges apply.

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