Advice for parents: about nannies

ADVICE FOR PARENTS... ABOUT NANNIES

Magic Minders members are Ofsted registered childminders and nannies.
As well as agreeing to the group's code of conduct they must also comply with national childcare regulations which are enforced by Ofsted.
They must also comply with other legislation such as: health and safety; food safety; employment; disability; equalities; and data protection.

Find a nanny or childminder

About Ofsted registered nannies

Nannies, also sometimes called 'home childcarers', are childcare professionals who provide childcare for no more than 2 families at the same time, wholly or mainly at the home of one of the children. They can care for children from more than 2 families at different times.
Nannies do not have to be registered but can choose to do so, by registering with Ofsted on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, and complying with its requirements.
Magic Minders nanny members are all Ofsted Registered.
Nannies can work for two families at once as part of a nanny-share arrangement. They may work for each family separately or care for children from both families together in one of the families' homes.
Nannies may live with the family or just work in their home on a daily basis.
They will have agreed hours, that may include evenings and weekends.
Some nannies may work nights, particularly specialist maternity nannies.
Nannies can offer flexible childcare to suit parents' working patterns and other family needs. They may be a good option for families with multiple children, or complex working arrangements.
Nannies are usually employed by the parents of the child/ren they care for. Parents are responsible for the nanny's contract and terms of employment, salary, National Insurance deductions, tax, holiday and sick pay, Employers Liability insurance etc. Employed nannies must be paid at least National Minimum/Living wage.

Ofsted registered nannies must:

Be aged 18 or over
Have Public Liability Insurance
Have current paediatric first aid certificate (PFA) which is renewed every 3 years
Have an enhanced DBS check
Have safeguarding and child protection training
Have an appropriate childcare Level 2 qualification or training in the common core skills

Food safety training (recommended, but not a requirement)

Choosing a nanny

Allow yourself plenty of time to choose a nanny
Check out their website, Facebook page or agency listing if they have these.
Set up an interview with a few nannies so you can compare them, see who you "click" with and who your child/ren seems most comfortable with.
- Observe you child/ren with the nanny to see how well they interact.
Pick a time when you won’t be rushed, and your child will be alert and happy.
Obtain references from previous employers and check their Ofsted certificate, DBS check, first aid certificate and insurance.

Suggested questions to ask when interviewing:

What experience/qualifications do you have?
What age groups do you prefer to care for?
Are you currently working as a nanny? How much notice would you need to give?
What hours are you available?
- Overnight/evenings/weekends/flexible
- Are you able to cover shift work or unsociable hours?
Would you like to have your accommodation provided as part of your job, or would you prefer to live out?
How do you keep children safe?
How do you support children’s behaviour?
What kinds of activities do you like to provide, indoors and outdoors?
Do you take children out and how often?
Can you prepare meals and snacks for the child/ren?
Do you drive?
- Do you have a clean driving licence
- Do you have your own car?
Do you have experience working with disabled children or children with additional needs?
Do you have experience working with children whose first language is not English?

It is also important to be very clear on what your expectation are regarding the nanny's duties e.g. will they include cooking for the child/ren, managing their laundry, tidying their room, school runs etc. and contracted hours of work.

For further information, visit the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) and Nannies Matter.
For information about employing a nanny, including payroll support, visit Nanny Matters and NannyTax