Writing a contract for your nanny

Writing a contract can feel a bit too formal for what you want to be a nice, cosy relationship but it is really helpful to make sure that everything is agreed and understood and it stops mis-understandings before they start. Nanny agencies or nanny taxervices will be able to help you with this too.

You should include:

Hours of work, pay, and duties: Are you expecting your nanny to  provide balanced nutritional meals for the children or to tidy away toys with the children at the end of the day?

Sick pay: What happens if your nanny is off sick for two weeks? Have a clause on sick pay. For example: You will receive full pay  for ten days in any calendar year (this will be inclusive of any statutory sick pay payable to you), thereafter only statutory sick pay will apply.’

Holiday: How are the holiday dates agreed? How far in advance?  How much holiday pay do you intend to pay?

Any probationary period: A three-month probationary period can be useful, as it gives you a set date when you know you can both sit down and chat about how it’s going and it gives you an ‘out’ if it’s not quite working as you’d hoped.

A procedure for terminating the contract: During the probationary period, you might agree a one week’s notice of termination on either side; after that four weeks’ notice is usual.