Nanny contracts: the essentials

Prior to taking on your new Nanny, it is essential that a detailed contract is drawn up. It should include the job details and any terms of employment that you wish your nanny to agree to. The contract must be provided within two months of the employment start date. The contract should include but is not limited to the suggested points below. The terms and conditions of the contract
should be discussed and mutually agreed to prior to being signed.

• Name of employer, the address and contact details where the childcare will take place

• The names and ages of the children to be cared for

• The start date, days and hours to be worked

• Any probationary period that needs to be worked prior to the position becoming permanent

• Starting salary and pay cycle (weekly/monthly) noting rate for additional hours worked

• Annual leave entitlement including bank holidays (please ensure that you are offering at least the minimum legal entitlement)

• Details of statutory sick pay

• Your agreement to set up a PAYE arrangement and provide regular payslips detailing wage, tax and national insurance contributions.

• The terms and conditions of employment as agreed during the interview process

• You should include a detailed job description noting the duties to be performed

• Confidentiality terms and any pension scheme or benefits offered

• In the event of a termination of contract, state the notice period to be given by either party

• If there is the use of a car offered, or if your Nanny is to use her own car, the terms should be clearly set out to include off-duty use if applicable and any insurance provided or charges that the nanny will be responsible for in the event of use out of work hours for example.

• If your Nanny is to use her own car, you need to specify the rate to be paid per mile

• Rules to be adhered to during working hours

• Disciplinary measures that apply if your nanny is found to be breaking any of the agreed terms of employment

• Signed and dated by both parties, each to retain a copy for own records

A contract is a legally binding employment document and should be treated as such by both parties. Changes are possible with mutual agreement. Please keep in mind that as the employer, it is your responsibility to provide a contract and to ensure that a PAYE arrangement is put in place to make sure that your Nanny is paid on time and that all deductions are taken for tax and national insurance contributions. There are companies who will operate a payroll system on your behalf and may also offer a contract that you can modify to fit your particular job offer. Some even offer legal advice as part of their payroll package.

Free Nanny Contract - Sample Template

We've teamed up with a leading senior employment lawyer to provide a free sample nanny contract to all of our members.

Find out more about our Free Nanny Contract