Homecarers (Nannies)

About Homecarers (Nannies)

Homecarers (nannies) can be suitable for parents and carers who need flexible childcare, who have a large family or have a child with additional needs.

Nanny registration

Nannies and homecarers are not required to register with Ofsted in England. However, to encourage quality of care, they can join the voluntary Ofsted register.

Although many do have nursery nurse or childcare training, nannies and homecarers do not need to hold qualifications.

Parents are responsible for interviewing and checking the registration and all relevant references of nannies and homecarers.

Paying for a nanny

The cost of employing a nanny will vary depending on whether the nanny lives in or out of your home, how many hours they work and any other duties. As their employer, parents and carers are responsible for paying their tax and national insurance contributions.

Nannies who are on the voluntary Ofsted register can be paid using the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.

Things to consider when employing a nanny

You may find it useful to make some notes for reference later. You will be the best judge of what is right for your child. However, the list below may guide you on points to look for when employing a nanny.

• What qualifications and experience do they have?

• Are there references to look at and contact details for the references?

• Do they have a DBS check (replacement for CRB)?

• What activities and projects will they do with your child/children?

• Are they a smoker?

• What methods of discipline do they use?

• Can they cook?

• Can they drive and if so do they have a clean licence?

• Do they have a first aid certificate?

• Ask a couple of scenario questions…what would you do if…?

General points to consider

• If children are at the interview how well do they interact with them?

• What duties will you want the nanny to do?

• Do you require the nanny to be able to swim?

• What hobbies and interests does the nanny have? For example, do they play a musical instrument?

• Do they have any children of their own?

• Will they be willing to babysit if necessary?

Finding a nanny

It is always advisable to employ a nanny that has come through a nanny agency. However, you will have to pay an agency fee when you employ the nanny. If you wish to recruit a nanny yourself, further information and advice can be found by visiting the following websites:

Tinies' advice for employing a nanny [External Link]

Government employment laws for nannies [External Link]

Baby Centre - Legal responsibilities of employing a nanny [External Link]

DISCLAIMER: Sutton Family Information Service is not able to endorse any of the information provided in the above websites. These links are for signposting to further information only.

Would you like more help?

For more information and advice on homecarers (nannies), complete our Online Enquiry Form [External Link] or call us on 020 8770 6000 and we will be happy to talk through the options with you.