Childcare FAQs
As a parent considering childcare for your children, you will understandably have many questions. We have put this information page together to answer some of the queries that are raised most frequently. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please call and speak to one of our specialist consultants on 0207 828 2188.
What vetting procedure does SLM have in place for nannies?
Will SLM make sure that my nanny has a Criminal Records Bureau check(CRB)?
What hours and days will a nanny generally be able to work?
Can you find me a nanny to work 6 days a week?
Will a nanny work 24 hours or stay overnight?
What kind of childcare qualifications might a nanny have?
What are a nanny's typical duties and what salary should I expect to pay?
Can a nanny accompany us on holidays?
Do I need to pay tax and National Insurance on behalf of my nanny?
Can I be sure that your candidates are legally allowed to work in the UK?
Will SLM organise a visa if my nanny needs one?
How does SLM source nannies
SLM has built up a large pool of experienced nannies over the 12 years that it has been established. As with clients, many of our nannies register with us following a personal recommendation from a friend who is already registered. We also proactively recruit for positions by advertising in specialist magazines and websites. Our own website is updated daily with available positions and we appear favourably on search engines where nannies seeking work find us.
What vetting procedure does SLM have in place for nannies?
Our experienced nanny consultant will meet nannies in person and go through a detailed history of their past employment. To register with SLM, nannies must have a minimum of 2 years experience working as a nanny in a private household, or one year of experience and a recognised childcare qualification.
Once the nanny is deemed suitable for registration she can then be put forward for any appropriate positions (that have been agreed between the consultant and the nanny). The nanny provides SLM written with references from previous employers which are also verbally checked by SLM.
Back to topWill SLM make sure that my nanny has a Criminal Records Bureau check(CRB)?
Yes. SLM always recommends that a nanny has a CRB. If a nanny does not have a CRB upon registration, we will start the process of applying for a CRB as soon as an offer of employment has been made and accepted. Throughout this procedure we will monitor the progress of this and keep the client and candidate fully informed.
More information on CRBs can be found at www.crb.gov.uk
What hours and days will a nanny generally be able to work?
A live-out nanny will typically work for between 8 and 10 hours a day, whilst a live-in nanny will work between 10 and 12 hours per day – it is usual for the nanny to have a break at some point during these hours. Days of work are typically Monday to Friday with weekends free. SLM recommends that a simple contract should be drawn up at the start of the nanny's employment detailing the hours of work expected each week.
It is expected that bank holidays are to be given to nannies, or payment made should a nanny agree to work on a bank holiday.
Nannies may work longer hours or over the weekend by prior agreement, in exchange for additional pay.
Can you find me a nanny to work 6 days a week?
Most nannies prefer to work five days a week - typically Monday to Friday - and fewer are willing to commit to a permanent 6 day week. Therefore, although we can search for a nanny to work six days a week, the pool of candidates will be much smaller and the search is likely to take longer. We recommend exploring other options, such as a second childcarer to cover at weekends. Also, nannies are usually happy to be flexible and work the occasional weekend by prior arrangement.
Will a nanny work 24 hours or stay overnight?
Live-in Nannies will usually perform up to two nights a week babysitting as part of their standard hours. On other nights, although they will be resident in the home, they will not be working and should not be asked to supervise the children outside of their standard hours, even if the children are asleep.
Many live-out nannies will happily stay overnight occasionally, and take on the responsibility of proxy parenting whilst the parent(s) are out of town or are having a late evening. This is something that should be agreed in advance with the nanny, giving them plenty of time to make suitable arrangements.
For 24 hour care on a permanent basis please see maternity nannies.
What kind of childcare qualifications might a nanny have?
There are several types of childcare qualifications that a nanny may have, the most common being CACHE, Montessori, Btec, and City & Guilds. More information on these particular courses and what they contain can be found at the following websites;
www.cache.org.uk
www.montessoritraining.net
What are a nanny's typical duties and what salary should I expect to pay?
See our information pages about different childcare positions.
Can a nanny accompany us on holidays?
If you will require your nanny to travel abroad with you as part of the employment it is very important that you discuss this with your SLM Consultant so that we can ensure that the nanny has the appropriate travel rights.
Not all nannies will travel with families as they may have other commitments, and in such instances SLM Recruitment can help you source a short-term holiday nanny.
Do I need to pay tax and National Insurance on behalf of my nanny?
Once an employee earns over £105 per week you then as an employer are legally liable to register with the Inland Revenue to make and National Insurance contributions on their behalf. Although this may seem a daunting task there are a number of agencies that can help to organise this for a minimal cost. For example
Can I be sure that your candidates are legally allowed to work in the UK?
Yes. All candidates upon registration have to show an original passport showing their eligibility to work here or else provide us with a visa that is within date. We do not register candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK. If you are recruiting a nanny who will work outside the UK, you should discuss this with your SLM consultant who will be able to advise you.
Will SLM organise a visa if my nanny needs one?
We are unable to assist candidates with their application for visas as we are not qualified to give legal advice, however our consultants are extremely helpful and always on hand to help inquire about information and help point you in the right direction.
Individuals should contact the appropriate embassies for information on their eligibility to work in their chosen country.
Further information can be found at www.ukvisas.gov.uk or www.fco.gov.uk
