Working with nannies

You and your nanny need to work together to help your children learn, play and enjoy themselves in a safe and secure environment.

What should I expect from my nanny?

• Training - childcare qualifications tell you the nanny is committed to this career and has taken the opportunity to learn about childcare and child development.
• Experience - a new nanny will need more support from you.
• An ability to respond to children's individual needs.
• A resourceful approach to working with children - the nanny should look for new ideas.
• Planned activities from day to day and week to week.
• The ability to provide plenty of fun opportunities for children to learn - to develop their strengths and help them with their weaknesses.
• Regular feedback about the children's well-being, the activities of the day, etc. and the job in general.
• The confidence to report if there is a problem and to ask for help when necessary.
• Trust and respect for you as a family and confidentiality concerning matters private to your family.

What should I provide?

• Clear details of hours and duties.
• Good working conditions and a well thought out job description.
• A written contract of employment – (see Factfile?).
• A safe, clean home with plenty of ‘fun-to-learn’ equipment, like dough and paint.
• Information about local parks, playgrounds, nanny clubs and drop-in clubs.
• Contact numbers for you, your partner, a relation or another responsible adult who knows the family well.
• Details of the family doctor.
• Contact numbers for the school(s) of any older children.
• Clear guidance on your child's health (including allergies, medicines, diet, and sleep preferences), discipline, special routines, favourite toys and games etc.
• Written permission to administer medication to your child and to seek medical advice when necessary.
• A regular time to talk with and listen to your nanny.
• Employer and public liability insurance - you can get this from your house insurers. (If you don’t let your insurers know you are employing a nanny you may invalidate your household insurance).

Listen to your children

Inevitably, there will be ups and downs, but listen to your children and give them the opportunity, without interrogating them, to let you know how they feel about their nanny. Your understanding and support will help the nanny to help the children.

With babies and younger children pay attention to how they are feeling and be aware of any behavioural changes. A quiet time with you can give your children the chance to let you know about any troubles or worries that they may have.

Your children need to know that you trust their nanny and they also need to know you will listen to them and will take action if necessary.

Listen to your nanny

Plan time at least once a week when your nanny can tell you how things are going. This is in addition to the times each day that you and your nanny exchange information on handing over the care of your child or children to each other. Your nanny should let you know what is going well and if there are problems that may need your attention. Ask questions about issues such as tantrums, crying babies or meal times.