Information for Parents

We are a specialist agency dealing only with nannies, mother's helps, babysitters and other childcare staff. All our nannies, Babysitters and mother's helps are thoroughly vetted and references are obtained which are always closely checked.  
  
We pride ourselves on our ability to match the client's needs with the correct nanny, which is why we try to get as much detail about the job as possible. We DO NOT charge a Registration fee, only a fee for a successful placement, believing we should be paid on results.
 
You can be assured that we only recruit the very best candidates.
  
The vast majority of our candidates will have a professional qualification.
 
We believe that those who have undergone training and education in the child care sector are committed and dedicated.
We also register candidates who do not hold a qualification, but have shown commitment to the role through their experience. We will only consider those who have worked for a minimum of 2 years or more in child caring positions. 
  
There are a confusing number of childcare qualifications available nowadays, so it's useful to have a basic knowledge of what they are. Highly qualified and experienced Nannies can expect a substantially high salary, so it is important to be realistic in your expectations.
  
Although there are many excellent unqualified nannies, a trained nanny will have displayed some commitment to the job and should have a professional attitude. 
 
In addition to learning approved methods of child care, they may also have a higher level of confidence than inexperienced child carers.
We also request proof of qualifications from any child carer who wishes to be placed through us 
 

For your interest, the current professional childcare qualifications are:
 
Cache level 3 Diploma in childcare and education
 
Cache NVQ level 2 and 3 in children's care , learning and development. 
Cache level 3 Diploma in Home based Child Care 

BTEC National Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development
 
If you would like more information please call us on 01923 221884
or complete the online form 

 
Employment Formalities


Contract of Employment

 
The law requires a Nanny to receive a Contract of Employment within the first eight weeks of their employment. The contract must include, the start date, the period of employment and notice, main duties, working hours, salary, leave, sick pay and offences that will result in dismissal. We will be delighted to provide a draft Contract of Employment for you and give any advice and guidance. 

 
Tax and National Insurance


When you employ a Nanny or Mother’s Help you take on the responsibility of becoming their employer – and are therefore responsible for the payment of the Nanny’s tax and national insurance.
If you run your own company you may wish to include your Nanny on your company’s payroll or your accountant may be able to assist with this. Alternatively, there are several companies who can manage the tax and national insurance issues for you. 
We recommend a company called Nanny Tax www.nannytax.co.uk and www.way2paye.co.uk who can provide you with more detailed information and advice. Alternatively, the Inland Revenue website is also very helpful for employers  www.hmrc.gov.uk

 
Public and Employer's Liability Insurance


As the Nanny’s employer, it is important the family checks that their insurer protects them against possible claims made by their nanny, e.g. should they suffer a personal injury. Public Liability Insurance covers this eventuality and if it is not covered by the family’s home insurance, we recommend a company called Morton Michel who specialize in childcare insurance www.mortonmichel.com.

 
Cars & Travel


The Nanny you employ must have appropriate insurance cover for the car that will be used to transport your children. A child car seat may be needed and the employer will usually provide this. If you are providing a car to the Nanny, check whether your policy covers a nanny to drive your car. If it doesn’t this will need to be arranged
 If the Nanny uses her own car, she/he will usually need to be reimbursed for petrol and running costs whilst transporting your children around. You may either consider a flat rate sum per day or use a mileage rate (0.40p per mile for tax year 09/10).

 
If you would like more information please call us on  01923 221884 or complete the online form and one of our consultants will get back to you within 48 hours.

 

OFSTED REGISTRATION

The new Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR), introduced in April 2007, has now replaced the Childcare Approval Scheme (CAS). If the Client would like to be able to take advantage of the childcare element of working tax credits or use the childcare vouchers, they will need their nanny to become Ofsted Registered.

The process can take up to 12 weeks and costs approximately £103. Your nanny will need to provide an up to date CRB Check and a First Aid Certificate. You can either apply on-line and full details can be obtained at www.ofsted.gov.uk or by phoning 08456 404040 for further details.

 

  

    £50 voucher (John Lewis, Marks and Spencers) to all candidates and families who recommend Sweet Dreams Nanny Agency services leading to permanent placements. Alternatively, we would offer a £50 voucher for the Beauty salon of your choice.    


 

 

 

 

 
 
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