Nanny Contract
A nanny contract is an important part of hiring a nanny. It will give both you and your nanny peace of mind and a certain amount of security on both sides. As equally important as a formal written contract is something called the psychological nanny contract; advice is given on both of these below.
This is a written nanny agreement of the terms of the nanny employment. It should not go into very fine detail on the day-to-day tasks, your nanny job description can do that.
However, it should cover all the main facts such as the general nanny role, nanny hours, nanny salary, nanny holiday entitlement and grievance procedure. You may like to draw up your own nanny contract, but if so, it is worth running it by someone who has knowledge in this area or a legal background. We are happy to provide a copy of a nanny contract that you can download below.
If you would like a copy in a word document - so you can ammend it with your own details – please email sara putting Nanny Contract in the subject header or click here
Please note that whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information given, the contract offers an outline of the law as it applies in the most common cases only. It should not be relied on as a complete statement of the law and anyone considering taking action should consult a suitably qualified lawyer or employment expert.
This can have a greater impact on how someone works on a day-to-day basis than a formal written contract. Itis based on expectations, feelings and promises.
It is not a contractual agreement but simply what you and your nanny expect from each other. It is what your nanny believes she will get from you in return for what she gives. This is formed through every bit of contact you have, from CV viewing onwards. It should be assessed on both sides continually throughout the working relationship.
To establish a good psychological contract it is very important that you give a realistic idea of the job. If a nanny finds a job is not what she expected, it will damage this nanny contract. As a result her motivation is likely to decrease right from the beginning.
As you will have guessed, the basis of the psychological contract is trust. You both need to do what you say you will. If you both feel you are getting what was promised, you will both do what you promised – if not a little bit more. So, don’t promise her the earth just to get her to agree to work for you, and then insists she works 14 hours a day – chances are you will be looking for a new nanny again very soon!
In summary, both a nanny contract and the psychological contract need to be thought through when hiring a nanny. They are both vital to how you will work together in the future. Remember that the psychological nanny contract will be reassessed all the time by your nanny, so you need to ensure you deliver what you promised – and then she will too.
It is much easier for yourself and your nanny to do this if she is well managed. Managing a nanny well will take some time and effort, but it reaps many rewards; a happy household and continuity of care for your children as she is will stay with you for longer.
Click here to look at the information section on managing and hiring a nanny.