Frequently asked questions

• How much does a nanny cost?
• Are there any additional costs on top of this?
• I don't understand the difference between a nanny, a childminder and an au pair-except that nannies are more expensive. Why is this?
• What is child development?
• Is it not better for children to be socialized in a group situation such as a nursery?
• I've heard that the CRB (Crininal record bureau) checks are changing - how will this affect me or my nanny?

Yes. Parents often agree a net figure (i.e. what the nanny takes home as salary). However, as an employer, you must pay taxes on top of the nanny's wage. A nanny's gross salary, P.A.Y.E . Tax and National Insurance contributions must be calculated and paid to HMRC on a quarterly basis by the employer. Although many employers tend to look on this as an additional cost, it is actually part of the nanny's gross wage.

NOTE: If you agree a fixed net wage, you are committing yourself to paying all of your employee's Income Tax and NI to make up their gross wage, irrespective of their individual Tax code or Tax position.

In most situations this tax is 20% of a nanny's net wage - visit NannyTax for further information. This 20% includes the employees PAYE and national insurance taxes and can be organized through a reputable 3rd party such as Nannytax, to ensure correct taxes are paid. Cost for annual subscription to Nannytax is £260-00p per year.*

Ofsted registration of your nanny, if she is not already registered, will cost £103-00p per year. If your employer provides a childcare voucher scheme, you can register to receive tax relief on your childcare payment.

The main difference is that all nannies are qualified. The majority have undergone a two year NNEB or Btech qualification. During this period they learn about all aspects of child and babycare, from home and food hygiene and first aid to the intellectual and physical development of children.

Nannies also come with benefits for the parent, aside from having the peace of mind that your child is being left in the best possible hands other than your own. They will arrive at your house and start your child's daily routine as usual, allowing you to leave fully prepared for work!

You can also expect to come home to a clean house, with the children's meals home cooked, toys tidied away and washing and ironing completed, leaving you to fully enjoy your precious family time.

It is important to find the right nanny to suit your family, as the right match can result in a harmonious and long-lasting relationship, both for you and your children.

Nannies understanding of child development is a knowledge of developmental milestones a child should be reaching at each stage of life, and the knowhow to encourage your children to achieve this.

A good nanny will take your child to regular group activities and social events, such as local music groups, gymnastics and other toddler groups, just as you would were you at home with them. Although group situations are hugely beneficial for children of all ages, attending groups with the one-to-one attention and support that a trusted nanny can provide will only enhance the experience for your child.

From 26th July the CRB will introduce a new application process to coincide with the ISA registration element of the Vetting and Barring Scheme. It means that applicants apply for ISA registration and a CRB check at the same time. The Vetting and Barring Scheme has been established to reduce the risk of harm to children and vulnerable adults. It will do this by preventing individuals who are unsuitable to work with children and vulnerable adults from gaining access to them through their work or voluntary activities. Please go to the ISA website for more information on the scheme.