What are some working conditions for a nanny?

Answer 1

Working conditions vary considerably depending on a variety of situations. So the points outlined below are to be used as a guideline to what you can expect from your nanny/maternity nurse.

Nannies

Live-in nannies usually work a 5-day week with weekends free. They work approximately a 10-12 hour day and will babysit for 2 evenings per week. If extra babysitting is required, employers usually arrange to pay extra or give time off in lieu. Live-in positions can either be sole charge where both parents are working or shared charge, where the nanny works alongside a parent. Live-out nannies work a 5-day week with weekends free. Live-out nannies generally work approximately 10 hours per day and babysitting is by negotiation and with sufficient notice. Live-out nanny positions can be either sole charge or shared charge.

Temporary nannies can either be live-in or out and vary from a few days to a few months in length. Temporary nanny positions can be sole or shared charge. Temporary nannies are generally classed as being self-employed and are therefore responsible for paying their own tax and national insurance.

Salary: Salaries vary depending on a number of factors - whether the position is residential/daily, hours required, location of employment etc. However, as a guideline you can expect to pay between £300-£500 per week for a live-in nanny and between £400-£550 per week for a daily nanny. Nannies salaries are always stated as the net amount. The employer is responsible for paying their tax and national insurance contributions.

Accommodation: A live-in nanny requires her own bedroom and bathroom (in some cases they may have to share the bathroom with the children). Occasionally separate accommodation is included as part of the package. A live-in nanny may also be provided with use of a car.

Duties: The nanny's duties include all aspects of childcare - nursery duties, total care of the children, taking to and from school/activities/appointments, laundry, preparation of meals, running errands and keeping her own room clean and tidy.

Maternity Nurses

A mother and baby can be discharged from the hospital anytime ranging from 24 hours (normal delivery) to 6 days (Caesarean). For 10 days after confinement a Community Midwife from the local Health Authority will visit daily even while a Maternity Nurse is in attendance. This is required by British Law.

Salary: The salary for a first time Maternity Nurse is around £550 gross per week. The more experienced Nurses earn from £750-£900 gross per week, while Nurses caring for multiples can earn between £900 gross per week upwards . Maternity Nurses are self employed and therefore responsible for paying their own tax and NI. From the date the Maternity Nurse is booked until the day she begins work she should be paid a retainer fee which is 50% of her gross salary.

Duties: A Maternity Nurse is usually on call 24 hours a day, 6 days a week with one 24 hour period free every 7th day. A Maternity Nurse is usually employed for 4-12 weeks, although this can be extended/shortened if required.

Breast-fed babies - the Maternity Nurse is there to observe the mother when feeding the baby day and night, to advise where necessary and to help mother and baby into a good routine and sleep pattern. She will also take the baby after feeds and resettle.

Bottle-fed babies - the Maternity Nurse will be responsible for the preparation of milk feeds, sterilising feeding equipment, feeding day and night and establishing a good sleep pattern. She will also be there to help and advise the mother in looking after the child.

Maternity Nurse duties cover everything that is connected with the baby - i.e. washing and ironing baby's clothes/terry nappies/pram and crib covers. Bathing and changing the baby's nappies, keeping the nursery/baby's bathroom and her own accommodation clean at all times. Once a Maternity Nurse has completed all her duties, while the baby is sleeping, she should catch up on her own sleep and rest within earshot of the baby. She should have one 24 hour period free every 7th day.

Accommodation: It is usual to share a room/nursery with the baby. A bathroom can be shared with the baby and other children. Occasionally a bedroom and bathroom are made available. All meals should be provided for a Maternity Nurse. Unless there is a resident Cook/Housekeeper the Nurse will do her own meals and cook some for the mother where necessary.

Uniform: Some Maternity Nurses wear a uniform and some do not. If one is required and the Nurse does not possess one then the parents should provide one.

Emergencies: If at any time the baby becomes ill, or any other emergencies occur involving the baby, the Nurse must always inform the paediatrician/doctor and parents if they are absent. If the parents are away, relevant telephone numbers must always be left by the telephone.