The Nanny Contract Checklist for Nannies
The nanny contract is a crucial step before accepting a new role with a family. However, it’s something that often causes a lot of unnecessary stress.
Therefore, we’ve partnered with Anna Turner Consultancy to present nannies with a helpful checklist to review alongside the formation of a nanny contract. Alongside some reminders on how to approach the contact.
The Nanny Contract Checklist for Nannies and Maternity Nurses
A well-drafted nanny or maternity nurse contract is essential for clarity, managing expectations, and protecting both the professional and the family.
Approaching the nanny contract
Consider it nothing more than a document which:
– Captures the significant elements specific to the role on offer
– Formerly defines the relationship between the family and the nanny
How the contact is formed
Typically, the family lead the process. They may draw their own contract from scratch, use an employment law specialist or, more typically, follow a template supplied by a PAYE service, like NannyPaye.
Visit NannyPaye for nanny contract advice and support
How the contract is agreed
Remember, it’s a two-way process: Both sides should be willing to give and take.
If there are elements of the contract that you are uncomfortable with, you can push back and find a compromise that works for you and your nanny family.
Top Tip: This is your opportunity to be assertive (without being combative) and demonstrate your negotiation skills. Remember to keep it positive, respectful and try to avoid confrontation by sharing options and by showing a willingness to compromise
“The best negotiations leave no winners or losers, only partners moving forward together”.
How things start is often how things end
❓If, when negotiating the contract, you feel as though your point of view is not being listened to, think very hard if this is the right role for you.
✅Equally, it’s a really positive sign if the process of agreeing the contract has been mutually supportive and respectful.
The core elements of a typical Nanny Contract
Here are the key points a nanny or maternity nurse should cover when discussing contract terms with a family, whether employed or self-employed:
1. Job Description
Duties and Responsibilities: Define core childcare duties (e.g. feeding, routines, developmental activities, nursery duties, school runs, light housekeeping related to the children)
Schedule: Set clear working hours and days, including flexibility requirements (evenings, weekends, holidays)
Overtime: Confirm overtime rates and when they apply
Household Tasks: Clarify expectations for tasks beyond childcare (laundry, family meals, shopping)
Overseas Employment: Check local laws, visa requirements, and insurance cover when working abroad
Duty of Care: Outline the responsibilities of both the family and the nanny/maternity nurse in safeguarding and welfare
2. Compensation
Pay Rate: Specify hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rates #GoGross
Late Payments & Overtime: Set clear charges for late payment and agreed overtime rates
Bonuses: End-of-year, performance-based, or holiday bonuses (if applicable)
Salary Reviews: Timing of performance and pay reviews (e.g. annually or based on performance)
Maternity Booking Deposit – Agree on:
- How much (usually 1–2 weeks of the contract)
- When it is payable (on signing)
- How long a booking is held before a contract/deposit is required
- Services included (pre-birth, during booking, postnatal support)
- Payment Frequency – Weekly, monthly, or other agreed schedule
- Contingency for Early/Late Birth – Clarify adjustments if the baby arrives earlier or later than expected
Top tip: Increasingly, contracts now include yearly training provisions, often around £250 towards CPD opportunities. Consider asking your family to include this discretionary provision in your contract. Ultimately, they will also benefit from the additional training you undertake.
3. Time Off & Holidays
Paid Leave: Number of paid holidays, sick days, and personal days
Public Holidays: Confirm entitlement to time off or enhanced pay for working them
Notice for Leave: Agree on how much notice each side must give for holidays
Short-term Contracts: Clarify breaks and rest periods, especially for maternity nurses
Fixed timings for holiday: Are there any stipulated, and are they acceptable
4. Nanny Contract Termination & Notice Period
Probationary periods: Some contracts inclue this
Notice Periods – Typically 2–4 weeks, but can be longer for permanent roles
Immediate Termination – Define circumstances (e.g. gross misconduct, safeguarding breach)
Severance Pay – Confirm if applicable
5. Confidentiality & Privacy
Confidentiality Clause: No sharing of private family information
Social Media: Rules about photos or posts relating to the family/children
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Whether required
Data Protection: State how nanny/family information is stored and used in line with UK GDPR
6. Accommodation (if live-in)
Term: Details of the bedroom, bathroom, and facilities provided
Privacy: Clarify expectations around shared spaces and private time
Meals: Whether provided, reimbursed, or self-catered
7. Benefits & Extras
Insurance: Health, accident, or travel insurance (who covers it)
Car Use: Whether a car is provided, and confirmation of insurance cover. If using your own care, the agreed mileage rate
Travel: Conditions for accompanying family, including expenses, accommodation, and working hours during travel
Professional Development: CPD allowance for courses (e.g. safeguarding, first aid, SEND)
8. Behaviour & Discipline
Discipline Policy: Family’s agreed approach to behaviour management
Family Values & Rules: Any household rules to follow (screen time, diet, lifestyle considerations)
9. Health & Safety
Emergency Procedures: Emergency contacts, medical information, allergies, and health protocols
Paediatric First Aid: Confirm nanny/maternity nurse has an up-to-date certificate
Health Protocols: Expectations around illness, vaccination, contagious conditions or accidents
10. Miscellaneous
Transport Costs: Reimbursement for work-related travel (fuel, mileage, train fares, flights)
Pets: Whether duties extend to pet care, and house rules (e.g. pets in bedrooms)
CCTV: If there’s CCTV in the home, a shared understanding of what areas it covers and the purpose of its use
Background Checks: Enhanced DBS, right-to-work checks, and reference verification should be confirmed before the start date
The nanny contract is there to help you
A thorough nanny/maternity nurse contract avoids misunderstandings and protects both parties. It should be written in plain English, negotiated by both parties and signed by both the family and the nanny/maternity nurse. Copies should be kept securely by both sides.
Consider it a live document
If and when the role evolves, keep the contract updated so you and your nanny family have a clear view of the role and its responsibilities.
You got this 😊
If you would like to review your contract in detail, please book a session with Anna Turner Consultancy via their Facebook page.
