Updated: September 2024
Clients often want to merge the nanny and housekeeper roles in to one, and I totally understand why! Often they have school aged children, so need help in the mornings and afterschool, but understand that a split-shift role can be unattractive. The best solutation is to hire a nanny/housekeeper who can do the housekeeping whilst the children are at school. However, there are certainly some things to consider (you probably won’t get a Norland nanny who wants to do the housekeeping, or a high-end housekeeper who also has experience looking after children!) In this article I discuss the role of a nanny/housekeeper:
Can I hire a nanny/housekeeper?
Yes, you can hire a nanny/housekeeper in the UK. A nanny/housekeeper is a great choice if you are looking for help with both childcare and housework. Below we will discuss some things that a nanny/housekeeper can help with…
What does a nanny/housekeeper do?
A nanny/housekeeper can assist with a wide range of tasks related to childcare and household management. The specific duties can vary depending on the family’s needs and preferences, but here are some common tasks that a nanny/housekeeper might help with:
Childcare:
- Supervising and caring for children, including feeding, bathing, and dressing them.
- Engaging children in age-appropriate activities, such as playing games, reading books, or doing crafts.
- Transporting children to and from school, activities, or appointments.
- Helping with homework and educational activities.
- Organising and overseeing playdates and outings.
Housekeeping:
- Cleaning and tidying common areas of the home, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.
- Doing laundry, including washing, drying, folding, and ironing clothes and linens.
- Making beds and changing bed linens.
- Cleaning and organising children’s rooms and play areas.
- Doing light meal preparation or cooking for the children.
- Grocery shopping and running errands.
Household Management:
- Managing household schedules and calendars, including coordinating appointments and activities for the family.
- Organising and maintaining household paperwork, such as bills, mail, and school forms.
- Coordinating repairs and maintenance for the home, including scheduling service appointments and supervising contractors.
- Managing household budgets and expenses, including keeping track of receipts and expenditures.
- Providing assistance with pet care, such as feeding, walking, and grooming pets.
Additional Duties:
- Assisting with pet care, such as feeding, walking, and grooming pets.
- Providing overnight care for children, if needed.
- Offering additional support during family events or gatherings.
- Assisting with travel arrangements and packing, if the family goes on trips.
Overall, a nanny/housekeeper can play a vital role in supporting busy families by helping to care for children and manage household tasks, allowing parents to focus on other responsibilities or spend quality time with their children. It’s essential to communicate clearly with the nanny/housekeeper about your expectations and preferences to ensure that they can effectively meet your needs.
What to consider when hiring a nanny/housekeeper
There are certain regulations and considerations you need to be aware of when hiring domestic help in the UK:
- Employment Law: You need to comply with UK employment laws, which include paying at least the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage (depending on the age of the worker), providing a contract of employment, and ensuring the worker’s rights are protected.
- Right to Work: Ensure that the nanny/housekeeper has the legal right to work in the UK. This might require checking their immigration status if they’re not a UK citizen.
- Tax and National Insurance: If you’re employing someone, you’ll likely need to register as an employer with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and deduct tax and National Insurance contributions from their wages. Alternatively, you can use the services of a payroll provider to handle this for you.
- Working Hours and Conditions: Be clear about the working hours, duties, and conditions of employment. Make sure to establish boundaries and expectations from the beginning.
- Contract and Terms of Employment: It’s advisable to have a written contract outlining the terms of employment, including pay, hours of work, holiday entitlement, and any other relevant details.
- Health and Safety: Ensure that the working environment is safe and that any equipment or tools used by the nanny/housekeeper are in good condition and safe to use.
- Insurance: Consider whether you need employer’s liability insurance to cover any potential accidents or injuries that might occur while the nanny/housekeeper is working in your home.
- Background Checks: It’s a good idea to conduct background checks, including references and criminal record checks, to ensure the safety and security of your family.
- Agency or Direct Hire: You can either hire a nanny/housekeeper directly or use the services of a nanny agency, which can help with the recruitment process and provide additional support. If you would like to discuss the option of using a housekeeper agency to find your perfect housekeeper take a look at Abode Staff or give us a call on: 07425 201 633
- Childcare Qualifications: If you’re hiring a nanny to look after children, you may want to consider their qualifications and experience in childcare.
It’s essential to familiarise yourself with all the legal requirements and responsibilities involved in hiring domestic help to ensure a smooth and lawful employment relationship. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from a specialist domestic recruitment agency.
In conclusion
It’s easy to see why clients often want to combine the roles of nanny and housekeeper. If you have school-aged children, you likely need help in the mornings and afternoons but recognise that a split-shift role isn’t always appealing. A great solution is hiring a nanny/housekeeper who can manage the housekeeping while the kids are at school. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind—you’re probably not going to find a Norland nanny willing to do housekeeping, or a top-tier housekeeper who also has experience caring for children! In this article, I’ll dive into what to expect from the nanny/housekeeper role.