Frequently
Why are Imperial Nannies different?
The big question! We are very well aware that recruiting a Nanny can be problematic and stressful for our clients. We are sensitive to this and work with integrity and transparency all the way. We never send Nannies to an interview to try to make up numbers just to impress a client. We never persuade our candidates to attend an interview for a position they are not suited to or cover up any negative aspects of a post. If we have 3 suitable candidates for a client’s consideration, we will only send those 3 candidates and nobody else unless we have accepted a new applicant. Similarly, if we have just one Nanny who we deem perfect for the role we will send that very one which also saves time in the long run and so you avoid the risk of losing her to another family.
Do you place Nannies outside of London or outside the UK?
In the UK, we place Nannies in London, in other UK cities and in the UK countryside. In rural areas its important the Nanny drives in order to be independent. We also place many Nannies and Governesses all over the world, however, we will only select candidates who are ready to work for an overseas family or indeed if they have had previous experience working abroad.
What are the costs of employing a Nanny?
As the employer, you will be responsible for paying all necessary tax, NI and NEST contributions (or equivalent in your country of residence). This is in addition to the Nanny’s net salary which you can find approximate costs for on our Nanny Salaries Chart.
Are Nannies employed or self-employed?
If a Nanny is working on a permanent basis, whether it’s full-time or part-time, as it’s a regular place of work, the Nanny will be employed by the client.
How do I deal with paying the Nanny Tax and National Insurance?
We would encourage you to outsource this to a company who specifically offer a payroll service. We can highly recommend Nanny Tax who will charge you an annual fee to look after this for you. Speak to your consultant to find out how we can save you 10% today.
What qualifications do Nannies have in the UK?
We have many qualifications in the UK, the most easily accessible is the CACHE Level 3 which is a 2 year full-time College Diploma which covers all aspects of childcare including child development and nutrition.
Please view our detailed List of Qualifications here.
How do I interview a Nanny for an overseas position?
We place many Nannies overseas and suggest a first interview by phone/Facetime or Skype. However we are more than happy for you to interview your potential candidates at our London or Bath office if more convenient to you.
We have some useful interview questions available so please request this from your consultant once first interviews have been set up. You could also invite your potential Nanny for a personal interview but all travel and transportation costs should be paid for by the family and not the candidate.
Could you recommend a Nanny payroll service?
A specialist company called Nannytax provides this service. This is a good choice as it makes it easier for both employer and employee. Call your consultant now to find out how we can save you 10%!
What is the difference between a Maternity Nurse and a Nanny?
Maternity nurses are trained to look after newborn babies and infants so their tenure with a family tends to be of short duration. They work longer shifts than Nannies with many being on call for 24 hours which includes the nights if needed. They are self-employed unlike Nannies who are employed by the family. Nannies, on the other hand, look after infants aged 3 months and older and their contracts are usually for a minimum of one year. Nannies work 10-12 hours per day for 5 or 6 days per week. Typically a Nanny doesn’t do night duties, although they are often prepared to babysit if given sufficient notice.
What is the difference between a Live-In and Live-Out Nanny?
The Nannies would remain the same, however a Live-In Nanny would either live with the family in their home or she would have separate accommodation provided for her which would include food and all household bills being paid. A Live-Out Nanny would arrive for work early in the morning and leave in the evening at the agreed time stated on her Contract of Employment and would provide her own accommodation at no cost to the family.
What Background checks do you carry out?
We always require candidates to provide a collection of personal information as follows:
Photo ID: either a valid passport or driving licence
Identity documentation – in date Passport, Driving Licence, Birth Certificate, NI No, etc.
Proof of eligibility to work in the UK if seeking a position in the UK
Reasons for any gaps in employment
Original certificates to prove qualifications
An up-to-date DBS certificate
An up-to-date First Aid certificate
A minimum of two references to confirm their suitability
How long does the recruitment process take from start to finish?
This all depends on the client and candidates’ schedules for interviews and the individual needs of the family but the average time from start to finish is 2-12 weeks. Overseas positions can be delayed by the fact that interviews may be held initially in our London office or by Skype/Facetime before 2 or 3 candidates are shortlisted and flown to the client’s home to meet the family and see their household. If you require and position to be filled urgently please advise your consultant of your anticipated time frame and we will work out hardest to fulfil your request.
We understand that our clients are busy with their careers/businesses/empires and we are willing to work around them. Until we hear the words “we have found someone”, we won’t give up our search.
