We generally suggest an uninterrupted initial meeting with the nanny, maybe whilst the children are in bed. The second interview is a good opportunity for the children to meet with the nanny and express their views. We also suggest a half day trial before a decision is made. You may decide not to follow this format and many successful nanny/employer relationships have been formed after just one meeting.

See Nanny Interviewing Tips.

All nannies should be expected to undergo (and pay for) a CRB police check, we will inform you of the nanny's CRB status before an interview. CRB checks cost £56.00 and usually take four weeks to complete.

It is essential for a person who has sole responsibility of children under the age of 3yrs to hold a current paediatric first aid certificate. We have close working relationships with local training centres where courses can be taken. We will inform you of the candidate's first aid status before interview.

As the employer you have full employer responsibility which includes payment of the tax and national insurance on your nanny's salary. You may wish to use a company such as Nanny tax. www.nannytax.co.uk they offer a full range of services and are great value for money.

The law requires a nanny to receive a contract of employment within the first eight weeks of employment. A draft employment contract will be mailed to you once interviews are arranged.

As an employer, the family must check that their insurer protects them against possible claims made by their nanny, such as personal injury.

Whilst some families will provide a car for their nanny to use, many nannies will use their own car for the school run etc. It is important that if using their own car the nanny has business insurance and that they are compensated with pence per mile rate to cover petrol and wear and tear. It is the family and nanny's joint responsibility to ensure that the car is road worthy and that correct child seats are fitted. You may wish to see the nanny's driving licence, MOT and insurance details.

The new Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR), introduced in April 2007, has now replaced the Childcare Approval Scheme (CAS). If the Client would like to be able to take advantage of the childcare element of working tax credits or use the childcare vouchers, they will need their nanny to become Ofsted Registered.

The process can take up to 4-6 weeks and costs approximately £103. Your nanny will need to provide an up to date CRB Check and a First Aid Certificate. You can either apply on-line and full details can be obtained at www.ofsted.gov.uk or by phoning 08456 404040 for further details.