What is a Nanny share?
The definition of a nanny share is when a nanny’s time is shared between two families. The nanny can either take care of two families at the same time or split their working hours between the families.
How does a Nanny share work?
In most cases, families will hire a single nanny to care for their children together, in order to split the cost and provide additional company for their child. This is known as a “full nanny share” and works for both full-time nanny or part-time nanny positions. However, this is not to get confused with a childminder. The nanny will not care for the children at their own home but will look after the children at one of the family homes, dependent on the arrangement between the two families.
For families looking for a part-time nanny, there is the option for “partial-share”. A “partial-share” enables families to employ a nanny on a part-time basis, whilst still allowing the nanny to work full-time. In order to work on this basis, the family will need to find another family to share the 40+ hour schedule with. Although they won’t need to manage the nanny together, they will need to discuss practical matters such as holidays and schedules.
What are the benefits of a Nanny share?
Families that choose to work with a nanny on a nanny share basis can benefit in a number of ways.
1. Cost
The cost of a nanny share is a considerable benefit. By sharing a nanny with another family, families can expect to save a third of the salary that would need to be paid to a nanny if they provided care for you alone. Nanny sharing is more cost-effective than nurseries, whilst at the same time provides a nanny with a slightly higher salary from looking after multiple children, as well as better job security.
2. Socialising
By using a nanny share, children will be able to socialise with other children, fostering their social development. Children will quickly learn how to act and behave around others within the comfort of a home environment.
3. Flexibility
Whilst nurseries and other child care options often have strict (and rigid) policies on hours, holidays and sickness, with a nanny share, families are able to schedule ahead, navigate around potential issues and ensure that their family’s unique needs are met.
4. Attention
It is certainly true that nurseries provide a fantastic opportunity for children to interact with each other, but the staff’s attention will be divided across a large group of children. With a nanny share, however, families can be certain that their child will receive dedicated attention from their nanny. In addition to this, families are also able to influence the care provided, by requesting certain activities and approaches.
How do you find a nanny share?
When finding a nanny share we recommend looking for a potential family first so that they can be involved in the interview process. If you’re joining a family/nanny duo, you should interview both the nanny and the family.
To start your nanny share search, create a listing on our website today.
Managing your nanny share effectively
Once a nanny and family have been found, there are a few details that should be discussed and agreed upon before entering into a nanny share agreement, including holiday days, sickness, and payment. At Yoopies, we have put together some tips to help families address each of these aspects.
1) Holiday Days:
If the nanny is working full-time, they will be entitled by law to take a total of 28 days leave, including bank holidays. It is important that you come to an agreement with both the nanny and the other family on how this should be divided. Typically, one week is taken for each family and the nanny is then free to request the remaining holiday days. In the case that the nanny works part-time, their leave entitlement will need to be prorated.
2) Unwell Child:
In the unfortunate event that your child becomes unwell, it’s useful to have a set process to follow. At Yoopies, we recommend establishing this before initiating the agreement. Both families should consider what levels of sickness are acceptable. Generally, families agree that fever and vomiting, as well as the first 24 hours of a bacterial infection, are indicators that the unwell child should not attend the share.
3) Unable to Collect a Child:
In some instances, a family may need to arrive home earlier or later than usual, even though their children may be in the other family’s home that week. If this is a likely scenario, families should aim to source a nanny who has access to a car and is able to travel with the child to and from the other family’s home.
4) Providing equipment
Both families will need to decide between them who will provide equipment such as buggies etc. Families finance food, wipes, nappies, etc, and the cost of this is normally divided between the two families.
Your nanny contract:
Once you’re comfortable with the details, you will need to sign two official nanny contracts- one per family- that address employment issues, including payment, holidays and overtime, etc, as well as the procedure to follow when a child is unwell, baby proofing, house-hold duties, expenses, and discipline, etc.
Both families and the nanny will require public liability insurance and both families must set up a PAYE scheme to pay national insurance, pension payments etc.
Ready to find your nanny share?
With a shared nanny, families can rest assured in the knowledge that they have an expert nanny capable of time-management and organisation. Start your nanny share search today by using our online service at Yoopies.