Nanny employment contract
When employing a nanny, or a nanny is taking on a new role with a family, it is important to be clear about expectations, conditions, etc to avoid any confusion.
It offers the opportunity for both parties to be clear from the outset.
Having a nanny contract at the commencement of employment is highly recommended.
A nanny contract offers a clear guideline of expectations and requirements for both parties in the care and education of the children.
A clearly defined nanny contract has the potential to alleviate any potential problems that may occur during the employment.
It is important to note that a nanny contract needs to be in line with the legislation.
Without some form of contract there is no legal argument or recourse available if there is an issue such as a breach in legislation during the employment or termination.
It is much easier to clearly define and discuss the nanny contract prior to the commencement than it is to try and add expectations, duties and house rules later on.
It is recommended for families to utilize a nanny contract even when you go through a nanny agency as it provides more clarification, covers you and clearly states individual family expectations.
The more specific and in depth the information relating to the role and expectations the more beneficial it is for all.
We suggest providing the agency with the family nanny contract copy for their records.
Advantages of a nanny contract
- It outlines expectations as well as grievance and notice periods as well as the probation period. It has the possibility to help in unfair dismissal cases, the contract needs to be in line with legislation.
- It defines behaviour, conditions, expectations, entitlements, etc.
- Provides a clear job description.
- Offers the option for inclusion of a confidentiality agreement.
- Ensures all parties are satisfied before employment commences. It allows open lines of communication as to the employment conditions and entitlements, etc to be discussed and agreed upon to prevent any confusion.
Feel free to print our nanny contract off to use as your template when employing a nanny.
Nanny contract example
Contract between ___________________ (nanny) and _______________ (employer)
Date of Commencement: ______________________________
Work Address: ______________________________________________________
Number of children: _____ Ages: _____________
Names of children: _________________
Job Title: Place of work: _____________________________________ or other such place(s) as the employer may reasonably require/frequent from time to time.
Job Description: The following are a requirement of the position. (Insert own details)
Be as specific here as possible. Of course there is a certain amount of flexibility required in any position but it is important to be clear about the main elements of the position. Does the position include housekeeping, cooking, hours, any additional babysitting, etc. The more clarification in this section the less likely the prospect for confusion or misunderstanding. If there is a phone or car included in the employment then detail the conditions/arrangement and who is responsible for what.
The employee’s work hours are between ____a.m./ p.m. from ____________ (list days).
The babysitting requirements are ____________________ (inclusive/exclusive of salary).
These hours of work can only be changed by mutual agreement .The employer will pay $____/hour for any extra hours worked.
Salary: The gross salary is $ (net salary). Also state here when the wage is to be paid (weekly/fortnightly) and how (directly into a nominated bank account/directly to nanny). Mention here if/when a review would be and the specifics of this.
Tax and Superannuation: Place here who is responsible for the tax requirements. This varies and will depend on the type of work agreement, the country, etc.
Expenses: State here how the employee will be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses, properly and exclusively incurred in the proper performance for his/her duties provided that he/she obtains the employer’s express prior consent. If you require receipts then you need to request here that receipts for all purchases should be provided. Any reasonable extra travel expenses incurred as a result of working at another location should be reimbursed.
Holidays: Discuss what the employee will be allocated in paid holidays, including how they are accrued, notice required when applying for time off, etc along with what the requirements are for any public holidays such as will they receive a day off in lieu, be paid additionally to compensate or if it is considered a standard day, etc.
An example for holidays may state eligibility for 4 weeks per year, with 2 of those weeks having to be taken when the family takes their vacation. Additionally clarify what occurs in the instance of family take holidays, such as is the nanny paid, do they tend to the house such as spring cleaning the children’s rooms, does this account for part of their holiday time, etc.
Sickness: State clearly the expectations of what happens if the nanny is sick and if they are paid. Note such things as what time/notice you expect the nanny to contact you, is it paid and if so how do they accrue sick entitlements, etc.
Resignation/Termination of contract:
State the period of notice to be given if resigning. Give specifics in the event of cessation of employment that the employer will give in terms of notice unless it is a breach of contract or serious duty of care issue and the contract will be terminated. Also include how the resignation is to given – in writing, verbal, etc.
Signed/dated:
