Signature Staff

Private Household Candidate FAQs

Private Household Candidate FAQs

What qualifications does a nanny need?
Open What qualifications does a nanny need?

There are many educational qualifications available to nannies in the UK:

Early Years (or equivalent) (CACHE Level 3 Diploma)

Most commonly nannies are now completing a degree in Early Years or similar, these are offered at various universities in the UK, the most famous is Norland College in Bath.

This is a three year degree and includes course work and placements to offer hands on experience in a variety of childcare settings.

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Early Years

Candidates can also study a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Early Years. This qualification is completed whilst working full time, normally in a nursery.  It normally takes a year or two to complete, depending on how quickly the candidate completes coursework.

In order to be considered able to work as a nanny, we expect a Level 3 or above to be completed.

Diploma in Childcare & Education (CACHE Level 3 Diploma)

Traditionally candidates studied the Diploma in childcare and education offered by NNEB (Nursery Nurse Examining Board) which was then superseded by the CACHE issuing body.

These two courses included practical experience as well as time in the classroom and took two years to complete.

Montessori Diploma & Other Teaching Degrees

You can study a Montessori Diploma, or a teaching degree or you could specialise in working with children with additional needs.

Outside of UK

Each country will have their own courses; in Australia this could be a TAFE Diploma in Community services whereas in New Zealand there is a government based initiative which aims to teach parents and child carers alike the best way to look after young children. A few nannies will have gone through the PORSE system and completed their qualifications.

If you’re unsure if your international qualification is applicable in the UK, we advise you to contact NARIC, the UK government body which compares international diplomas and offers a statement of comparability.

Does a nanny need to take out insurance?
Open Does a nanny need to take out insurance?

As a childcare professional we also highly recommend you hold liability insurance. Two of the most well known providers in the UK are Morton Michel and Nannytax, but of course there are many more out there.

Your Signature Staff consultant will be able to advise you on this.

How many years’ experience working as a candidate must I have in order to register with Signature Staff?
Open How many years’ experience working as a candidate must I have in order to register with Signature Staff?

We require a minimum of 3 years’ experience of working in a private household.

Is a DBS Required and how do I apply for it?
Open Is a DBS Required and how do I apply for it?

If you are working with children, will be required to apply for the enhanced DBS.

Signature Staff are an authorised body and consequently can assist you and fast-track your DBS application.

The cost of an enhanced DBS is £65.20

What qualifications does a maternity nurse need?
Open What qualifications does a maternity nurse need?

There are a number of qualifications a maternity nurse may have including:

  • Maternity Practitioner Award - Level 4 (ONC accredited)
  • Maternity Practitioner Award - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
  • Breastfeeding Course - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
  • Sleep Training Course - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
Professional Development courses – do I need to do them and what courses can I do?
Open Professional Development courses – do I need to do them and what courses can I do?

There are many development courses qualifications available to nannies. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) provides the children in your care the best possible start in life, as well as helping to future proof your career.

Attending courses both online and in person will help develop your knowledge and skills as well as offering you the opportunity to meet and network with other likeminded professionals.

Some companies and courses we recommend include;

Be Ready to Parent

Safe and Sound

MNT Training

Unicef

There are of course many other course providers on the market so have a look and see what fits for you.

Is a first aid qualification required to register as a Signature Staff nanny or member of household staff?
Open Is a first aid qualification required to register as a Signature Staff nanny or member of household staff?

Only candidates who are working with children must hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate.

This fully incorporates all the necessary modules and is valid for 3 years after which time you will need to repeat the 2 day course.

Does Signature Staff charge candidates a fee to register?
Open Does Signature Staff charge candidates a fee to register?

No fee is paid by candidates at any time during their interaction with Signature Staff.

What background checks do Signature Staff run on you, the candidate?
Open What background checks do Signature Staff run on you, the candidate?

References: We require you to have at least 3 years’ experience with checkable references – we don’t just stop at two referees.

Face-to-Face Meeting: We ask you to attend a face to face meeting at our Central London office, during this interview, we’ll verify your identity, working rights; site your documentation and make sure we have a thorough understanding of your skill-set, experience and what you are looking for in a job.

Certificates

  • Your Photo ID: either a valid passport or driving licence
  • Your identity documentation: Passport, Driving Licence, NI No, etc.
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the UK if you are seeking a position in the UK
  • Reasons for any gaps in your employment history
  • Certificates to evidence your qualifications
  • An up-to-date DBS certificate (for those working with children)
  • An up-to-date First Aid certificate (for those working with children)
For overseas positions how does payroll, tax and other employment obligations differ from the UK?
Open For overseas positions how does payroll, tax and other employment obligations differ from the UK?

Most countries have differing tax legislation. Your Signature Staff consultant will advise you on this if you apply for an overseas position.

Equivalently your holiday entitlements will differ too, and will be set-out in your employment contract.

Who provides the employment contract to be agreed between the nanny or other member of household staff and the employer?
Open Who provides the employment contract to be agreed between the nanny or other member of household staff and the employer?

Your Signature Staff consultant can provide a draft contract of employment although sometimes your prospective employers will provide one.

Your Signature Staff consultant will advise you as to the standard terms currently prevailing in the market at that particular point in time to ensure you are treated fairly.

How do I use Nannytax as a nanny or member of household staff in the UK?
Open How do I use Nannytax as a nanny or member of household staff in the UK?

Your employer will register with Nannytax (https://www.nannytax.co.uk/), having inputted your gross pay and other relevant information into the Nannytax portal.

Nannytax will automatically generate a monthly payslip for you which will set out your gross pay and your net pay with the difference being deductions for tax, pension contributions, student loan repayments (if applicable).

As a nanny or other member of household staff in the UK, what determines whether I am employed or self-employed?
Open As a nanny or other member of household staff in the UK, what determines whether I am employed or self-employed?

All permanent employees in a household who work are employed, not self-employed.

Those candidates who work on a temporary basis (full-time or part-time) are self-employed and responsible themselves for declaring their income and meeting the accompanying tax obligations.

We advise all staff to talk in terms of a gross salary when accepting a new position, the agency can advise on standard rates of pay to expect.

How do I convert gross salary to net salary as a nanny or member of household staff in the UK?
Open How do I convert gross salary to net salary as a nanny or member of household staff in the UK?

The easiest way to determine your net pay (salary into your bank account after deductions) is to call your Signature Staff consultant and we’ll be able to advise you.

Does the client incur travel costs when the employee starts a new position?
Open Does the client incur travel costs when the employee starts a new position?

The client is responsible for covering travel expenses at the start and end of the employment.

Over and above this, for overseas placements, 1-2 return flights to the candidate’s country of residence are typically included and will be set out in the employment contract.

Is there usually a trial period with overseas positions?
Open Is there usually a trial period with overseas positions?

A trial period is normally built into a probationary period in the contract.

What kind of visa do I need to work as a nanny or member of household staff?
Open What kind of visa do I need to work as a nanny or member of household staff?

In the UK, you need to hold a full working visa – there are a few options currently available, including a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, a Spousal Visa, and an Ancestry Visa.

Currently, household staff are not able to be sponsored by employers to get visas.

For overseas positions (ex. UK), your Signature Staff consultant will ensure the requisite visas are applied for by the Client, and the Client will also bear the costs of these.

What are the best household staff interview questions?
Open What are the best household staff interview questions?
  • Please outline your relevant qualifications for the role.
  • What do you enjoy about working in the role?
  • What skill-set do you have as a domestic staff member that make you a valuable asset to the household?
  • Our expectation is that within your role you would complete certain duties. Are there any duties outlined in the job description that you aren’t happy to undertake?
  • Do you have any dietary requirements?
  • Do you intend to stay in the house on your days off or go home?
As a part-time nanny or other member of household staff, how do I get paid and declare tax in the UK?
Open As a part-time nanny or other member of household staff, how do I get paid and declare tax in the UK?

Those employees who work on a permanent part-time basis will be classified as employed.

If you are employed in a part-time role, your employer is responsible for operating a PAYE scheme.

What is a nanny housekeeper?
Open What is a nanny housekeeper?

The duties of a nanny housekeeper are wide ranging, depending on the requirements of the household, but in general they involve general household cleaning and tidying, laundry and ironing, cooking/help in the kitchen, and some lighter childcare duties including babysitting, school runs, etc.

What qualities make a good housekeeper?
Open What qualities make a good housekeeper?
  • Self-starter as opposed to needing significant direction
  • Strong cleaning and ironing skills
  • Good time-keeping organisation and appearance
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Easy to live alongside (if live-in housekeeper)
  • Ability to cope in an emergency
  • Respond well to direction
  • Reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness
What qualifications does a maternity nurse need?
Open What qualifications does a maternity nurse need?

There are a number of qualifications a maternity nurse may have including:

  • Maternity Practitioner Award - Level 4 (ONC accredited)
  • Maternity Practitioner Award - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
  • Breastfeeding Course - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
  • Sleep Training Course - Level 3 (OCN accredited)
What qualities make a good maternity nurse?
Open What qualities make a good maternity nurse?
  • Ability to establish a routine
  • Helpful with advice and suggestions
  • Easy to live alongside
  • Ability to cope in an emergency
  • Reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness

Enquire Now

Please get in touch with one of our team to discuss your Private Household requirements today. 

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