The Do’s and Don’ts of Employing a Nanny: Real Stories, Legal Clarity, and Emotional Support

Why trust, transparency, and teamwork matter when hiring - or working as - a nanny in the UK.

Navigating a nanny-employer relationship can feel like stepping into a whole new world - whether you’re recruiting your first nanny, returning to work after parental leave, or building a career in childcare. In this essential episode of All Things Nanny, real parents, veteran nannies, and agency experts join forces to demystify the responsibilities (and emotions) involved in employing a nanny in the UK.

Perfect for both parents and nannies, you’ll get honest, practical guidance on hiring, contracts, pay, boundaries, and those all-important early weeks. Discover the big mistakes first-time employers make, how nannies approach interviews with confidence, and why mutual respect changes everything. Hear stories that go beyond the legal requirements - from setting up payroll to building a true connection and handling difficult moments when things don’t go to plan.

Key points explored:

• The most common pitfalls in recruitment - and how to avoid them.
• How to set boundaries and protect everyone’s wellbeing (especially with live-in roles).
• Contracts, payroll, and the essentials of getting legal compliance right from the start.

Guests:

• Shada Lambert, Professional Nanny & Nanny Coach | Instagram: @nannysharz | Website: 
• Anna Whitehouse, Founder of Mother Pukka & Flex Appeal, Broadcaster, Mother and Nanny Employer | Instagram: @mother_pukka | Website: motherpukka.co.uk
• Claire Adams, Director, Tinies Nanny Agency | Website: tinies.com
• Host: Helen Phillips

Timestamped Highlights

• 01:44 – Why parents often underestimate the responsibilities of becoming an employer
• 03:02 – A child’s perspective: letting your kids take part in the hiring process
• 04:48 – What makes an interview respectful and promising for a professional nanny
• 06:21 – Where hiring managers and parents go wrong with boundaries (and why ring-fencing a nanny’s time matters so much)
• 14:12 – Legal must-knows: tax, payroll, contracts, and employer responsibilities
• 17:22 – The importance of written contracts – for both protection and peace of mind
• 21:40 – Clear, fair communication about salaries and respecting overtime
• 31:27 – Setting household boundaries and traditions in the early weeks
• 44:16 – Handling conflict and uncomfortable conversations in a working relationship
• 47:48 – A moving real-life story of a contract breakdown and its impact on everyone

Apply these right now:

1. Have honest, transparent discussions - about boundaries, expectations, and personal values - from the very start.
2. Always agree and sign a detailed contract, including emergency contacts, pay, duties, and professional development.
3. Schedule regular check-ins to review what’s working (and what isn’t) before tension builds.

Links & Resources:

• Tinies Nanny Agency: tinies.com
• Mother Pukka: motherpukka.co.uk
• ACAS guidance on employing people in your home: acas.org.uk/guide-to-domestic-employment
• Nannytax: nannytax.co.uk

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow All Things Nanny and share it with someone navigating nanny employment.

Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know in the comments or email us at (info@nannytax.co.uk).

All Things Nanny is a podcast by Nannytax, the UK’s leading nanny payroll and employment support service.

Hosted by Helen Phillips

Produced by Matt Cheney at Brown Bear Studios

For more support and resources, visit (nannytax.co.uk/podcast)

© 2025 Nannytax. All rights reserved.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or employment advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making employment-related decisions.