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Getting Your Space Organised and Refreshed for 2024: Family Edition

As we step into 2024, one of the most rewarding activities is to declutter and refresh our living spaces. Not only does it provide a sense of calm and order, but it also sets a positive tone for the year ahead. And guess what? Organising can be a family affair! Here’s how you can get your space organised and refreshed for 2024, with tips on involving children in the process.

Step 1: Declutter Together

Start by gathering the family for a decluttering session. Create a game out of it with rewards for the most items decluttered or the tidiest room. Encourage children to donate toys they no longer use, explaining how it could bring joy to other children.

Step 2: Create Kid-Friendly Organising Systems

Involve the children in creating organising systems that work for them. Use pictures labels for toy bins or color-code shelves for their books. The more they are involved in the process, the more likely they will maintain the organisation.

Step 3: Redefine Spaces

The New Year is a great time to rethink how spaces in your home are used. Perhaps the kids have outgrown the playroom, and it’s time to create a study corner. Involve them in the process of redesigning the space to suit their current needs and interests.

Step 4: Set Cleaning Routines

Create a cleaning schedule that includes the whole family. Assign age-appropriate chores to children and make it fun with music or a little competition. Regular cleaning helps maintain the organisation and cleanliness of your space.

Step 5: Celebrate and Maintain

Once your space is organised, celebrate with a family activity in your newly refreshed home. Maintain the organisation with regular mini clean-ups and encourage children to put things back after use.

Organising your space is not just about cleaning; it’s about creating an environment where you and your family can relax and thrive. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready for a fantastic 2024 in a clean and organised home!

What Nannies Need for 2024

2023 is over, and it’s a great time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities nannies faced this year. As we look ahead to 2024, let’s explore what nannies truly need to thrive in their crucial role, nurturing and caring for the most precious members of our society – children.

1. Competitive Wages and Benefits:
Nannies are not glorified babysitters. They are early childhood educators, confidantes, and second mothers to the children they care for. Paying them competitive wages and offering generous benefits, like paid time off and healthcare, sends a strong message of respect and appreciation for their invaluable work.

2. Clear Communication and Open Dialogue:
Nannies need open communication with families to navigate expectations, routines, and concerns effectively. Establishing regular check-ins, setting clear boundaries, and fostering trust-based conversations create a healthy work environment for everyone.

3. Professional Development Opportunities:
Nannies deserve the chance to expand their knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care for children. Families can support this by offering access to workshops, conferences, or even financial assistance for relevant certifications and training.

4. Respect and Recognition:
Nannies often face societal perceptions that downplay their role. Parents can champion their nannies’ skills and dedication by acknowledging their contribution to the family’s well-being. Showing appreciation through a simple “thank you” or even a small token of gratitude goes a long way.

5. Work-Life Balance and Flexible Schedules:
Nannies are not robots – they have personal lives and families of their own. Offering flexible work hours, predictable schedules, and paid time off allows nannies to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents burnout.

Healthy and Delicious Christmas Snack Ideas for Children

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with some healthy and delicious Christmas snacks for children. Whether you’re a nanny, parent, or caregiver, these festive snack ideas are sure to delight the little ones and provide a nutritious twist to the holiday treats.

1. Fruit Christmas Trees:

Create a fun and festive snack using slices of kiwi stacked to form a Christmas tree. Add raspberries or strawberries as ornaments and a piece of star fruit at the top.

2. Santa Claus Strawberries:

Dip strawberries in Greek yogurt to create a ‘Santa hat’, and use chia seeds or mini chocolate chips for the eyes. It’s a simple and sweet treat that’s also good for them.

3. Snowman Cheese Sticks:

Wrap cheese sticks in clear plastic and draw a snowman face with a permanent marker. It’s an easy and fun way to add a festive touch to a simple snack.

4. Reindeer Rice Cakes:

Spread almond or peanut butter on rice cakes and use pretzels for antlers, raisins for eyes, and a red grape or cherry tomato for the nose.

5. Veggie Wreath:

Arrange broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and yellow bell peppers on a plate to form a Christmas wreath. Serve with a bowl of hummus for dipping.

6. Gingerbread Smoothies:

Blend bananas, Greek yogurt, a dash of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to create a smoothie that tastes like gingerbread but is packed with health benefits.

7. Apple Slices with Festive Dips:

Serve apple slices with red and green colored dips made from yogurt or blended berries for a healthy and festive snack.

8. Popcorn Snowballs:

Make small popcorn balls using air-popped popcorn and bind them with a bit of honey. Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

9. Christmas Tree Pita Pizzas:

Cut pita bread into Christmas tree shapes and top with green pesto, chopped veggies, and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted.

10. Cucumber and Carrot Reindeers:

Use slices of cucumber and carrot sticks to create reindeer faces. Hummus or cream cheese can be used to stick on raisin eyes and a cherry tomato nose.

These snack ideas are not only healthy but also incredibly fun to make and eat. They are sure to bring some extra joy and nutrition to your little ones’ holiday season!

10 Creative DIY Christmas Decorations for Nannies and Children

The festive season is a wonderful time to engage in creative activities with children. As a nanny, you have the unique opportunity to make this Christmas memorable by crafting homemade decorations with your mindees. Here are 10 easy and fun DIY Christmas decoration ideas that are perfect for kids of all ages.

1. Handprint Christmas Tree:

Materials: Green paint, paper, and decorations (glitter, stickers). Method: Paint the child’s hand with green paint and press it onto a sheet of paper to create a tree shape. Once dry, decorate with glitter and stickers.

2. Paper Snowflakes:

Materials: White paper, scissors. Method: Fold the paper into a triangle and cut small shapes along the edges. Unfold to reveal a unique snowflake pattern.

3. Pine Cone Christmas Trees:

Materials: Pine cones, green paint, small pom-poms, or sequins. Method: Paint the pine cones green and, once dry, decorate them with pom-poms or sequins as ornaments.

4. Sock Snowmen:

Materials: White socks, rice, rubber bands, buttons, and fabric scraps. Method: Fill the sock with rice and tie rubber bands to form the snowman’s body and head. Add buttons for eyes and fabric scraps for a scarf.

5. Cardboard Tube Santa:

Materials: Toilet paper rolls, red and white paint, cotton wool, googly eyes. Method: Paint the tube red, add a white rim and cotton wool for the beard. Stick on googly eyes to complete Santa’s face.

6. Christmas Wreath:

Materials: Paper plate, green tissue paper, red ribbon, glue. Method: Cut the center out of the paper plate and glue green tissue paper around the ring. Add a red ribbon for a festive touch.

7. Salt Dough Ornaments:

Materials: Salt dough (salt, flour, water), cookie cutters, paint. Method: Make salt dough, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to create shapes. Once baked and cooled, paint and decorate.

8. Button Christmas Cards:

Materials: Card stock, buttons, glue, markers. Method: Glue buttons onto the card stock in the shape of a Christmas tree, snowman, or wreath. Use markers to add details.

9. Yarn Wrapped Ornaments:

Materials: Balloons, yarn, glue. Method: Blow up the balloons to a small size. Dip yarn in glue, wrap it around the balloon, and let it dry. Pop the balloon to reveal a yarn ornament.

10. Reindeer Handprint Art:

Materials: Brown paint, paper, red pom-poms, googly eyes. Method: Paint the child’s hand brown and press it onto paper. Add a red pom-pom for the nose and googly eyes to create a reindeer.

These DIY decorations not only add a personal touch to your festive decor but also provide a great opportunity to bond with your mindees and develop their creative skills. Have fun crafting and merry Christmas!

Navigating Pregnancy as a Nanny in the UK: A 2023 Guide

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings a host of questions, especially for nannies working in the UK. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to a smooth journey. Let’s explore what you need to know about pregnancy as a nanny in 2023.

When to Inform Your Employers?

Legally, you must notify your employers of your pregnancy by the 25th week. You’ll receive a MATB1 form from your midwife around 20 weeks for this purpose. However, many nannies choose to inform their employers earlier, often post the 12-week scan. Early disclosure can facilitate risk assessments for your role and ensure you receive paid time off for antenatal care.

What Does a Risk Assessment Entail?

Given the varied nature of a nanny’s job, risk assessments can differ. For pregnant nannies, considerations might include the physical strain of lifting children or exposure to infectious diseases.

Continuing Work During Pregnancy

Nannies can certainly continue working throughout their pregnancy. Your employer is required to make reasonable adjustments to your role to accommodate your pregnancy.

Maternity Leave Regulations

You can initiate your maternity leave any time post the 29th week of pregnancy. The commencement of maternity leave may also be triggered by the birth of your baby, a stillbirth post the 24th week, or pregnancy-related sickness after the 36th week.

Maternity Pay for Nannies

If you meet the criteria (having worked for the family for at least 26 weeks by the 25th week of your pregnancy), you are entitled to 6 weeks at 90% of full pay, followed by 33 weeks at the statutory rate or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Employers can generally reclaim these costs due to their status as small employers.

If you don’t qualify for SMP, you can claim Maternity Allowance, and your employer should provide form SMP1. If you have multiple jobs, you may be eligible for SMP from each employer.

Duration of Maternity Leave

You are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, split into 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave. While you can choose to take less, a minimum of 2 weeks post-birth is mandatory.

Holiday Accrual and KIT Days

Your holiday accrual continues during maternity leave. You may also participate in up to 10 Keeping In Touch (KIT) days without affecting your SMP.

Job Security Post-Maternity Leave

Post Ordinary Maternity Leave, you have the right to return to your job under the same conditions. If you take Additional Maternity Leave, your employer must offer a similar role if your original job is unavailable.

Redundancy and Bringing Your Child to Work

You cannot be made redundant for being pregnant; that would be discriminatory. However, redundancy may occur if there’s a significant change in childcare needs during your leave. Additionally, nannies don’t inherently have the right to bring their child to work, but this can be negotiated with your employer.

In a nanny share situation, bringing your child to work would require registering as a childminder under the Children’s Act 1989.

Keeping Your Nanny Happy in 2023: Beyond the Festive Cheers

As we navigate through 2023, with its unique challenges and the festive season just around the corner, it’s an ideal time to reflect on how to maintain a joyful and productive relationship with your nanny. While grand gestures have their place, the true art of appreciation lies in the everyday acts of kindness and respect

Understanding RESPECT in the Nanny-Parent Relationship:

The acronym RESPECT stands for Rights, Earnings, Space, Professionalism, Expenses, Choices, and Time. These elements are foundational to a healthy working relationship. Particularly, being mindful of your nanny’s time – respecting their finish time is respecting their personal life. If you’re often late, consider adjusting and compensating for their extended hours.

Small Gestures, Big Impact:

Flexibility and Understanding: Life happens – a delayed train or a slow morning can affect anyone. Show understanding for the occasional late start and balance this with letting your nanny leave early now and then.
Personal Perks: Simple acts like offering a takeaway during babysitting nights, or access to your Netflix account can go a long way. If they love cooking, why not leave some cash for them to buy special ingredients?
Fair Sick Pay: Remember, nannies are just as prone to illness as anyone. Fair sick pay ensures they don’t suffer financially for something out of their control, especially if it’s a bug caught from the children.
Access to Household Amenities: If your nanny is a baking enthusiast and you have a top-notch mixer, let them use it. Similarly, if their washing machine breaks, offering yours is a gesture of goodwill.
Invitations to Family Events: Whether for work (with overtime pay) or as a guest, inviting your nanny to significant family events shows that you value them as part of your extended family.
Thoughtful Gifts and Recognition: On their birthday or during festive seasons, a thoughtful gift or a voucher from their favorite store can be deeply appreciated. Remember, personalized appreciation often holds more value than extravagant gifts.
Annual Reviews and Rewards: A yearly review of their performance is a good practice. If a pay raise isn’t feasible, consider other forms of appreciation, like extra holiday time or a heartfelt acknowledgment of their hard work.
Recommendations and Referrals: If your nanny is open to extra babysitting, recommending them to your friends can be a great help. And if not, guide your friends to reliable babysitting resources.
Daily Gratitude: Never underestimate the power of a simple ‘thank you.’ It’s a daily reminder that their efforts are seen and valued.

Conclusion:

In 2023, the key to a successful nanny-parent relationship lies in consistent, respectful, and empathetic interactions. Small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference in fostering a positive and mutually rewarding relationship.

Does my nanny need a pension?

The government’s pensions initiative, known as Auto Enrolment, requires all UK employers to automatically enrol any qualifying employees into a workplace pension scheme and make contributions towards that pension. As a UK nanny employer, you will need to enrol your nanny into a pension scheme if he or she qualifies.

Does my nanny qualify for a workplace pension?

If your nanny is aged between 22 years old and the State Pension Age and they earn £10,000 or above per year, then they do qualify for a workplace pension.

What will happen if I don’t offer my nanny a pension scheme?

If your nanny is eligible for a pension scheme and you fail to enrol them into one, or if you fail to pay pension contributions, you can be fined by The Pensions Regulator.

My nanny doesn’t qualify but still wants a pension, what should I do?

Your nanny still has the right to ‘opt in’ and join a pension scheme even if they do not qualify for a workplace pension. It is your responsibility to enrol them into a suitable scheme.

My nanny qualifies for a pension but doesn’t want one, what do I need to do?

It is a legal requirement for you to enrol your nanny into a pension scheme if they qualify for it, even if he or she doesn’t want one. Once your nanny is enrolled into a pension scheme, they can then choose to ‘opt out’ or ‘cease membership’ of the scheme.

If this is the first time you’ve heard about your Auto Enrolment and nanny employer pension duties, don’t worry! Nannytax provides a fully managed workplace pension service for their clients which means the Nannytax team of pension specialists can take this off your hands!

This blog was written by Nannytax, the award-winning and UK leading nanny payroll experts with 30 years experience.

Discover more about Nannytax here.

Which childcare provider is right for you?

As a parent, one of the most important decisions you will make is which childcare provider is right for your child. There are many different types of childcare providers available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a childcare provider:

Your child’s age and needs. Different childcare providers are better suited for different ages of children. For example, a childminder may be a good option for an infant, while a preschool may be a better fit for a preschooler.
Your family’s budget. Childcare costs can vary significantly from one provider to the next. Be sure to factor in the cost of childcare when making your decision.
Your family’s schedule. Some childcare providers offer full-time care, while others offer part-time care or drop-in care. Be sure to choose a provider that can accommodate your family’s schedule.
Your child’s temperament. Some children are more social and outgoing, while others are more shy and reserved. Choose a childcare provider that will provide your child with the right environment for their temperament.
Your family’s values. Some childcare providers have a more structured approach to learning, while others have a more play-based approach. Choose a provider that aligns with your family’s values.

Here are some of the different types of childcare providers available:

Childminders: Childminders are registered childcare providers who care for children in their own homes. They typically care for a small number of children, which can provide a more personalized experience.
Nurseries: Nurseries are larger childcare settings that are staffed by qualified early years practitioners. They typically offer a wider range of activities and facilities than childminders.
Preschools: Preschools are educational settings that provide early learning opportunities for children aged 3-5. They typically offer a structured curriculum that helps children develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
Playgroups: Playgroups are informal settings where children can play and socialize with other children. They are typically run by volunteers and are a good option for children who are not yet ready for a structured learning environment.

What interview questions should I ask a nanny?

During a nanny interview, it’s important to get a clear understanding of who the nanny candidate is, if they’ll be a good fit for your family, and how capable they are of fulfilling your requirements.

We suggest you prepare a list of interview questions ahead of the interviews, so that you can cover everything you need to know! Here are some examples of the sort of questions you may want to ask:

Questions specific to the role

What is your approach to meal planning?
What qualities do you look for in a family to decide whether it’s a good fit?
Describe a typical day at work for you.

Questions about their nannying style

What do you think are the qualities needed to be a good nanny?
What is your approach to discipline?
What are your favourite activities to do with children?

Questions about their education and experience

How long have you worked as a nanny?
Do you have any childcare qualifications?
Are you Ofsted-registered?
And it’s good to ask a few personal questions!

Why did you decide to become a nanny?
What are your hobbies?

For more examples of nanny interview questions,click here.

This blog was written by Nannytax, the award-winning and UK leading nanny payroll experts with over 25 years experience.

Discover more about Nannytax here.

Exploring Cultures from Your Living Room: Activities & Crafts from Around the World

Traveling might be on hold for many of us, but exploring diverse cultures doesn’t have to be. There’s a whole world inside your living room waiting to be discovered through crafts, activities, and stories. Here are some delightful ways to journey around the world without stepping outside your door:

1. Japanese Origami:

Activity: Learn the ancient art of Japanese paper folding.

Materials: Square sheets of paper.

Guide: Start with basics like the crane or boat and gradually work up to more complex designs.

2. African Beadwork:

Activity: Create beautiful African-inspired bead jewellery.

Materials: Colourful beads, string, or thread.

Guide: Explore patterns from tribes such as the Zulu or Maasai and craft necklaces or bracelets.

3. Indian Rangoli:

Activity: Make a vibrant floor art using coloured sand or rice.

Materials: Coloured sand or rice, rangoli patterns.

Guide: Design symmetrical patterns on the floor, usually done during festivals.

4. Mexican Piñatas:

Activity: Build and decorate your own piñata.

Materials: Balloon, newspaper, flour, water, paint, and candies.

Guide: Make a paste from flour and water, layer newspaper strips dipped in the paste over a balloon, let dry, paint, and fill with candies.

5. Australian Aboriginal Dot Painting:

Activity: Craft a unique artwork inspired by indigenous Australians.

Materials: Canvas or paper, paint, cotton buds.

Guide: Using cotton buds, create intricate designs using only dots.

6. Italian Pizzelle Making:

Activity: Cook these traditional waffle cookies.

Materials: Pizzelle iron, ingredients for the batter (eggs, sugar, butter, flour, vanilla extract).

Guide: Mix ingredients, pour into a pre-heated pizzelle iron, and cook until golden.

These activities not only offer a fun pastime but also provide invaluable lessons about the world’s cultures. So put on some traditional music from each region, dive into the activity, and transport your family to another corner of the globe!