Tag: references

The Ultimate Responsibility: Checking Your Nanny’s Identity, References, and Right to Work

When hiring a nanny, it’s essential to verify their identity, qualifications, and references thoroughly. As an employer, you have the responsibility to ensure they have the right to work in the UK and are suitable for taking care of your children and home. This article provides an up-to-date guide on the necessary checks you should conduct before hiring a nanny.

When hiring a nanny, it’s essential to verify their identity, qualifications, and references thoroughly. As an employer, you have the responsibility to ensure they have the right to work in the UK and are suitable for taking care of your children and home. This article provides an up-to-date guide on the necessary checks you should conduct before hiring a nanny.

  1. The Right to Work Check your prospective nanny’s passport, national identity card, or other proof of nationality to ensure their right to work in the UK. Be aware that some foreign nationals may have limitations on their work permits or visas, so seek specialist advice if needed.
  2. Qualifications and Certificates Ask to see original certificates for any qualifications your nanny has obtained. Verify the authenticity of these documents by contacting the awarding body. If your nanny is OFSTED registered, ask to see their registration certificate, proof of common core skills, First Aid certificate, and public liability insurance.
  3. References Request both written references and contact information from your nanny’s previous employers. Be prepared to ask specific questions related to their past performance and how they interacted with the children they cared for.

By diligently checking your nanny’s identity, references, and right to work, you can be confident that they are a suitable and trustworthy individual to care for your children. Remember, as an employer, it’s your ultimate responsibility to ensure your nanny is the right fit for your family.

Spotlight on References

Taking up references on a nanny is a vital part of the recruitment process. Parents should always telephone the contacts provided themselves, rather than relying on a third party to do it for them, especially after the tragedy that led to a lawsuit being filed against an American website supposedly offering a reference checking service. References allow previous employers to share their experience of employing a particular nanny and can help you discover both their strengths and the potential pitfalls.

Try to find a time when and the person you are talking to will be free from interruptions. Prepare your questions in advance and pay attention to both what they say and their tone of voice. If you sense that they are hesitating or might be hiding something that could be a bad sign. Keep your questions open ended and allow the other person space to reply in their own time.

Remember to ask questions that are specific to your situation. If you need a nanny to do overnight care then ask whether this what part of their previous job and how they coped. Written references will seldom give you all the details that you need, another reason why a personal conversation with ex-employers is so important.
At the end of your nanny’s time with you don’t forget to write them a reference of your own!

Please note that we at Nannyjob.co.uk do not at any point check the identity or references of jobseekers and advise you to double check references which have been taken up by a nanny agency on your behalf.