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Taking a Nanny on Holiday | Nannytax

Taking a Nanny on holiday


Taking a Nanny on Holiday | Nannytax

Taking a nanny on holiday is great for busy families in need of a helping hand but there are certain things to consider ahead of your travels. Kim Dalton from Nannytax HR answers your questions around this topic, covering off holiday allowance, travel expenses and working hours.


Can I take my nanny on a family holiday abroad?

Yes this is common for families who employ nannies however the contract of employment must include a relevant clause. This should explain that the nanny is required to accompany the family on holiday as part of their duties, which may involve travel abroad. We have a standard clause regarding travel written into all of our Nannytax nanny employment contracts.


If I take my nanny on holiday, will this be deducted from their holiday allowance?

If the nanny is travelling to carry out their childcare duties, they are working and therefore this won’t affect their holiday allowance. In fact, if working longer hours or additional days, the employer may need to compensate by providing additional time off in lieu.


Should I pay my nanny their usual hourly rate?

The employer must pay their nanny the agreed hourly pay rate outlined in the contract of employment. However, some employers may wish to enhance this and they can do so at their discretion. We recommend the employer and nanny agree this prior to the holiday to set expectations and avoid any future disputes. If the nanny is working longer hours on the holiday compared to their usual working week, the employer must pay them overtime for these additional hours.


Can my nanny share a room with the children?

We highly recommend that the nanny has their own private room in order to give them the appropriate downtime when they are not carrying out their duties. This is a conversation that should be had between the nanny and the family and agreed before the holiday to set expectations.


Should I cover all my nanny’s travel expenses?

The employer should pay for their nanny’s flights, meals, accommodation, activities and all other travel-related expenses. We also find it is common for employers to give their nanny spending money for nights off. When they are not working, they can use this for a meal out and a cab back to the hotel.


Does my nanny need travel insurance to accompany us on holiday?

The employer and the nanny should arrange the nanny’s travel insurance. Nannytax’s Nannyinsure policy provides cover for up to 90 days in a single trip outside of the UK and up to 180 days during a 12-month period of cover.


How can I find a holiday or travel nanny?

There are nanny agencies who can match families with travel nannies and holiday nannies. A travelling nanny normally offers a ‘live-in’ service and is more appropriate if the family is hiring a villa, and have a spare room to accommodate a nanny. Whereas, a holiday nanny tends to offer childcare at set hours during the day time, as well as babysitting in the evenings. The best option will depend on the individual family’s circumstances. If the employer doesn’t need the nanny for the full hours they usually work, then it may be worth looking into the hotel’s childminding services and kids clubs on offer.


What should be discussed with our nanny before the holiday?

Accommodation and room arrangements, the rate of pay, hours of work and days off. The employer will also need to clarify details such as whether the nanny will be accompanying the family on excursions and if they’ll be eating with the family every night. If the employer wants the nanny to do chores in their villa such as doing the laundry or washing up or babysitting some evenings, this must also be discussed in advance. Once the nanny knows what the employer wants it means they can blend in with the family’s movements without any awkwardness or uncertainty.


What’s your main piece of advice for taking a nanny on holiday?

Communicate expectations and responsibilities ahead of travelling, hours worked = hours paid, and make sure the nanny gets the appropriate downtime in line with the contract of employment and working regulations.


What if I don’t want to take my nanny on holiday with us?

If you’re going on holiday and you’re not planning on taking your nanny with you, depending on what’s been agreed in the employment contract, you may still have to pay them.

  • If you have agreed to split your nanny’s holiday entitlement, for example 50/50, this would mean that 50% of your nanny’s holiday is chosen by you, and the other 50% is chosen by them. In this case, you may have agreed for your nanny to take holiday whilst you’re away and you will only need to administer holiday pay.
  • If you have not agreed to split your nanny’s holiday entitlement and your nanny is not due to take holiday while you are away, you will need to pay your nanny in fullas they are available and willing to work.

How can Nannytax help?

All of our standard employment contracts include a relevant clause if you wish to take your nanny on holiday or abroad.

Our CIPD qualified HR team will be on hand to answer any queries you have if you are taking a nanny on holiday, supporting you with legal advice related to your specific circumstances.

Our payroll team can calculate any pay due for the hours your nanny will be working on holiday including overtime payments.

Join Nannytax today and let us support you throughout your nanny employment journey.



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