What Makes a Great Nanny Contract?

Hiring a nanny is one of the most personal decisions a family can make. After all, you’re welcoming someone into your home, trusting them with your children and often building a relationship that can last years. But here’s the thing: no matter how warm, intuitive or “perfect” the match feels, things run smoother when the foundations are properly in place - and that’s where a good nanny contract comes in.

At Dovetail Nannies, we like to think of the contract not as a formality, but as the beginning of mutual respect. It’s your chance to set the tone, outline your expectations and give your nanny clarity and security. It protects everyone involved and acts as a reference point when life inevitably gets a bit messy (because, let’s face it, life with children always does).

So, what makes a nanny contract truly great?

Clarity

Be specific. Avoid vague phrases like “light housekeeping” or “flexible with hours” without defining what they really mean. What’s light for one person may feel heavy to another. Instead, list duties clearly; school runs, preparing lunch, loading the dishwasher, overseeing homework etc. This reduces confusion and helps your nanny prioritise.

Structure

Set out guaranteed working hours, agreed salary (gross - always!), overtime rates, holiday entitlement (and what travel might look like - accommodation, extra hours etc), sick pay and pension contributions. It’s not just about being “fair” - it shows your nanny that their work is valued as a professional, not a favour.

Respect for boundaries

If your nanny lives in, outline expectations for privacy, guests and use of shared spaces. If they’re live-out, clarify how much flexibility is required outside their core hours and agree whether that flexibility is paid or time in lieu.

Safety and procedure

What’s the process in an emergency? Who should your nanny call? Do you give permission for Calpol, or require a call before any medication is given? Adding these details means your nanny can act quickly and confidently when it matters most.

A proper goodbye

Include the notice period and, ideally, a probation or trial period. If things don’t work out (and occasionally they don’t), it gives everyone a respectful and professional way to part ways.

A great nanny contract doesn’t strip the job of warmth, it supports it. It creates the trust and consistency that allow your nanny to thrive, your children to feel secure and your household to run like clockwork.

At Dovetail Nannies, we work with trusted industry partners to help families create contracts that feel thoughtful, personal and professional. Because when the paperwork is right, you can focus on what really matters: building a brilliant relationship.