This article has been written for the Koru Kids Nanny Service for nannies who are already working for a family.
If you're working for longer than 6 hours at a stretch, government guidance states that you are entitled to have a short 20 minute break. The reality of looking after children means that this may not be safely possible - so how does this work?
In fact, nannies are classed by the government as "domestic servants", which means we are not covered by the Working Time Directive. There is no legal requirement under this legislation to provide rest breaks, however the Health & Safety at Work act does still apply.
Our advice is to talk your options through with the family who employ you, and carry out a documented risk assessment that reviews opportunities for you to take breaks safely. E.g. with younger children this is commonly when they are having nap time.
Whether or not your lunch break is paid is also at discretion of your employer so please do make sure you cover this when you speak with the family.
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