Understanding Nanny Sick Pay and Maternity Leave Requirements for Families

Bringing a nanny into your home means becoming an employer, and with that comes certain responsibilities. Families often have questions about nanny sick pay, how many sick days are acceptable, what happens when a nanny falls pregnant and whether maternity leave applies in the same way as in other jobs. This guide is designed to give families clear, accurate information on sick pay, statutory sick pay (SSP), statutory maternity pay (SMP), maternity leave and employment rights.

When you use Nannies Matter to find your nanny, we can support you to make sure you have every angle of your nanny's pay and issues regarding employment rights covered - call us on 07736 337065 or email info@nannies-matter.co.uk for help.
 

Nanny Sick Pay Explained

When does a nanny qualify for statutory sick pay?

A nanny may qualify for SSP if:

• They earn at least the lower earnings limit,
• They are on a PAYE scheme, and;
• They have been ill for four or more consecutive working days.

The first three days of sickness are usually waiting days, meaning they are unpaid. From the fourth day, the nanny receives statutory sick pay at the current government rate, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

SSP is paid to the nanny in the usual weekly or monthly payroll, and the employer reports this to HMRC.

Do you pay your nanny for sick days beyond statutory sick pay?

As their employer, this is at your discretion. Some families choose to offer a short period of full pay when a nanny is ill, as part of maintaining a strong working relationship. When you contact us about sourcing your nanny, we can discuss this, and write it into the contract of employment you offer the successful nanny.

How to handle nanny sick days

A supportive and structured approach helps the household run smoothly when illness arises:

• Ask your nanny to inform you as early as possible if they are unwell.
• For longer absences, you may request a fit note.
• Arrange temporary cover if needed - Nannies Matter can help you source this.
• Reassure your nanny that they should rest and return only when well.

Nannies work closely with children, so it is normal to see occasional illness, especially in winter. Most cases are short-lived, and experienced nannies are conscientious about maintaining good hygiene and keeping sickness days to a minimum.

Understanding Nanny Maternity Leave

What happens when your nanny falls pregnant?

If your nanny is pregnant, they must give you notice and provide a maternity certificate. Families must treat pregnant nannies with the same protections given to employees in any other sector. Your nanny’s job remains secure during pregnancy and maternity leave.

How many weeks of maternity leave can a nanny take?

A nanny is entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave:

• 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave.
• 26 weeks of additional maternity leave.

They may choose to return earlier, but they cannot be required to do so as a condition of employment.

Do I have to pay my nanny maternity leave?

You may need to pay SMP if your nanny:

• Meets the lower earnings limit,
• Earns enough gross per week,
• Has worked for you for the required period, and
• Provides the correct notice and documents.

SMP lasts for up to 39 weeks, paid through your payroll in the usual way. In most cases, you can claim back some or all of this amount from the government, depending on whether you are classed as a small employer.

Nannies Matter can advise whether your nanny qualifies and help you manage the SMP process.

What if my nanny does not qualify for SMP?

If your nanny does not meet the SMP requirements, she may receive maternity allowance, which she applies for directly. You must still allow maternity leave, even if you do not pay SMP.

How is SMP paid and reclaimed?

SMP is paid weekly or monthly, alongside regular salary payments. Families can reclaim the cost through HMRC, and Nannies Matter can help you:

• Calculate SMP
• Process payments
• Submit claims
• Ensure you reclaim the correct amount.

We can also connect you with trusted nanny payroll providers that support many of our clients.

Keeping in Touch During Maternity Leave (KIT Days)

Your nanny may work up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days, which are paid separately and allow her to stay connected with the family before returning. KIT days are voluntary and must be agreed by both sides.

What Your Nanny’s Contract Needs to Include

A thoughtful employment contract gives both you and your nanny confidence from the outset. It sets the tone for a positive working relationship and helps everyone understand how matters such as sick pay and maternity leave will be handled with care and fairness. Your contract should outline:

• Sick pay terms.
• Maternity pay arrangements.
• Paid leave.
• Notice periods.
• Working hours.
• Holiday entitlement.
• How sickness or maternity-related absences will be managed.

Nannies Matter can draft or review these documents for you, making sure everything is clear, supportive and fully aligned with employment law.

How Nannies Matter Supports Families with Sick Pay and Maternity Leave

When you use Nannies Matter to source a live-in or live-out nanny, or other household staff, our team will be able to support you by handling most of the admin, so you have contracts and payroll in place to cover you and your nanny's needs.

As your agency, we will make sure compliance is handled professionally and discreetly, so you can focus on your family’s wellbeing.
To speak to us about managing nanny employment, sick pay or maternity leave, call 07736 337065 or fill in our online enquiry form.