10 Tips for Nannies Transitioning to the UK
Working abroad is an adventure.
Are you thinking of relocating to the UK for nanny work?
After 15 years of working outside of the UK, getting reestablished took some time. Here’s a few of the tips I discovered that will help your relocation to go more smoothly.
1. Realize that nannies are expected to work a 12-hour shift. In the UK there are really no 8- or 10-hour workdays. The UK standard is a 12-hour shift from 7.00-19.00. If long days are not something you are familiar with, they can take time to get used to.
2. A National Insurance Number (NIN) is required. You can purchase this for about 30 GBP on the official website. The NIN is required to apply for work, to register for the National Health System (NHS), and eventually to apply for benefits. When you apply online you will be given an appointment for an in-person interview. Within a couple of days, you will receive a written confirmation of the appointment in the mail. Take note as you are only allowed to change your appointment twice.
3. You need to register with the local General Practice. After you have the NIN or the temporary document with your information, you can register at the local General Practice (GP). Registering with the GP validates your address, which is required for opening a bank account.
4. You’ll need a local bank. Employers will not want to send your wages to a foreign account – and opening a local bank account can be tricky for live-in nannies as you’ll need proof of residency. While live-out nannies will have a rental contract and bills mailed to their address, live-in nannies may have a harder time demonstrating residency. In my experience, both a work contract from my employers and from my nanny agency were not enough to determine residency. One way to gain proof of residency for live-in nannies is to add your UK address to your home bank account prior to your arrival (or shortly thereafter) so that your bank statements contain your new UK address. Many banks allow you to print statements online, making this a straightforward option.
5. You can start with an online bank. While traditional banks may be the preference, opening a personal bank account with a debit card from MONZO bank may be a win. You can print a statement with your UK address once your account is set up and bring that back to a traditional bank as proof of residency. You’ll also want to bring your passport as it will be needed to set up your account.
6. Personal nanny insurance is a thing. A local nanny clued me into the importance of having personal nanny insurance. The Home Childcare Policy has been designed for childcare providers to cover legal liabilities, material assets and personal belongings. Having this insurance also comes with the perk of being able to take free online childcare courses.
7. Sim Cards are a necessity. If you plan to use your own phone, you can pick up a Sim card in most any supermarket. If you want to make emergency calls and UK calls at no cost (think calling your mom boss), you’ll want to get a Sim card ASAP. A favorite Sim card provider within the Italian community is Giffgaff. After you register your card, Giffgaff will send you a second Sim card at no cost.
8. Sometimes you’ll need help getting the lights out. If like me you like to sleep in the dark, black out curtains are a must. These are most easily available online and will help to ensure you get a good nights’ sleep by creating the dark environment you are used to.
9. You may need a boost of Vitamin D, too. As the lack of sun may influence your mood, you’ll want to have your favorite Vitamin D on hand to combat those grey days where the sun isn’t shining like you remember.
10. Know what you need to do if you want to stay in the UK longer. As a European passport holder who entered the UK before Brexit, I have done everything needed in terms of bureaucracy. If I decide to extend my stay in the UK next year, however, I will need to start the pre-settlement process. Upon approval, this will provide me with a residency permit valid for 5 years.
Relocating for work can be quite an adventure, but with a little planning and know-how, it can be an adventure you treasure forever.