Terms & Conditions

For long-term, permanent nanny placements exceeding 12 consecutive weeks please refer to our Nanny Terms and Conditions.

1.0 Contract

1.1 These Terms and Conditions represent a legally binding contract between you as the Client and Snuggles Childcare as the Agency

1.2 Acceptance of the Agency Terms and Conditions by the Client takes effect immediately upon either completing the online booking form or giving us verbal or written instruction to book childcare

1.3 The word “Client” refers to the person/family using Snuggles Childcare services

1.4 The word “Candidate” refers to any person that Snuggles Childcare introduces to the Client

1.5 The Agency is acting as an introductory agency and not an employment agency; therefore the Client employs the Candidate

1.6 The Terms & Conditions are the terms of which Snuggles Childcare offers the Client access to the services and use of Snuggles Childcare agency. By registering with Snuggles Childcare, the Client agrees to abide by these Terms & Conditions

2.0 Client Responsibilities

2.1 Any correspondence, communication either verbally, written or via email is confidential and the Client agrees not to disclose to third parties

2.2 All bookings must be made directly between the Client and Snuggles Childcare

2.3 No bookings are to be made directly with the babysitter unless previously agreed with The Agency. Should this obligation be ignored, the babysitter is obliged to inform the Agency and the relevant fees will be charged to the Client

2.4 The Client will notify the agency immediately of any extension of any temporary placement and agrees further placement fees will apply

2.5 If a Client wishes to employ a specific Candidate originally introduced by Snuggles Childcare on a long term or regular basis, then Snuggles Childcare should be notified in advance

2.6 Snuggles Childcare requires the Client to provide accurate details of their address, contact details and full name

2.7 Snuggles Childcare requires the Client to inform the Candidate of any medical conditions, allergies, sickness or disability associated with the children

2.8 The Client agrees to pay the babysitter directly at the end of the babysitting booking in cash

2.9 The Client agrees that they are the employer of the nanny – not the agency

2.10 The Clients that employ a nanny are required to abide by all tax laws declared by the HMRC with regards to taxes and National Insurance contributions

2.11 Clients should carry adequate household insurance to cover domestic employees in their home

2.12 The Client agrees that Snuggles Childcare requires our Candidates to be in a safe, warm and friendly environment

2.13 Where Snuggles Childcare (in its absolute discretion) believes that there is sufficient negative feedback or feedback is of a concerning nature regarding the Client, then Snuggles Childcare will refrain from referring any babysitters or nannies

2.14 The Client is responsible for paying all expenses during the Candidates working hours, including but not limited to travel expenses, admission or entrée costs for activities, food and drink and any other childcare related costs that are incurred during the Candidates working hours

2.15 If the Client ends the booking early, the full hours originally booked must be paid to the Candidate

2.16 If the booking runs longer than the original hours booked, the Client agrees to pay the Candidate overtime, rounding up to the nearest 30mins

2.17 If a Candidate leaves a booking after 11.30pm the Client agrees to pay for a taxi home to ensure the Candidates safe return

3.0 Fees

3.1 Booking fees are payable in British Pounds

3.2 The booking is confirmed upon the booking fee being settled

3.3 Booking fees are payable per day. If an extension of a booking is made, the daily agency fees will apply

3.4 Booking fees are to be paid prior to the Candidate commencing work

3.5 The invoice will be sent via email with payment due upon receipt

3.6 The booking fee secures the Candidate for the dates and times you have requested

3.7 Failure to settle the booking fee in a timely manner could result in the Candidate being allocated on another job

3.8 Snuggles Childcare holds the right to withhold a Candidate if the booking fee has not been received prior to the booking commencement date

3.9 The booking fee is based upon the original dates requested. Should those dates be shortened, no agency fee refunds will be given

3.10 The Client shall notify the Agency immediately should it choose to re-engage a Candidate who has been introduced to it by the Agency

3.11 The Client agrees to pay the relevant Permanent Placement Fee should the Temporary Booking exceed or be extended beyond 12 consecutive weeks:

• Min £600
• 5x net weekly salary

3.12 In the event of a Client passing the details of a Candidate to third parties, the Client will be responsible for any relevant Agency Fees and associated loss of agency earnings

3.13 In the event that a Client does not hire a Candidate following the initial Introduction by the Agency but subsequently approaches the Candidate directly (not through the Agency) offering engagement then the Client shall be liable to relevant Booking or Placement Fees

4.0 Cancellation

4.1 “Evening Babysitter Booking” refers to bookings starting after 6pm

4.2 If an Evening Babysitter Booking is cancelled within 24hrs of start:

• The booking fee is non-refundable

4.3 If an Evening Babysitter Booking is cancelled within 5 hours of start:

• The booking fee is non-refundable
• 3hrs of the Candidate’s time is to be charged to the Client

4.4 “Daytime Temp Booking” refers to bookings starting before 6pm

4.5 If a Daytime Temp Booking is cancelled up to 2 working days before the booking is due to start:

• 20% of the booking fee will be payable as a cancellation fee

4.6 If a Daytime Temp Booking is cancelled within 48 hours of the start:

• There will be no refund of the Booking Fee
• 20% of total nanny wage will be charged to the Client

4.7 No refunds will be given if a temporary placement is reduced after the start date

4.8 If a wedding or event package is cancelled within 7 days of start date, a 50% charge of booking fee will be payable

4.9 A full refund will apply if the booked Candidate cancels or no-shows to the booking and a second Candidate cannot be found as a replacement

5.0 Liability

5.1 Snuggles childcare acts as an agent for the Client, not as an employer of the nanny or babysitter. Therefore the agency accepts no liability or responsibility for accident, injury, loss, damage or misconduct sustained by Candidates, Clients or any other persons and by employing a nanny or booking a Candidate through Snuggles Childcare, The Client agrees to exclude the agency should any mishap occur

5.2 Snuggles Childcare endeavours to validate the background of our Candidates. We cannot guarantee that all the information is correct. Snuggles Childcare conducts thorough checks, conducts interviews, and ensures the Candidates hold or in the process of obtaining current first aid, and Candidates carry a current and valid Enhanced DBS check.

5.3 Although Snuggles Childcare has high expectations of our Candidates and we aim to provide you with exceptional Candidates there is still no complete guarantee of reliability, honesty and character of the Candidate provided by the agency. Any concerns, please contact us immediately.

5.4 The Client is responsible for ensuring that their home contents insurance includes cover for Employers and Public Liability insurance for domestic workers, including childcare

5.5 The Agency does not accept any liability for any kind of inconvenience, loss or damage howsoever arising and whether caused directly or indirectly from an act or omission of a Candidate introduced by the Agency. Similarly, no warranty is offered in respect of the suitability, honesty, capability or character of any Candidate introduced by the Agency and employed or contracted by the Client. Candidates are not the employees of the Agency

5.6 While a Candidate is providing services for a Client from an introduction made by Snuggles Childcare the Client undertakes to reimburse Snuggles Childcare fully for all costs, claims, damages, and liabilities whatsoever arising from the Client’s wrongdoing or negligence

6.0 Confidentiality

6.1 All communication between both parties (Agency & Clients) shall remain confidential

6.2 Snuggles Childcare requires the Client to provide accurate details of their address, contact details and full name

6.3 Clients agree that we may communicate with them by email, text message or phone in relation to any matter concerning childcare bookings made by the Client. Apart from in the course of arranging your childcare provision Snuggles Childcare will keep your email address, phone number and other personal data confidential at all times

7.0 Privacy

Please view our Privacy Policy

8.0 Warranties and Indemnities

8.1 The Client is not and will not hold themselves out as an agent of Snuggles Childcare on any basis

8.2 No warranty is given for suitability, honesty, capability and character of any Candidates

8.3 The Client is fully responsible for employment and/or contracting arrangements with the Candidate and all or any legal responsibilities owed by them to the Candidate including without limitation any employment obligation or contractual responsibilities

8.4 The Client will hold Snuggles Childcare harmless against any claims arising out of any claims brought against it arising from the Client’s dealings with and treatment of the Candidate howsoever arising

9.0 Disputes

9.1 Snuggles Childcare prefers to resolve any disputes via mediation. Please contact us for full details.

01/19

These guidelines apply to Daytime Temporary Nanny bookings and Evening babysitting bookings.

They are intended to ensure that the nanny works in a safe, warm and friendly environment and that the children in their care are safe and well looked after.

For our full Terms and Conditions please refer to Temporary Childcare page.

1. The word “Nanny” refers to any Candidate introduced by Snuggles Childcare, whether daytime or evening childcare
2. The word “Client” refers to the person/family using Snuggles Childcare services

General

1. The Client will receive a phone number for the nanny upon settling the booking fees.
2. The Client is asked to contact the Nanny at least 24hrs before the start of the booking to introduce themselves and confirm the start time and location of the booking.
3. The Client must make sure they are contactable throughout the booking in case of emergency.
4. It is the Clients responsibility to inform the Nanny of any allergies, sickness, medical needs or recent medication. It is not the responsibility of the Nanny to administer medication.
5. It is the Clients responsibility to inform the Nanny of any sterilising equipment, baby monitor or any other equipment necessary for use during the booking. Although our Nanny’s are familiar with most devices they all work slightly differently.
6. The Client will be contacted by the Nanny if the child cannot be consoled and is in distress.
7. The Nanny is not expected to do any household tasks, ironing, laundry or cleaning other than tidying up after themselves.

Food and Drink

1. The Nanny can prepare a simple children’s meal but is not expected to cook for the whole family.
2. The Nanny must have access to hot and cold drinks as a minimum.
3. For bookings exceeding 5 hours food for the Nanny would be appreciated.

If you have any questions regarding the terms and conditions please call us on 020 7177 2249.

Please read this document carefully as it sets out the terms and conditions between Snuggles Childcare (the Agency) and the employer (the Client) relating to the introduction of temporary and permanent staff to you (the Client) by Snuggles Childcare (the Agency), which is a legally binding contract.

1. Contract

1.1 These terms and conditions represent a legally binding contract between the client or employer (the “Client”) and Snuggles Childcare nanny agency (the “Agency”). Acceptance of these terms and conditions by the Client takes affect when a verbal or written instruction by the Client to the Agency to submit suitable Candidates for contact or interview or arrangement of interviews takes place. The term “Candidate” means a person introduced by the Agency.

1.2 The Agency is acting as an introductory agency and not an employment agency; therefore the client employs the candidate.

1.3 As the process of providing these services starts as soon as the Client contacts the Agency, the Client agrees to waive their right to cancel the service within 7 days as defined under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000.

2. Fees

2.1 A permanent position is a placement in excess of 12 weeks. Fees are payable by the Client on the acceptance, either verbally or in writing, of a Candidate. If a Candidate has been offered employment it is the responsibility of the Client to notify the Agency. Fees, at the current rate of the Agency’s charges, are payable within 7 days from the date of the invoice sent by the Agency, or if the Candidate starts before the end of the 7 day period, payable before the Candidate starts work. The Agency reserves the right to charge the Client a 25% surcharge on all accounts not settled within this period and in addition to re-claim any costs (including debt collector’s fees) incurred as a result of chasing for payment.

2.2 Returning or extension of employment:

If a Candidate returns to a Client at a future date (for a temporary, permanent or babysitting position) or if a temporary engagement is extended, then difference between the temporary fee already paid and the permanent placement fee shall become payable. In the case of a Candidate returning to a Client, this fee shall be the current full fee chargeable by the Agency for the relevant position. The Client agrees to notify the Agency of a re-engagement or extension of a temporary engagement, but the fee plus 20% will be charged if the Client fails to notify the Agency.

2.3 Temporary positions require a fee of £30 per day before employment commences. There will be no refund or reduction from the Agency’s current rate if a temporary booking is cancelled or reduced in duration. Paragraph 2.3 above will apply if the temporary period is extended.

2.4 In the case of part time positions, if within 2 months the Candidate is asked to work longer hours, then an additional fee will be charged which will be the difference between the fee actually charged and the fee that would have been charged if the Candidate had been initially engaged for those longer hours.

3. Confidentiality

1. All communication, however communicated, is confidential between the parties.

2. If the Client passes on any information including details of Candidates, or recommends a Candidate to a third party, which then results in placement of permanent, temporary or part time childcare employment, the Client will be liable for the relevant full fee as if the booking had been made by the Client itself and these terms and conditions shall apply accordingly.

4. Introduction of a Candidate other than through the Agency

The Client must immediately notify the Agency if a Candidate put forward has already been introduced by a third party or has been viewed or contacted through a website or advertisement. If the Client does not notify the Agency, and the Agency has been working on matching the Client and Candidate, or if the Agency continues to work on matching the
Candidate to the Client, it will be presumed that the introduction has been effected by the Agency and the relevant fee will be payable if the Candidate is then engaged by the Client.

5. Interviewing

The Client needs to provide a minimum of two identification documents to the agency, such as a copy of their passport as proof of identification and a proof of address such as a household bill to confirm their personal address before we arrange an interview with our candidates. No personal interviews are to take place before the Client provides these documents to the agency.

6. Liability

6.1 The Agency endeavours to provide the Client with only the most suitable Candidates. However, the Client must satisfy itself as to the suitability of the Candidate prior to making an offer to the Candidate. The Agency does not accept any liability for any kind of inconvenience, loss or damage howsoever arising and whether caused directly or indirectly from an act or omission of a Candidate introduced by the Agency. Similarly, no warranty is offered in respect of the suitability, honesty, capability or character of any Candidate introduced by the Agency and employed by the Client. Candidates are not the employees of the Agency.

6.2 The Client is responsible for ensuring that their home contents insurance includes cover for Employers and Public Liability insurance for domestic workers, including childcarers. The Agency does not exclude or restrict liability for death or personal injury resulting from its negligence.

7. Refund Policy

7.1 If a Candidate (who has been offered and has accepted a position with a Client) either does not start employment or leaves within 8 weeks of starting employment with the Client then one free candidate interview will be provided, subject to the following conditions:

1. The Agency is informed by the Client within 2 days of the termination of the employment
2. The relevant fee has been settled in full within 7 days of the date of invoice, or if the Candidate started before the end of the 7 day period, the fee was paid before the Candidate started work
3. The booking has not been cancelled by the Candidate because of unreasonable demands by the Client; or unreasonable working conditions; or a change in the job description; or a change in location; or a breach of the employment contract by the Client (whether signed or not) or employment regulations (including pay)
4. The Client is still intending to employ a childcarer and the Agency is given 3 weeks to find a suitable replacement; and
5. The Client does not use another agency or source or website during the 3 weeks to find a replacement.

7.2 If the Client changes their mind and does not go ahead with a placement (where a Candidate has been offered employment and has accepted), then the full relevant fee is still payable, even if no employment contracts have been signed. In addition, the Client is expected to pay the Candidate 1 week’s pay.

7.3 Once one free replacement has been found, there are no further refunds or replacements offered.

7.4 In the event that a free replacement cannot be found, the Agency will refund the Client the following percentage of the original fee:

• If the Candidate leaves within the first 2 weeks: 75%
• If the Candidate leaves after 2 weeks but before the end of her 4th week: 50%
• If the Candidate leaves after 4 weeks but before the end of her 6th week: 25%

7.5 No refund will be given where the Client retains the services of a Candidate, even though the Client considers the Candidate unsatisfactory, and no refund will be given where the Client withdraws their offer of employment to the Candidate.

8. General

8.1 This contract shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of England and Wales and the Client agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.

8.2 The Client is responsible for putting in place a suitable contract of employment between the Client and the Candidate and is legally responsible for their employee’s Tax and National Insurance payments and for providing a detailed payslip, as well as any pension contributions that are required to be made by UK law. A copy of the signed contract needs to be emailed to the Agency within 7 days from the date of commencement.