TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Nest & Kin – Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: May 2024
Location: London, United Kingdom
Contact: tamara@nestkin.co.uk | 020 7209 7768
1. Introduction
Nest & Kin is a London-based nanny and maternity care agency providing curated childcare and family support services.
These Terms & Conditions outline the responsibilities of both Nest & Kin and the client when engaging in our services.
By booking or engaging with any of our services, you are agreeing to the terms outlined below.
2. Maternity Nurse Placement
Nest & Kin offers families the opportunity to hire experienced, highly qualified maternity nurses who specialize in providing dedicated care and support during the crucial newborn stage. Our maternity nurses are trained to offer expert guidance in newborn care, breastfeeding support, sleep routines, and postpartum recovery for the mother. We aim to ensure that both parents and their newborns are supported during this critical period, helping families to transition smoothly into their new routines.
Agency Fee: The fee for a maternity nurse placement is £250 per week of booking. This is a one-time agency fee and is payable upon confirmation of the candidate’s engagement.
What It Covers:
Candidate Sourcing: Nest & Kin takes the time to source highly qualified and experienced maternity nurses based on your specific needs, preferences, and family dynamics. We ensure that the candidates we recommend meet the highest standards of professionalism and experience in the newborn and postpartum care sector.
Vetting: Each maternity nurse undergoes a comprehensive vetting process, including detailed background checks, verification of professional qualifications, experience, and employment history. We also assess their compatibility with your family’s needs.
Reference Checking: We contact previous employers, agencies, and other professional references to verify the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This helps us ensure the maternity nurse is reliable, trustworthy, and has a proven record of delivering high-quality care.
Matching: We take great care in matching families with the right maternity nurse. We consider your specific needs, such as care routines, support with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, any medical requirements, and your preferences for the care approach. Our goal is to ensure a perfect match to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Ongoing Support: Throughout the placement, Nest & Kin provides continuous support to both the family and the maternity nurse. We are available to address any concerns or issues that may arise during the placement. Our team is dedicated to ensuring both the family and the maternity nurse are satisfied with the arrangement and that the placement runs smoothly.
Replacement Guarantee: We understand that circumstances can change, and should the placement end unexpectedly within 1 week of the start date, we offer a one-time free replacement. This replacement ensures that you are never left without support, and we will work diligently to match you with a suitable alternative caregiver if needed. The replacement guarantee is valid for any situation where the placement cannot continue as agreed, such as sudden illness or a significant issue with the caregiver. However, this guarantee does not apply if the client terminates the placement or the caregiver leaves voluntarily.
Minimum Booking: The typical minimum booking for maternity nurse placements is 2 weeks, although this may vary based on the availability of candidates and the specific needs of your family. We encourage clients to book in advance to secure a maternity nurse with the required expertise, especially during peak periods. In some cases, shorter bookings may be available depending on the candidate’s schedule and your requirements.
Payment Terms: The agency fee is a one-time, non-refundable charge that is due upon confirmation of the maternity nurse’s engagement. The fee must be paid prior to the commencement of the placement, and no ongoing monthly fees apply. Should there be any additional charges related to extended bookings or special arrangements, these will be discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Placement Flexibility: In some instances, additional hours may be requested, or clients may choose to extend the placement. These changes will be handled based on the availability of the maternity nurse and subject to mutually agreed terms.
Cancellations: If the client cancels the placement after confirming the engagement, the agency fee is non-refundable. Cancellations should be made in writing, and we will endeavor to accommodate any changes wherever possible, subject to availability.
3. Temporary Nanny Bookings
Nest & Kin offers temporary childcare services designed to cater to your family’s short-term childcare needs. Whether you need a nanny for a few days, to cover travel, attend an event, or for any other temporary care situation, our qualified, experienced nannies provide reliable and flexible solutions. We ensure that your children receive high-quality care, and that your family’s temporary childcare requirements are met efficiently.
Booking Fee: The standard booking fee for temporary nanny placements is £35 per day for bookings starting before 8pm. This fee covers the caregiver’s time, the agency’s coordination efforts in finding the right match, and the administrative costs associated with processing the booking.
Discounts: We offer discounts for multi-day or recurring bookings. If your family requires a nanny for multiple days or on a recurring basis, we encourage you to inquire about possible discounts at the time of booking. Discount rates may vary based on the duration of the booking and the caregiver's availability.
Availability: All temporary nanny bookings are subject to the availability of caregivers at the time of your request. While Nest & Kin makes every effort to accommodate your childcare needs, placements are not guaranteed unless confirmed by the agency.
For last-minute bookings, we will make every effort to find a suitable caregiver, but availability cannot be guaranteed. If no caregiver is available, we will notify you promptly and offer alternative solutions where possible.
Minimum Booking Duration: The typical minimum duration for a temporary nanny booking is one full day (8 hours). In certain cases, shorter bookings may be considered, subject to the caregiver’s availability and your specific needs. For bookings that require shorter durations (e.g., less than 4 hours), special arrangements and fees may apply.
Booking Process: To begin the booking process, please provide detailed information about your childcare requirements, including the following:
Dates and Times: Specify the start and end times of the booking, including any flexibility around arrival times or extended hours if required.
Children's Ages and Special Needs: Include any relevant details about your children's ages, care needs, and any special requirements (e.g., allergies, medical conditions, or behavioral needs).
Specific Care Preferences: If you have any preferences, such as a nanny with experience in infant care, special needs, or specific educational backgrounds, please let us know.
Caregiver Expectations: All temporary nannies are carefully pre-vetted through our comprehensive agency process. This includes background checks, reference verifications, and assessment of professional qualifications. Additionally, we ensure that all nannies possess relevant childcare experience and a genuine passion for working with children.
Professionalism: Our nannies are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism, which includes punctuality, clear communication with parents, and providing a nurturing environment for children.
Communication: During the placement, nannies are expected to communicate regularly with parents, providing updates as required. This ensures that parents feel confident in the care their children are receiving.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel a booking, we kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice to avoid cancellation fees. If a cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the booking, the full booking fee will be charged.
If a booking is cancelled before the 48-hour window, a partial refund may be issued, depending on the circumstances. The agency reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee if the booking is canceled at the last minute, as this affects our ability to reassign the caregiver.
In the event of a no-show or failure to contact Nest & Kin regarding a cancellation, the full booking fee will apply.
Special Requests: If you have any special requirements, such as care for children with special needs, dietary restrictions, or specific educational or entertainment preferences, please inform us at the time of booking. We strive to accommodate your family’s unique needs and will do our best to match you with a caregiver who can provide the right level of care.
Extra Care Services: If your children have medical conditions, require specific therapies, or need particular routines, we can provide additional training or specific caregiver selection to ensure that these needs are met.
Additional Charges: In some cases, additional charges may apply for specific circumstances, including, but not limited to:
Extended Hours: If the booking extends beyond the agreed-upon time frame (e.g., late-night care or overnight bookings), extra charges will apply based on the extended hours.
Quality Assurance: Nest & Kin is committed to ensuring the highest standard of care for your children. During and after the placement, we encourage feedback from both parents and caregivers. This helps us to maintain and improve the quality of our services and ensure the best possible experience for families.
4. Temporary Maternity Nurses
Nest & Kin provides temporary maternity nurse support for families during transitional or urgent periods, offering expert care in the early days and weeks following childbirth. Whether you need additional help during a particularly challenging time, or support during the initial stages of parenthood, our experienced maternity nurses are ready to assist.
Booking Fee: The standard booking fee for a temporary maternity nurse placement is £50 per day. This fee covers the cost of the maternity nurse’s time and the agency’s efforts to match you with an appropriate caregiver, as well as the administrative coordination required to ensure a smooth placement process.
Discounts: Discounts may be available for multiple-day bookings. If you require a maternity nurse for an extended period, or multiple days, please inquire about potential discount rates at the time of booking. Discounts are subject to caregiver availability and the specific needs of your family.
Support Included: As with our standard maternity placements, the following services are included with temporary maternity nurse bookings:
Vetting & Selection: We rigorously vet and select all of our maternity nurses to ensure they are highly qualified and experienced in neonatal care. This includes reference checks, background screenings, and a comprehensive assessment of their qualifications and experience.
Coordination Support: We handle the coordination of the placement, including matching you with a suitable caregiver, confirming availability, and ensuring all logistics are handled.
Ongoing Support: While the placement is temporary, Nest & Kin provides ongoing support throughout the placement to address any questions or concerns that may arise. We remain your point of contact to ensure that the placement is proceeding smoothly and that your needs are being met.
Minimum Booking Duration: The minimum duration for a temporary maternity nurse placement is typically one full day, but we can accommodate shorter bookings on a case-by-case basis depending on caregiver availability.
Caregiver Expectations: The maternity nurses provided by Nest & Kin are highly experienced in newborn care and the postnatal period. They offer specialized support, including:
Feeding Guidance: Assistance with breastfeeding or formula feeding, and support for parents in establishing feeding routines.
Sleep & Rest Support: Guidance on sleep routines, allowing parents to rest and recover while the maternity nurse ensures the baby’s well-being.
Postnatal Recovery: Help for mothers with their own recovery, providing assistance with basic postnatal care and ensuring mothers are comfortable during their recovery.
Availability: Temporary maternity nurse placements are subject to caregiver availability at the time of your request. While we make every effort to accommodate your needs, placements are not guaranteed until confirmed by Nest & Kin. It’s recommended that you book early, particularly during busy periods or if your needs are time-sensitive.
Booking Process: To request a temporary maternity nurse, please provide us with detailed information about your needs, including the following:
Dates & Duration: Specify the start and end dates of the placement, including any flexibility in your schedule if needed.
Care Needs: Any specific requirements for your baby (e.g., feeding preferences, sleep challenges, or medical conditions) that may impact the level of support needed.
Once your request is received, we will match you with an appropriately qualified maternity nurse based on availability, expertise, and your family’s needs.
Cancellations:
Notice Period: We request a 48-hour notice for cancellations. If a cancellation occurs less than 48 hours prior to the start of the placement, the full booking fee will apply.
If you cancel prior to 48 hours, we may offer a partial refund or reschedule the placement depending on availability and the specific circumstances.
Additional Charges: In certain cases, additional charges may apply based on:
Extended Hours: If the placement extends beyond the agreed-upon time, additional charges will apply based on the hours worked.
Travel Costs: If the maternity nurse is required to travel outside the standard local area, travel expenses may be added to the booking fee. The cost will vary depending on the distance and travel time involved.
5. Babysitting Services
Nest & Kin offers flexible and reliable evening and urgent babysitting services to provide families with short-term childcare support when needed. Whether you require care for a special event, a night out, or an unexpected emergency, we are here to help.
Evening Booking Fee: £29 per evening for bookings starting after 8pm. This rate applies to standard evening babysitting services.
Urgent Booking Fee: £45 per evening for urgent bookings made with less than 48 hours' notice. Due to the short notice, the fee reflects the additional coordination required to secure a caregiver on short notice.
Accommodation Disclaimer: Please note that we cannot guarantee accommodation for caregivers in last-minute or urgent requests. If accommodation is required for the caregiver, this must be arranged by the client, and availability cannot be assured with short notice.
Vetting Process: All babysitters provided by Nest & Kin are thoroughly pre-vetted through our agency process. This includes a detailed background check, reference verification, and confirmation of relevant childcare experience to ensure a high level of safety, professionalism, and reliability.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel a babysitting booking, we request at least 24 hours' notice to avoid a cancellation fee. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the booking fee.
6. Sleep Support Services
Nest & Kin offers non-medical, evidence-based sleep consultation services designed to support families in establishing healthy sleep routines for their newborns, babies, and toddlers. Our consultations are personalized, using the latest research-based strategies to address your child's sleep challenges.
Services Offered:
Newborn Sleep Foundations – £180 (Virtual)
60-minute video consultation
Individualized sleep guidance
1 week of follow-up support via WhatsApp/email
Baby Sleep Support – £375 (Virtual) / £525 (In-Person, London)
Comprehensive intake & analysis of sleep issues
60-75 minute consultation
Tailored sleep plan
2 weeks of follow-up support
Toddler Sleep Coaching – £395 (Virtual) / £545 (In-Person, London)
Behavioral sleep strategies customized to your parenting style
75-minute consultation
2 weeks of follow-up support
Additional Terms:
Tailored Support: Each consultation includes a customized sleep plan based on your child's specific needs and your family’s preferences.
Follow-Up Support: One week of follow-up support via WhatsApp/email is included for Newborn Sleep Foundations, and two weeks of follow-up support is included for Baby and Toddler Sleep Coaching to help with implementation and troubleshooting.
Virtual & In-Person Options: Sleep consultations are available virtually, with in-person consultations offered for families located within London.
7. Part-Time Nanny Placements
Nest & Kin assists families in securing qualified part-time nanny support.
Agency Fee: £1,200 (flat rate)
What This Includes: Full recruitment process, interviews, vetting, and matching
Replacement Guarantee: One free replacement within 3 months
Discount for Low-Income Families: A 50% discount on the agency fee is available for families whose annual household income is £45,000 or less.
Eligibility: This discount is intended to assist families who face financial difficulty in accessing high-quality childcare services due to the costs associated with hiring a nanny.
Proof of Income: To qualify for this discount, families must provide supporting documentation, such as recent pay slips, tax returns, or other relevant proof of income.
Income Threshold: The low-income threshold for eligibility is based on the annual household income of £45,000 or less, reflecting the financial challenges that many families face in covering the costs of professional childcare.
Payment: The full agency fee is due upon confirmation of a placement, with the low-income discount applied upon verification of eligibility ( if applicable)
7A. Full-Time Nanny Placements
We assist families in securing reliable, long-term full-time nanny support tailored to their unique household needs.
Agency Fee: 12% of the nanny’s gross annual salary (one-time commission)
What It Covers: End-to-end recruitment, detailed vetting, interviews, reference checks, shortlisting, and ongoing support through the hiring process
Replacement Guarantee: One free replacement search within 6 months if the placement ends unexpectedly
No Additional Charges: No monthly fees, no hidden costs—only the one-time fee upon a successful placement
Discount for Low-Income Families: A 50% discount on the agency fee is available for families whose annual household income is £55,000 or less.
Eligibility: This discount is intended to assist families who face financial difficulty in accessing high-quality childcare services due to the costs associated with hiring a nanny.
Proof of Income: To qualify for this discount, families must provide supporting documentation, such as recent pay slips, tax returns, or other relevant proof of income.
Income Threshold: The low-income threshold for eligibility is based on the annual household income of £55,000 or less, reflecting the financial challenges that many families face in covering the costs of professional childcare.
Payment: The full agency fee is due upon confirmation of a placement, with the low-income discount applied upon verification of eligibility ( If applicable)
8. Payment Terms
At Nest & Kin, we ensure a smooth and transparent payment process for all services rendered. To maintain clarity and efficiency in our business transactions, we have outlined the following payment terms:
Payment Requirement: All fees must be paid in full prior to the commencement of any service. This includes, but is not limited to, nanny placements, maternity nurse bookings, temporary childcare services, sleep consultations, and any other services provided by Nest & Kin.
Agency Fee Payment: For placements (whether nanny, maternity nurse, or other services), the agency fee is due upon the client’s acceptance of a caregiver. Once you confirm your intention to proceed with a nanny or maternity nurse, the agency fee is payable immediately, and we will begin coordinating the placement.
Full Payment Upon Confirmation: The payment should be made in full upon the formal offer and acceptance of the caregiver's placement. The agency fee is non-refundable once the placement has been confirmed.
No Ongoing Monthly Fees: There are no monthly or recurring fees associated with our services unless specifically agreed upon for long-term placements. We are committed to providing clear, one-time costs with no hidden fees or surprises.
No Hidden Charges: The fees outlined in our Terms & Conditions are comprehensive and cover the full scope of services provided. There will be no additional charges unless explicitly stated, such as for extended hours, travel costs for remote placements, or emergency bookings.
Invoices: Once payment is processed, an invoice will be issued via email. The invoice will include a secure payment link, allowing for easy online payment using your preferred payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank transfer). Payment must be made through the provided payment link to ensure proper tracking and receipt of funds.
Late Payments: If payments are not received prior to the commencement of services, the placement may be delayed or canceled. Any late payments may incur an additional administrative fee or delay the commencement of the booking until payment is fully processed.
Refunds: In cases where services are canceled, the refund policy outlined in section 9 (Refunds & Replacements) will apply. No refunds will be issued once the service has commenced unless stipulated by law or as part of a valid replacement request.
Payment Security: We take your privacy and security seriously. All payments are processed through a secure online payment gateway, ensuring the protection of your financial information.
9. Refunds & Replacements
At Nest & Kin, we strive to ensure that both our clients and caregivers are fully satisfied with our services. We understand that circumstances may change, and in certain situations, the need for replacements or refunds may arise. The following policies outline how such matters will be handled:
Replacement Guarantee:
Eligibility for a Replacement: If the placement ends prematurely within the first 3 to 6 months of the start date, depending on the specific service and the terms of the agreement, a complimentary replacement will be offered. This guarantee is subject to availability and may require us to find a suitable replacement that meets the client’s requirements.
Conditions for Replacement: The replacement guarantee applies only if the caregiver’s employment is terminated by mutual agreement or if the caregiver is unable to fulfill their duties due to unforeseen circumstances. If the client terminates the placement or the caregiver leaves voluntarily, the replacement guarantee may not apply.
Process: To request a replacement, the client must notify Nest & Kin within seven days of the termination of the placement. We will then begin the process of sourcing a new caregiver for the client.
Cancellation Policy:
No Refunds After Placement Commencement: Once a placement has commenced, no refunds will be issued in the event that the client cancels the placement. This policy is in place because the agency’s services, including vetting, coordination, and matching, have already been performed and the caregiver has already been assigned.
Sleep Consultation Services:
Non-refundable: Once a sleep consultation service has been conducted, whether virtual or in-person, the service is considered non-refundable. This includes all aspects of the consultation, such as the intake process, sleep analysis, and personalized sleep plans. The client acknowledges that sleep consultations are based on the services rendered and the advice provided during the session.
Refunds:
Legal Requirements: Refunds will only be issued if required by law or if stipulated by our replacement guarantee. In instances where services are rendered and no other conditions apply, no refund will be provided. Refunds will also be issued in cases where the client is legally entitled to a refund under consumer protection laws.
Refund Process: Should a refund be applicable, it will be processed in the same manner as the original payment. The client will be notified once the refund has been approved and processed.
Additional Considerations:
Refund Requests: All refund requests must be submitted in writing to Nest & Kin. Please provide full details of the reason for the refund request. Each case will be reviewed individually, and a decision will be made based on the terms and conditions outlined here.
Reimbursement for Expenses: Any additional expenses incurred by Nest & Kin in relation to the placement (e.g., travel costs, accommodations, etc.) are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed.
10. Limitation of Liability
Nest & Kin acts solely as an introduction agency and does not serve as the employer of the caregivers it introduces. The client assumes all responsibilities as the legal employer of any caregiver introduced.
Nest & Kin shall not be held liable for:
Caregiver conduct after the placement commences
Unexpected changes in caregiver availability
Legal compliance, including tax and National Insurance obligations
11. Payroll & Employment Contracts
Clients are responsible for all legal employment matters, including:
Drafting employment contracts
Handling tax and National Insurance contributions
Registering with HMRC
Nest & Kin does not provide payroll services. We advise using a specialist nanny payroll provider.
12. Confidentiality & Data Protection
Nest & Kin is committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of all personal data provided by our clients and caregivers. We understand the importance of privacy and take all necessary steps to protect the sensitive information entrusted to us.
Data Handling: All personal data will be managed and processed in compliance with UK GDPR guidelines. We ensure that any data shared with us, whether it be related to caregivers, clients, or placements, is stored securely and only used for the purposes of providing our services.
Data Usage: The personal information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of facilitating your childcare or maternity nurse placement and related services. This may include matching you with suitable caregivers, processing payments, and providing follow-up support as required.
Data Sharing: Nest & Kin will not share your personal information with third parties without your explicit consent, unless required by law. We may share necessary details with caregivers only as required for the placement, such as job-related information and contact details.
Data Retention: Personal data will be kept for no longer than necessary for the purpose it was collected and to comply with legal or regulatory obligations. Once no longer required, data will be securely deleted or anonymized.
Your Rights: As a data subject, you have the right to access, correct, and request the deletion of your personal data at any time, in accordance with UK GDPR regulations. If you wish to exercise these rights, please contact us at tamara@nestkin.co.uk.
Security Measures: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure that your personal data is protected from unauthorized access, loss, or damage. However, please note that no data transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data.
13. Acceptance of Terms
By engaging with any of the services provided by Nest & Kin, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions and acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by them.
By booking a placement or utilizing any service provided by Nest & Kin, you acknowledge your responsibilities as the legal employer of any caregiver introduced by the agency. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Employment Obligations: You are solely responsible for ensuring that the caregiver is employed in compliance with all relevant employment laws, including but not limited to the provision of an employment contract, setting terms of employment, and adhering to local labour laws.
Tax and National Insurance: As the employer, you are responsible for handling all tax obligations and National Insurance contributions in accordance with UK tax laws. This includes ensuring the caregiver is correctly registered with HMRC and that taxes and National Insurance contributions are paid as required.
Insurance: It is your responsibility to ensure the caregiver is covered by appropriate employment-related insurance, such as employer liability insurance and other relevant policies to protect both you and the caregiver.
Payroll Services: Nest & Kin does not provide payroll or tax filing services. You are advised to engage a qualified nanny payroll provider or accountant to handle these matters.
Compliance with Legal Requirements: You agree to comply with all other relevant legal requirements related to the employment of caregivers, including immigration checks, health and safety regulations, and any other applicable legislation.
By engaging with our services, you understand that Nest & Kin acts solely as an introduction agency and does not assume the role of employer, nor does it assume responsibility for any of the legal obligations mentioned above. The final responsibility for hiring and managing the caregiver rests entirely with you, the client.
If you have any questions regarding your obligations or require assistance in fulfilling them, we recommend seeking legal or financial advice.