How to Allocate Holidays for Your Nanny: Government Guidelines and Fair Practice 

When employing a nanny, Nanny holiday entitlement can sometimes be a grey area especially if it’s a family’s first time hiring a nanny. We believe that clear communication and fair arrangements from the outset are key to creating a positive, long-lasting relationship between families and their nanny. 

 In this guide, we’ll outline: 

• What the UK Government says about holiday entitlement for employees (including nannies). 

• How families typically allocate annual leave in practice. 

• Why many employers choose to follow a 50/50 split when deciding who picks holiday dates. 

 

Government Guidelines on Holiday Entitlement for Nannies 

 Under UK employment law, nannies are entitled to paid annual leave just like any other employee. The legal minimum entitlement is: 

• 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday per year (pro rata for part-time hours). 

• This works out as 28 days for a full-time employee working five days a week. 

• These 28 days can include public and bank holidays if agreed in the contract. 

 

If your nanny works part-time, their holiday entitlement is calculated based on the number of days or hours they work each week. For example: 

• If your nanny works 3 days a week, they’re entitled to 16.8 days’ holiday per year (3 × 5.6). 

 

Holiday pay should be calculated at the nanny’s normal rate of pay and included in their payslip when leave is taken. 

 

Who Decides When Nannies Holidays Are Taken? 

 The law allows employers to set certain rules about when annual leave can be taken, as long as these are clearly stated in the employment contract. Families can: 

• Require a nanny to take leave at certain times (e.g., when the family is away). 

• Restrict leave during specific periods (e.g., busy school terms). 

 

However, the employer (family) must give at least twice as much notice as the length of leave required. For example, if you require your nanny to take 2 weeks off, you must give at least 4 weeks’ notice. 

 

The nanny must also give adequate notice when requesting holiday  typically twice the amount of time they wish to take off. 

 

The 50/50 Holiday Split – A Fair Approach 

 While some employers choose all the holiday dates, many families find that a 50/50 split works best for maintaining fairness and goodwill and this remains the most common way we see and recommend as an agency. 

 

Here’s how it works: 

• Half of the nanny’s annual leave is chosen by the employer, often to coincide with family holidays or periods when the nanny isn’t needed. 

• The other half is chosen by the nanny, allowing them flexibility to plan personal trips, rest periods, or important family events. 

 

Example: 

If a nanny has 28 days of holiday entitlement: 

• 14 days are allocated by the family (e.g., when they travel abroad or during Christmas). 

• 14 days are chosen by the nanny, with approval to ensure it fits around the family’s needs. They do retain the right to decline the holiday request. 

 

This balanced approach gives the family the cover they need while respecting the nanny’s personal life and work-life balance. 

 

Best Practice Tips for Allocating Nanny Holidays 

Discuss holiday arrangements during contract negotiations. 

Make sure both parties understand how many days are included, whether bank holidays are paid, and how the allocation will be split. It’s also helpful to discuss leave around the Christmas period as this is normally included in the holiday allocation too. 

1. Plan early. 

Families often book holidays months in advance, so give your nanny plenty of notice of any dates you require them to take off. 

1. Be flexible where possible. 

Emergencies, weddings, or family events can crop up. Flexibility helps maintain a positive relationship. 

1. Put it in writing. 

Keep a shared calendar or document of agreed holiday dates to avoid misunderstandings. 

1. Remember bank holidays. 

If you require your nanny to work on a bank holiday, make sure they still get their full annual leave entitlement, either by paying them extra or giving them another day off in lieu. 

 

Why Fair Holiday Allocation Matters 

 

Your nanny is not only a valued employee but also an important part of your family’s daily life. Ensuring they have a fair holiday allocation: 

• Supports their wellbeing and job satisfaction. 

• Helps avoid burnout. 

• Encourages loyalty and long-term commitment. 

 

At Happy Nest, we’ve seen time and again that families who take a balanced, respectful approach to holiday allocation enjoy stronger, happier working relationships with their nannies. 

 

If you’re hiring a nanny and want help setting up the right employment terms from the start, our friendly team at Happy Nest Nanny & Maternity Agency can guide you through contracts, payroll, and holiday allocation  so everything runs smoothly for both you and your nanny.