As professionals caring for children, nannies have the same legal responsibilities as teachers, nurses or daycare workers and therefore need insurance to protect them. Social Services departments will not register a childminder until she has public liability insurance, but because nannies work in an unregulated field, many of them do not realise that they need it.

A few insurance companies offer public liability policies and a handful, including Morton Michel offer a specific policy for nannies. These policies are not usually expensive. For example, Morton Michel Insurance in London will cover individuals for up to £2 million in costs but the annual fee is just £55.

If your nanny is not insured, suggest that she takes out a policy or, if you would like to, take it out for her yourself. If, during the interview, she says she is insured ask to see the certificate to be certain.

It could also be useful for you to have employer's liability insurance (yes, you are an employer now!). When it comes to driving your car you will also have to add her name to your motor insurance policy - public liability doesn't cover that.

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