TERMS AND CONDITIONS

THE DOVECOTE

1. Introduction

By engaging the services of Dovetail Nannies ("the Agency"), you ("the Client") agree to the following Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions govern all transactions between the Agency, the Client, and any nanny or caregiver ("the Nanny") introduced by the Agency. The use of the Agency’s services implies full acceptance of these terms, whether or not a written contract has been signed.

2. Definitions

  • "Client" refers to any individual or entity using the Agency’s services to hire or engage a nanny.

  • “Candidate”, "Nanny" or “Nannies” refers to any individual(s) introduced by the Agency to the Client for the purpose of providing childcare or related services.

  • "Agency" refers to Dovetail Nannies, a subsidiary of JLK Education.

  • ‘Full-time’ means an engagement of 30 hours a week or more.

  • “Part-time” means an engagement which does not exceed 30 hours per week. 

  • “Permanent placement” means an appointment which exceeds 12 weeks in duration. 

  • “Temporary placement” means an appointment which is under 12 weeks in duration.

3. Agency’s Role in The Dovecote Package

The Agency acts as an introduction service between Clients and Nannies. The Agency does not directly employ the Nannies. Nannies are either employed directly by the Client or work as independent contractors. 

The Agency provides services including, but not limited to:

  • Matching Clients with suitable Nannies based on specific needs.

  • Assisting with the arrangement of interviews.

  • Recruiting and screening potential Nannies.

  • Conducting background checks (to the extent permitted by law).

Recruiting and Screening
Based upon the information provided by both parties, the Agency will endeavour to introduce the Client to Candidates that match their requirements as closely as possible. The Agency will interview Candidates and assess their qualifications, experience, and attitude. The Agency will take up references for Candidates engaged in a placement or trial period. The Agency will provide the Client with all relevant information available regarding Candidates, but it cannot guarantee the suitability of any Candidate or accuracy of the information provided by Candidates or third parties.

Background Checks
The Agency will obtain copies of the final chosen Nannie’s Passport, DBS certificate, First Aid Certificate and, where applicable, a valid UK driving licence. Once a suitable candidate has been agreed, the Agency will obtain no less than two verbal references for the Candidate. The responsibility for verifying a Candidate’s qualifications and suitability ultimately rests with the Client. Furthermore, it is the Client’s responsibility to verify the Candidate's driving qualifications and ensure adequate insurance coverage.

The Agency carefully endeavours to match Clients with suitable Candidates but is under no obligation to ensure a successful introduction. The Agency reserves the right to refuse to supply Candidate details at its discretion.

4. Client Responsibilities

The Client is responsible for:

  • Providing accurate and complete information regarding their childcare requirements and household circumstances.

  • Offering the Nanny fair and reasonable working conditions in accordance with local labour laws.

  • Ensuring compliance with all relevant employment legislation, including (but not limited to) tax obligations, national insurance, working hours, holiday and sickness benefit, accommodation, remuneration and work permits and visas for the Nanny. 

  • Submitting a copy of the employment contract to the Agency, as required by the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003.

  • Conducting their own assessment and suitability checks for the Nanny.

5. Fees and Payment

The Client agrees to pay the Agency a fee for its services. The fee structure includes:

  • Registration fees 

  • Placement fees

  • Additional fees for temporary placements, trial periods or specialised services.

Registration Fee
The Agency charges a registration fee of £100 (excluded from the Agency’s refund policy). This fee is payable upon signing or agreeing to these Terms & Conditions. 

Placement Fees

Permanent Placements Temporary Placements

Full-time 10% of Candidates gross annual salary 15% of the Candidate’s gross weekly salary, for the duration of the engagement.

Part-time 12% of Candidates gross annual salary 15% of the Candidate’s gross weekly salary, for the duration of the engagement.

Additional fees
The Client is encouraged and entitled to engage up to two (2) proposed permanent placement Candidates for a trial period of up to seven days during which the Client agrees to compensate the candidate directly at the agreed hourly/daily rate and the Agency at a rate of £25 per day for the duration of the trial period. 

Late Fees
Fees are due upon the successful placement of a Nanny or upon the use of any other Agency service.

Invoices not settled within 7 days OR by the commencement of the Candidate’s employment (whichever occurs first) are subject to an additional 5% of the applicable fees as outlined in the schedule above.

Failure to pay fees within the agreed timeframe may result in the termination of the contract and the withdrawal of services.

6. Refund and Replacement Policy

If the Nanny cancels the engagement 

  • prior to commencement and no suitable replacement can be agreed, the Client shall be entitled a full refund (excluding the registration fee). 

  • within the first 7 days of employment, the Client shall be entitled to a 50% refund.

  • within 21 days of employment, the Client shall be entitled to a 25% refund.

  • No refund is available after 21 days, except at the sole discretion of the Agency.

Should the Client cancel a permanent, temporary or any other type of engagement up to 14 days after the placement has commenced, a 50% refund will be due at the discretion of the Agency.

Dovetail Nannies cannot guarantee that the Candidate will complete his or her proposed length of Engagement.

7. Cancellations

If the Client cancels the engagement after the terms have been agreed, but before employment commences, the Client will be liable for an administration fee of £350. The Agency reserves the right to charge additional cancellation fees if significant work has already been undertaken.

8. Termination

The Agency reserves the right to terminate its agreement with the Client at any time, either at the discretion of the Agency, or if the Client:

  • Breaches these Terms and Conditions

  • Fails to pay fees in the agreed timeframe

  • Acts in an unreasonable or abusive manner toward Agency staff or Nannies.

9. Confidentiality

The Agency will take all reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality of the Client's and the Nanny’s personal information. The Client and the Nanny agree not to disclose any information obtained through the Agency to third parties.


Introductions of Candidates by the Agency are confidential and made individually. If a Client or any associated individual introduces a Candidate to another party within six months of the initial introduction, the Client shall be liable to pay the full placement fee according to the Agency’s fee structure. Additionally, Clients must inform the Agency immediately if they engage a Candidate previously introduced by a third party. If no such notification is provided, the Agency will assume it effected the introduction, and the relevant fee will be payable.

10. Liability

The Agency will make reasonable efforts to present Candidates that align with the Client’s specifications. However, the Agency's role is strictly limited to facilitating introductions, and the Client retains sole responsibility for the decision to hire any Candidate. The Client agrees to release the Agency from any liability related to the Candidate’s or Nanny’s actions, including but not limited to negligence or misconduct. The Client assumes full responsibility for all employment matters, including tax and legal compliance. The Agency is not liable for any losses, personal injury or death resulting from its negligence. 

11. Amendments

The Agency reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Clients will be notified of any changes via email, and continued use of the Agency’s services after such notice will constitute acceptance of the updated terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England & Wales, and any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of  England & Wales.