Hiring A Nanny – What To Look For

At Silks, we understand that finding the right nanny is about far more than ticking boxes. The qualifications, the checks, the experience — these are the foundations. But the right fit goes deeper than that. It’s about trust, values and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your children are in exceptional hands. This guide walks you through every consideration, so that when you find the right person, you’ll know.

Education

  • Look for nannies with relevant education who can support your child’s early developmental needs.

Qualifications

Exceptional nannies often hold qualifications such as:

  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Early Years Education
  • NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education

Security Checks

  • Ensure that experienced nannies have an up-to-date enhanced DBS check.
  • Many nannies may be on the government update DBS service; they should provide you with codes for verification.
  • Confirm their right to work in the UK.
  • Request written references along with contact details for verification.

Experience

  • Look for proven experience in similar roles, whether in a private household, educational environment, or nursery. Ensure you have a proven track record with checkable references and a DBS police check.

Personality Compatibility

  • Assess personality compatibility, which can be gauged through a trial period. Ensure the nanny’s values align with yours, as you’ll be working closely together. Often this is apparent during a trial period with your new nanny.

Communication Style

  • Evaluate whether their communication style aligns with that of your family. Are there language barriers, do you need someone who is multilingual?

Childcare Philosophy

  • Discuss their methods of discipline and the emphasis they place on educational needs. Ask how they plan to engage with your children outside the home. What is their approach to educational support, are they equipped to support with homework.

Live-in Nanny vs. Daily Nanny

  • Determine what suits your lifestyle best. Do you need someone on-site overnight, or do you prefer family time at the end of the day? What’s the difference between a live in nanny and a daily nanny (link)

Flexibility

  • Consider if it’s important for your nanny to be flexible, such as staying longer when needed or stepping in as a proxy parent. If you are professional parents, ensure your nanny can stay longer when required. Do you want a clock watcher? Will they serve dinner to your children IF you aren’t able to?

Skills and Certificates

  • Do you need a multilingual nanny? Consider cultural fit, too.
  • Check if they have a recent First Aid certification; if not, are they willing to obtain one?
  • Driving license, is this important to you?
  • Do they have the right to work in the UK?
  • Are they academically qualified to work as a professional nanny and is experience MORE important to you than qualifications?

Salary Expectations

  • Discuss salary expectations (link to salary page). Remember pension contributions and tax and NI. 28 days paid holiday is statutory.

Cultural Fit

  • Ensure the nanny aligns with your religious and cultural preferences. Consider their ability to speak your preferred language.

Trial

  • If you find a nanny who feels right, conduct a trial to see how they fit in with your family and interact with your children. This will cement the fit if all goes well.

Offer

  • Can the nanny offer the commitment you need? If so, it may be time to make an offer.

Probationary Period

  • A probationary period for a nanny is usually 3 months.

Contact us to hire your nanny.

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