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Nannies – Pros, Cons and Tips for Hiring

Recruiting a nanny to look after your child will never be a decision you take lightly. After all, a nanny will look after your child and be responsible for its welfare during the times when you are unable to do so yourself, whether you are occupied with work, education, home projects or perhaps the needs of your other children.

What does a nanny do?

In a nutshell, a nanny provides professional one-to-one care for your child in your home setting. In effect, they are responsible for providing safe and secure care and lots of attention and stimulation.

Most nannies work on a live-in basis, although some may only work during the day or on a part-time basis – for example, just three or four days a week. The precise role of your child’s nanny will be determined by the contract you draw up during the hiring process. However, in most cases, the nanny may perform childcare-related chores such as clothes washing, washing up, food shopping, tidying, and food preparation. In some cases, the nanny may even be employed as a Nanny Housekeeper, meaning that they will perform a broader range of domestic tasks. See below for a more comprehensive break-down.

Are nannies regulated?

Nannies are not officially regulated. However, many nanny’s may have undergone formal training – for example, from Norland College (which is considered by many to be the pinnacle of nanny training centres) or by undertaking a recognised, formal qualification such as:

There are numerous qualifications available and many nanny agencies will insist on their nannies having more than one qualification alongside relevant experience.

You should ensure that any applicant you employ has full and verifiable references. If you wish to ensure that your nanny has been vetted, it is useful to know that some may be registered with the following bodies:

Furthermore, recruiting a nanny who is registered with one of the above bodies may allow you to pay at least part of your nanny’s wages through the government’s Childcare Choices scheme.

Types of nanny

There are various different types of nanny, so it may be possible to employ a nanny on a tailor-made basis that suits the needs of you and your child. As such, your contract can be drawn up to fit your particular circumstances. However, the most common types of nanny roles can be broken down in the following ways:

Should you hire a nanny for your child?

Ultimately, your decision whether to hire a nanny will be based on your own particular circumstances as well as the specific needs of your child. However, it can be useful to consider the pros and cons before reaching any decision.

Having a nanny – the pros

Having a nanny – the cons

Tips for recruiting and interviewing a nanny

The interview is your major opportunity to make an informed decision about whether the prospective nanny is someone you wish to welcome into your home to look after your child. Be sure to prepare a list of questions to ask the candidate – if all goes well and you are considering hiring them, you should then prepare a list of questions to ask their previous employers.

If you provide a detailed job description before the interview this can make the recruitment process more efficient and help to filter out any unsuitable candidates. Be honest – if you will want your nanny to get up in the night if your child has a nightmare, then you should make this clear.

It is a good idea to interview candidates with your partner or another trusted person in your family circle – it may otherwise feel overwhelming.

You may find the following interview and recruitment checklist helpful.

Hiring a nanny – recruitment checklist

  1. Create a full and detailed job description.
  2. Create a longlist made up of candidates with full and detailed CVs and completed references.
  3. Create a shortlist of suitable candidates.
  4. Take copies of all DBS checks, first aid certificates and OFSTED registration if relevant so that these can be verified if necessary.
  5. Ensure that all suitable candidates have proof of their legal right to work in the UK.
  6. Create a list of interview questions.
  7. Schedule interviews.
  8. Hold interviews and be sure to ask every candidate your prepared questions and to make detailed notes as you go.
  9. Create a final shortlist of your two or three preferred candidates, listing their pros and cons. If there is nothing to separate them, you may wish to follow your gut instinct.
  10. Create a contract between you and your preferred candidate, ensuring that it is mutually acceptable for each of you before you sign.

Final words on hiring a nanny

Your chosen nanny will be responsible for looking after your child and will be one of the major focal points and relationships of your little one’s formative years. This is why it makes sense to go through all the pros and cons and recruitment considerations so that you can find a nanny who is right for you, your child and your family. If possible, give yourself plenty of time to find the right nanny – trying to rush the process may lead to failure and, ultimately, upset for your child.

If you are perhaps thinking of finding a day nursery instead, or perhaps hiring a childminder, please click through to our further reading pages.

Further Reading