Hiring a Nanny (Things to consider)

Nanny reading to two children

Hiring a nanny is not just any ordinary employer / employee relationship, you are welcoming someone into your home and into your family. This person will become someone that you and your family rely on and someone who supports you in raising your children. That’s a big job and as a parent, making the right decision can be daunting!

Here are a few things to consider when thinking about employing a nanny…

The Role

Really consider your key requirements for the nanny. Here are some aspects of the role to consider - it’s best to put them into a priority order for you and your family before you start looking.

  • Qualifications. What childcare or educational qualifications are important to you?

  • Languages. Do you want your nanny to be teaching your children a second language?

  • Cooking. If your nanny is going to be cooking meals for your children what type of meals are you wanting them to have? Do your children have any allergies?

  • Availability. When will your nanny need to be available? Is there additional ad hoc hours they might need to do such as babysitting in the evenings?

  • Driving. Will they be required to do school drop offs?.

  • Travel. Is it important that your nanny can travel with you or will you have a different childcare set up on trips?

Principles and personality

The nanny you employ is going to be in your home with you and your family on a very regular basis so finding someone that matches your family’s personality and principles is important.

Think about how you are as a family and what is important to you. Are you looking for someone to work formally as your nanny or are you happy to have a more informal working relationship?

Are you outdoorsy? Will this person be expected to don some wellies and go on long walks with you and the dogs? Do your children like playing outdoors? Perhaps you don’t have a garden and your nanny will need to be creative and crafty indoors?

Most importantly what values do you expect your nanny to instil?

These are all aspects of bringing a nanny into your home that you need to think about before you start your search.

wage

Nannies will vary in rate depending on experience, qualifications and what they can potentially offer.

Having an idea of your budget and what you are willing to perhaps pay extra for (like an additional language) is something to have in mind before you start looking.

Live in or live out

If you are in a position to provide accommodation for your future nanny then you may be able to work with your nanny more closely and have a more flexible arrangement, however there are additional aspects of the role to consider if this is the case.

  • Where will they reside?

  • Will they have access to the main residence during their time off?

  • Will they share any areas of your home i.e. bathroom, kitchen?

  • What are their hours and how will it work if they are needed outside of those hours?

  • Are they allowed visitors?

  • Can they bring pets?

Having a live in nanny can be the ideal arrangement for some, however not all families want to share their home permanently and opt for a live out nanny and have a more structured schedule.

With all these things to consider, finding a nanny can feel intimidating. We at Beauchamp Partners have worked with many clients who have been looking for their first nanny.

It’s our job as a nanny agency to not only find you your perfect match but also help you navigate those considerations.

For more information on our services and how we can help you find a nanny contact us on +44(0) 207 259 6999 or email info@beauchamppartners.co.uk.

Debbie Gray