Bespoke Nanny Search
Finding the right nanny for your family
Choosing a nanny is about far more than finding someone with childcare experience. You're inviting someone into your home to become an important part of your family's daily life, so it's essential to find someone who shares your values, understands your routines and builds a genuine connection with your children.
At WrightAdvice, we take the stress out of the recruitment process by carefully managing every stage of the search. Our team will source, interview, reference check and verify documentation for every potential candidate before introducing them to you. Once you have shortlisted your preferred candidates, we will arrange interviews, organise trial days and can provide a template employment contract should you require one.
Everyone at WrightAdvice has hands-on experience working with babies and children, giving us a genuine understanding of what families are looking for in an exceptional nanny. We look for candidates who are proactive, organised and confident using their own initiative, but above all, people who genuinely love working with children and are passionate about supporting their development.
What can a nanny help with?
Every family is different, and every nanny role is tailored to suit your individual needs. Typical responsibilities may include:
Dressing children and encouraging age-appropriate independence
Planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks
Feeding babies and supervising mealtimes
Preparing and sterilising bottles and feeding equipment
Changing nappies and supporting toileting routines
Planning fun, creative and educational activities
Encouraging outdoor play and physical development
Supporting learning through reading, crafts and play
Helping with homework and school projects
Implementing and maintaining daily routines
Planning naps, bedtime routines and sleep schedules
School and nursery drop-offs and collections
Taking children to clubs, appointments and activities
Shopping for children's clothing and everyday essentials
Keeping children's bedrooms, play areas and belongings organised
Washing and ironing children's clothing
Changing children's bedding
Bathing children and assisting with personal care
Carrying out light household duties relating to the children
Running occasional errands connected with the children's needs
Communicating with parents about routines, milestones and development
Recommending activities, toys and resources that support learning and development
The role of a nanny is to provide consistent, nurturing childcare while supporting your family's routine and helping children thrive in a safe, happy environment.
Helping your nanny settle into your family
The first few weeks are an important time for both your family and your nanny. Giving everyone the opportunity to build trust and establish routines will help create a successful long-term working relationship.
A few simple ways to support your nanny include:
Allow your nanny the opportunity to build their own relationship with your children and establish their authority.
Avoid correcting or undermining your nanny in front of the children. If you have concerns, discuss them privately.
Remember that building a strong bond with your children comes first. As routines become established, everything else will naturally fall into place.
Let your nanny know what food and drinks are available and whether there is anything they are welcome to help themselves to during the day.
Provide honest and constructive feedback after the first week or two so expectations are clear.
Don't forget to acknowledge the things your nanny is doing well. Positive feedback helps build confidence and a strong working relationship.
Open communication from both sides is the foundation of a happy and successful placement.
Salary Guide
As every family's requirements are different, salaries will vary depending on experience, qualifications, location, hours, responsibilities and the number of children.
As a guide:
Live-out full-time nannies: typically £18–£25 gross per hour
Live-in full-time nannies: typically £700–£1,500 gross per week
Your consultant will be happy to discuss current market rates and help you determine an appropriate salary based on your family's individual requirements.
Please remember that the nanny's salary is only part of the overall employment cost. As an employer, you will also need to budget for National Insurance contributions, pension contributions, holiday pay and any other statutory employer costs. If you would like a clearer understanding of the total cost of employing a nanny, we are happy to provide an estimated total cost to employer.
Your responsibilities as an employer
When employing a nanny directly, you become their employer and are responsible for meeting your legal obligations. This includes:
Setting up payroll
Paying tax, National Insurance and pension contributions where applicable
Paying your nanny directly on a weekly or monthly basis
Providing payslips
Obtaining Employer's Liability Insurance as required by law
Ensuring any vehicle driven by your nanny is appropriately insured
Providing a safe and suitable working environment
For live-in nannies, you should also provide:
A private bedroom
Access to bathroom and laundry facilities
Food and beverages during their employment
For live-out nannies, it is customary to provide light refreshments and beverages during the working day.
Our team is always happy to guide families through these responsibilities and answer any questions before your nanny starts.
Payroll Support
Many families choose to use a specialist payroll provider to manage tax, National Insurance, pensions and payslips.
We are happy to recommend Way2Paye, who provide payroll services specifically for household employers.
If you would like more information, please speak to your WrightAdvice consultant.
Register for payroll here.