How to find and check a nanny in London

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Describe the job first: children's ages and numbers, postcode, hours, languages, school runs, driving and expected duties. Use this brief to compare agencies, advertised candidates and personal recommendations. Do not publish your full address or a child's detailed routine.

Establish the care arrangement

A nanny normally works in the child's home; childminding is a different arrangement. In England, nannies do not have to register with Ofsted but may register voluntarily. Registration involves checks and may matter for financial support. Verify current registration rather than an application promise. Ofsted: nannies registration ↗.

Ask agencies what they check, who employs the nanny, their fees and what happens if the placement is unsuitable.

Check documents and references

Request a complete employment history, identity evidence, qualifications and paediatric first aid. Discuss an appropriate enhanced DBS check and a permitted Update Service check where applicable. DBS is one element of screening rather than a guarantee of future behaviour.

With consent, speak directly to previous employers through verified contact details. Ask about children's ages, duties, reliability and why employment ended. City of London recommends checking CVs, references, qualifications and responses to emergencies. Council: safer recruitment ↗.

Conduct a practical interview

Discuss behaviour, sleep, food, medicines, outings, screens and photographs. Ask what happens if a parent is late, a child is injured or the nanny cannot attend. For driving duties, check the relevant licence and insurance.

Arrange a short paid trial with you present. Assess communication and attention to the child rather than immediately leaving them with an unchecked person as an independence test.

Agree employment in writing

Record gross pay, hours, holiday, overtime, expenses, duties and notice. When hiring directly, the household usually becomes an employer with right-to-work, payroll and insurance duties. GOV.UK: employing someone at home ↗.

Compare the full household cost, including employer contributions and agency fees. Before the first unsupervised day, provide emergency contacts, access rules and an agreed handover procedure.