Where to Find a Nanny in the UK

You can find a nanny in the UK through three main routes: a traditional nanny agency, an online platform/website, or by personal recommendation (word-of-mouth). Agencies do the vetting for you but are expensive, while online platforms give you a wider choice at a lower cost, but you must do all the interviews and background checks yourself.

Finding the right nanny for your family is one of the most important steps in your childcare journey. The person you choose will be a huge part of your children's lives, so it's normal to feel some pressure to find the "perfect" one.

The good news is there are several well-established ways to find great candidates. The best method for you will depend on your budget, how much time you have, and how hands-on you want to be in the search process.

Let's break down the main options.

1. Traditional Nanny Agencies

This is the classic, full-service route. A nanny agency acts as a specialist matchmaker. You tell them your exact requirements, and they will search, interview, and pre-vet candidates for you.

• Examples: Tinies, Happy Nest, Eden Private Staff, and many other brilliant local agencies.
• How it works: You'll have a consultant who understands your family's needs. They present you with a small, curated list of nannies whose experience, qualifications, and references have already been checked.
• The Cost: This is the most expensive option. Agencies charge a significant placement fee, often calculated as a percentage of the nanny's annual gross salary or a large fixed fee.

Pros and Cons of Nanny Agencies

• Pro: Saves Time & Effort. The agency does all the hard work of filtering applications and initial interviews.‍
• Pro: Vetting is Done. Reputable agencies will have already checked references, DBS status, and first-aid qualifications.‍
• Pro: Replacement Guarantee. Most agencies offer a "guarantee period" and will find you a replacement for free if things don't work out in the first few weeks.‍
• Con: Cost. This is by far the biggest drawback. The fees can be thousands of pounds.‍
• Con: Limited Choice. You will only see the candidates the agency has on their books and thinks are a good fit, not the entire market.

2. Online Platforms & Apps (The "DIY" Route)

In the last decade, online platforms have become the most popular way to find a nanny. These are large, searchable databases where you can post a job and browse profiles of nannies in your area.

• Examples: Childcare.co.uk, Nannyjob.co.uk, Koru Kids, and Bubble.
• How it works: You pay a small subscription fee (e.g., for one month) to post your job and contact candidates directly. You are in complete control—you write the ad, filter the applicants, conduct all interviews, and check all references.
• The Cost: Much cheaper. A typical one-month subscription costs less than £40.

Pros and Cons of Online Platforms

• Pro: Cost-Effective. The subscription fee is a fraction of an agency's commission.
• Pro: Huge Choice. You get access to hundreds of local candidates, giving you a great sense of the market.
• Pro: Full Control. You get to speak to every candidate you like and make 100% of the decisions yourself.
• Con: Time-Consuming. Be prepared to spend many hours writing your job ad, sifting through applications, and holding interviews.
• Con: All Vetting is on You. This is the most critical point. You are solely responsible for checking their Right to Work, calling every reference, and verifying their DBS check.

3. Word-of-Mouth & Local Recommendations

This is the "insider" route. It's all about using your personal and local network.

• How it works: Ask friends, neighbours, or other parents at the school gates. Post a query in a trusted local parents' Facebook or WhatsApp group.
• The Cost: Free!

Pros and Cons of Word-of-Mouth

• Pro: High Trust. A personal recommendation from someone you trust is the best reference you can get.
• Pro: Proven Track Record. You can often find a nanny whose previous family is moving away or whose children are starting school, so you know they have recent, relevant experience.
• Con: It's Pure Luck. You can't rely on this method. It's all about being in the right place at the right time.
• Con: You Still Must Do Your Checks! Even if your friend says the nanny is "amazing," you are still legally required to check their Right to Work and should always see their DBS and first aid certificates for yourself.

No Matter How You Find Your Nanny...

...You will become their employer.

It doesn't matter if you paid an agency £5,000 or found your nanny on a Facebook group for free. As soon as they accept the job, you have legal responsibilities.

This includes providing a contract, getting employer's insurance, and, most importantly, running a compliant PAYE payroll.

That part can seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

Our payroll service takes care of everything for you: From registrations and filings to payslips and payments. We handle the admin so you can be a confident, compliant employer from day one. Fully digital, no paperwork, no stress.