How to choose the right Nanny for your family.

Choosing the right nanny is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent, right up there with “what on earth do I cook for dinner again?” and “will we ever leave the house on time?” You’re not just hiring someone to care for your child, you’re inviting them into your home, your routines, and your most precious family moments.

At Cheshire Nannies, we understand that this decision is deeply personal, so here’s a practical guide to help you choose the right nanny for your family.

1. Understand Your Family’s Needs

Before beginning your search, it’s important to be clear about what you’re looking for. Think about:

• Do you need full-time or part-time childcare?

• Would a live-in or live-out nanny work best?

• What level of experience should they have - new-born, toddler, school-age, or SEN?

• Are there particular routines, values, or parenting styles you’d like them to follow?

Getting specific about your needs helps narrow the search and focus on finding the right fit.

2. Decide on Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Most parents have a list of ideal qualities, but it’s useful to separate essential requirements from preferences. For example:

Must-haves might include:

• A recent DBS check

• First Aid certification

• Relevant childcare qualifications

• A full driving licence

Nice-to-haves could include:

• A second language

• Cooking skills

• Knowledge of Montessori or similar approaches

Knowing your priorities makes the selection process smoother and more flexible.

3. Use a Trusted Childcare Agency

While it can be tempting to look on forums or job boards, using a reputable agency like Cheshire Nannies saves time and provides peace of mind.

We carefully vet every nanny, check all references, and match candidates based on both experience and personality. All our nannies are interviewed in person, where we check original documents including DBS certificates, ID, qualifications, and references. This thorough, face-to-face process ensures quality and allows us to get a real sense of the nanny’s communication skills, professionalism, and overall suitability.

4. Ask the Right Interview Questions

Once you've shortlisted a few candidates, interviews are a vital next step. Ask about:

• Their approach to discipline and boundaries

• Examples of how they’ve handled challenging situations

• What they enjoy doing with children

• How they deal with changes in routine or family dynamics

These questions help you understand not just their skills, but whether their personality and values align with yours.

5. Observe How They Interact with Your Child

A trial session, even an hour or two can be invaluable. Watch how the nanny engages with your child:

• Are they warm, patient, and confident?

• Do they get down to your child’s level and build rapport?

• How does your child respond afterwards?

Children are often the best judge of character. Their comfort and enthusiasm speak volumes.

6. Check References Thoroughly

A professional nanny should have no hesitation providing references from previous families. Speak to those families about:

• The nanny’s reliability and communication

• How they handled challenges or emergencies

• Why they left the role

Although Cheshire Nannies checks all references as part of our vetting process, we always recommend that families speak directly to referees as well. It provides peace of mind and helps you feel confident in your final decision.

7. Trust Is Key

While qualifications and experience are essential, trust is everything. You need to feel comfortable handing over the care of your child to this person, someone who will be part of your daily life, often during your most vulnerable and chaotic moments.

Listen to your instincts. If it feels right, it usually is.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right nanny isn’t always easy, but when you find the one who fits seamlessly into your family life, it’s magic. They’re not just a childcare provider, they’re a helping hand, a support system, and sometimes the only adult you talk to before 3pm.

At Cheshire Nannies, we’re here to take the stress out of the process and help you find someone who doesn’t just meet your expectations but exceeds them (and maybe even folds laundry without being asked).