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Writer's picture: Clara PrykeClara Pryke

Creating joyful memories: A warm welcome for the nanny as they join in the family fun.
Creating joyful memories: A warm welcome for the nanny as they join in the family fun.

Preparing your home for your new nanny's arrival can make the whole experience smoother for everyone involved.

Here is a guide to help you in setting up your space for a welcoming childcare experience, and positive working relationship.


First impressions matter!


Make sure to warmly welcome your nanny. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere benefits both the nanny and your children, helping them feel comfortable and establishing the tone.

Once the nanny has met your child a few times and you've positively prepared your child, involving the nanny in family life as much as possible aids in building connections and establishing trust.


Be available to answer questions your child may have, and provide feedback during the first few weeks.

Regularly check in to ensure everyone is comfortable and aligned with expectations.


Showing your nanny appreciation goes a long way!


Take some time to walk the nanny through your home .Point out key areas :


  • Your child/children's bedroom, laundry baskets, clothes, toys and so forth

  • The kitchen and where the meals, snacks are kept. Any feeding instructions or equipment use

  • Additionally, the vacuum cleaner, dustpan and brush etc.

  • The bathroom, where to find extra towels, toilet roll, extra nappies, wipes etc.

  • Any private rooms such as an office space, or parents bedroom

  • Ensure everything is well stocked in the beginning


Set up a safe and engaging environment


Ensuring your child's safety through childproofing is essential, providing peace of mind for both you and your nanny.

Look around the house an view what could be a potential hazard.

A well organised , child-friendly space makes it easier for the nanny to keep your little one safely engaged and entertained.


  • Remove choking hazards or sharp objects

  • Put chemicals, dangerous household products in locked cupboards or out of reach

  • Secure heavy furniture and cover electrical outlets, and sharp corners

  • Lock away garden tools and equipment

  • Perhaps have a lock on the office door

  • Set out safe and age- appropriate toys

  • Window locks for upstairs

  • Medications are in a locked box, cabinet, or placed high up.

  • Check that doors, windows and baby gates are secure


Ensure your nanny is shown where to find first-aid supplies, medications, and/or allergy treatments.


Clear routines


Before the nanny starts, ensure everyone is clear on your child's current routine. A consistent schedule

helps the nanny understand expectations, whilst helping the little one feel secure and comfortable.


Ensure, the nanny is briefed on mealtimes and snack times. Sleep routines, favourite toy or comforter, along with any particular house rules.

You may like to talk through how your child likes to unwind before bed. There may be a particular story or music they like, or preferred lighting in the room.


Remember, if you have cameras in your property it is a legal obligation to inform the nanny of this.


Provide clear instructions on what your child can or cannot eat, and where to find it.

Be especially clear if your child has allergies or medical requirements , and ensure this is clarified before the nanny starts.


Establish a system for regular updates, this may be a whatsapp group, texts, or a nanny diary. A shared calendar for appointments, playdates and special events is highly useful.



Important contact information


Ensure the nanny has a list of emergency contacts in an easy-to-find location. Include:


  • Your number and an alternative contact number, this could be a partner, close family friend, grandparent, or neighbour

  • Your child's doctor's surgery

  • Nursery or school (if applicable)

  • Local emergency numbers

  • Another parent at nursery/school (if relevant)


Prepare for emergencies


Along with the contact numbers , ensure your nanny knows how to use all the locking mechanisms in your house.


  • Make sure they know where the spare keys are kept

  • Where other keys to sheds, office,windows etc are kept

  • Label different keys using a specific tab you can write on

  • Emergency exits

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Where the fuse box is kept

  • Torches incase of a power outage

  • Details of a neighbour who will have spare house keys ( believe me this happens where keys get left in the house accidentally)



Set expectations


Clear communication from the beginning is key to a successful working relationship.

Discuss any household do's and don'ts for example, screen time, tv time, snacks and/or treats, dealing with negative behaviour. Make sure you and the nanny are on the same page when it comes to setting boundaries.


Clarify any expectations for extra responsibilities like light housekeeping or specific instructions from the start.


In Summary


Preparing for your nanny does not have to be complicated. By organising your space, sharing essential information , and communicating openly, you can ensure a positive stress-free experience for everyone involved. Plus the added bonus of peace of mind!



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In our busy lives, finding reliable childcare can be a time consuming , not to mention daunting task for families. With a myriad of options available, from independent childcare providers to online platforms the essential component is safeguarding. It is so important to prioritise the safety and well-being of your child above all else. This is where a reputable nanny agency can make a huge difference.

When a family know they can trust that their child is in good hands, it naturally follows that they can relax and focus on work.


At Hampton Childcare Agency, we understand the importance of finding the perfect nanny that fits your family. Our commitment to safeguarding through rigorous vetting process takes the guesswork out of finding quality child care. In turn this provides you with peace of mind and assurance every step of the way.

The safety and security of your child is our top priority. Every nanny in our database has undergone comprehensive background checks, including providing an Enhanced DBs (criminal record check), reference verifications and a comprehensive interview. This ensures that each child care provider meets our stringent standards, reliability and trustworthiness.

As a parent , entrusting your child to someone else's care can be a daunting prospect.Ultimately, opting for a nanny agency streamlines the search process.


Our commitment to safeguarding extends beyond the initial screening process. We provide ongoing support and supervision to our nannies, offering resources to ensure they uphold the highest standards of care , and upholding the ethos of our agency. We work in collaboration with chosen partners who provide ongoing training and professional development, as well as safeguarding, first aid , CPR and Epipen training.


Through our agency you gain access to our pool of experienced and qualified nannies who are passionate about early childhood development.Our nannies come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of skills and expertise to their roles. whether it's in education, child psychology,or specialised care for children with unique needs.

Our role is to match each family with a nanny who not only meets their practical requirements but also shares their values, and parenting philosophy.

Whether you are looking for a nurturing nanny to support your child's emotional development or a skilled educator to stimulate their intellectual curiosity, we will work closely with you to find the perfect fit for your family.


We do understand that every family is unique, and so tailor our services to meet each individual needs and preferences.


From full-time live-in nannies to after school help, we offer a range of childcare solutions.

We support our families every step of the way, from the initial conversation to ongoing guidance and support.

Furthermore, if you have questions about the vetting process, need interview tips, new employer advice, payroll and contract help, or needing advice on managing transitions, we are always here to listen and assist.


Overall, choosing our agency offers numerous benefits, including peace of mind, personalised matching, ongoing support, and a streamlined hiring process, making it a valuable investment for families seeking quality childcare.



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Understanding the difference between gross and net pay is crucial for a nanny to grasp their true earnings.

Gross pay refers to the total amount of money earned before any deductions , such as taxes are taken out. Net pay refers to what you take home after deductions. Think of it as "gross"being large and "net" catching the pay they will take away.


It is essential to work with gross pay figures because it provides a clear view of earnings, helping you budget and compare job offers with more accuracy.


1.Job Stability for nannies:

Employers can clearly anticipate costs as gross pay accounts for taxes and National insurance.

2. Tax advantages:Nannies can benefit from their tax -free allowance, which typically increases annually.

3. Salary comparison: nannies can easily compare their earnings with peers in childcare and other industries.

4. Simplified financial transactions:

Gross pay simplifies processes like applying for a mortgage application, or loan. Lenders typically require proof of income in gross terms.


From an employers perspective:

1.Better budgeting: Gross pay includes taxes, National insurance and pension contributions upfront.

2. Gross pay ensures that nannies are contributing to their share towards a pension scheme.

3. Clear communication: Dealing with HMRC is simplified as they typically communicate in gross terms avoiding an confusion.

4. Financial protection: Nannies are shielded from being responsible for any unpaid taxes from previous roles, such as court orders or student loans.





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