Why Finding a great Nanny is harder in 2026!

If you have recently considered looking for childcare, you might be wondering if it's always been this tricky.

Honestly, no! In my many years running the agency, I've never known the nanny market quite like this.

So, what has changed? One big factor is simply fewer experienced career nannies available. Many nannies have switched careers during and after the pandemic, and fewer people are now entering the profession. Even with parents working from home families continue to require flexibility, and excellent nannies are quickly snapped up. It's possible that families' expectations have also changed. Understandably, a family desires a nanny to feel like a member of their household and hopes they will remain for the long term.

On top of that, more families want specific skills, like a particular language or SEN experience, and that may narrow the pool.

Salaries have also increased, leading some families to adjust their expectations. Let's not even delve into the rise in employers' national insurance contributions!

And the hopeful part? If you start your search early, keep an open mind, and focus on the fit over perfection, the right nanny is still out there. Excellent nannies are in demand, so starting early really helps. The challenge is perhaps not quality; it is timing.

It might take a little longer than it used to, but when you find someone great who suits your family's individual needs, it's genuinely worth it.

What Can You Do If You Have Safeguarding Concerns?

At Hampton Childcare Agency, we take safeguarding seriously. While situations requiring concern are rare, we know that childcare professionals may occasionally find themselves in a home where something does not feel quite right.

Whether it's a gut feeling, a concern about a child's wellbeing, or something witnessed - it is important to know what to do, who to contact, and when to speak up.

Always Trust Your Instincts

As someone working closely with children, you are often the first to notice if something seems off. Your professional judgement matters, and we encourage you to act on it.

Here is a guide to help you respond appropriately in different situations.

Emergency Situations

• If you believe a child, or anyone in the household is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the police.

• If there is a medical emergency and a child needs urgent care, call 999 and request an ambulance.

Do not delay. Quick action can make all the difference.

Worried About a Child's Welfare?

If you suspect any form of neglect, abuse, or serious safeguarding concerns - but it is not an emergency -

contact your local Children's services.

We can point you in the right direction if you are unsure.

If you're uncertain, don't delay. It's preferable to sound the alarm than to remain quiet.

When You Do Not feel Comfortable About Something

If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in another person's home, even if it's not a safeguarding concern, please contact us.

For example

• The home or setting is unsafe or unsanitary

• A comment or any form of behaviour which is inappropriate

• Being offered alcohol or cigarettes by the host

• You hear or see something that is not right

• A child, or the children are very withdrawn or frightened

While you remain responsible for reporting safeguarding issues, we ask that we are informed so we can support you.

If you have already contacted the police or authorities please confidentially share information with us.

You are not alone but also ensuring your own safety and peace of mind is paramount.

Please seriously consider undertaking a Safeguarding course to keep you updated, and informed.

Useful information

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection

How to Build a Rewarding Career in Childcare

Nurturing moments: A rewarding career in childcare brings joy through simple walks and shared discoveries.

Are you considering a career in childcare? That's fantastic—you won't be disappointed!

Get ready to be cherished, worn out, covered in mysterious stains, have pockets filled with various items, and somehow always have a snack available.

Childcare is among the most fulfilling professions, trust me on this. However, it genuinely demands endurance, plenty of patience, and a great sense of humour.

If you are ready to embark on this adventure , here's how to build a fulfilling career.

Embrace the Chaos ( and learn to love glitter )

Children are little whirlwinds of energy, emotions, and, unfortunately, glitter! It somehow spreads everywhere, and you'll keep finding it for weeks afterward.

Regardless of whether you're a nanny, nursery practitioner, childminder, or play worker, you'll encounter sticky fingers, crayon-covered walls, and plenty of wet clothes. If you can embrace this and find humour in it, you can anticipate receiving unconditional love, amusing remarks, and hilarious quirks in return.

Get the Right Qualifications

Parents cherish their children more than anything and seek someone who does more than just sing "Baby Shark" on repeat. Investing in proper training is key:

• A Child Care or Early years qualification - so you can confidently explain why building a tower is actually brain development, how and why! Both you, and the parents of your charges will feel assured and confident.

• A Paediatric First Aid Certificate is essential. No matter how vigilant you are, children still manage to trip and fall over nothing.

• Safeguarding training. Another essential certificate to ensure every child is safe, happy and secure.

Develop a Poker Face

Children are hilarious and will say the strangest things at the worst moment .

" My baby sister can crap !" "What? Oh, Clap ! Of course"

If you can keep a straight face through these moments, congratulations - you're childcare material.

Master The Art of Distraction

Most under twos have the attention span of a goldfish on caffeine ! One minute they are happily playing , the next on the verge of a catastrophic meltdown because their sandwich was cut the wrong way.

What do you do ? Redirect of course , pull on all your resources ,calmness and reasoning, with a back up plan of funny voices, dance parties, songs and stories work wonders.

Build Your Reputation

Word of mouth and great references are everything in this line of work. Parents will recommend you if you :

• Show great initiative and always have a plan

• You are never late

• Their child adores you and you them

• You engage, educate, nurture and think out of the box

• You put their safety before anything

Set Boundaries

It is easy to give 100% in this job but do remember it can be ' full on'. Taking a break is crucial.

You are not failing if you allow your charge to have some independent play time whilst you sip your well earned coffee!

Remember why you do this role

Indeed, it can be chaotic, tiring, and frequently sticky, yet it is also brimming with laughter, milestones, and moments that remind you why you cherish this job.

For example, when. a child finally ties their shoes for the first time since you showed them, or remembers to say 'please' to another child, or gives you a big hug just because!

A career in childcare is not just a job - it is simply a journey of shaping little lives while collecting hilarious stories along the way.

Grab your patience, your snack stash, your best bedtime story voice and repertoire of nursery rhymes - it's going to be a rewarding ride ahead!

For Further information on becoming a Nanny , please get in touch for a chat.