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.