Relocating to London can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when it involves finding the perfect nanny for your family. With so many crucial tasks to undertake as part of your big move, how do you manage this important process? Don’t worry, Homebodies is here to help. Our specialist nanny agency is dedicated to making this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. We specialise in providing bespoke support to professional working families relocating to London, ensuring that every aspect of the process is meticulously taken care of. Read on to find out more.
Personalised Family Support
Understanding your family's unique needs is at the heart of Homebodies’ service. We provide personalised support throughout the hiring process and beyond, ensuring that your family's requirements are met with the utmost attention and care. Our goal is to make you feel supported and understood from start to finish.
Clarifying the Nanny's Role
In London, a nanny's role can vary significantly depending on your family's needs. Our agency works with you to clearly define this role, ensuring that both you and your nanny have a mutual understanding of the expectations, and foster a happy working relationship. Whether it's childcare, educational support, or household management, we help establish clear boundaries and responsibilities.
Relocating can be stressful for everyone, so there are certain skills to look for in a Nanny who will be supporting you while you settle in, and beyond. These skills include:
Language Skills: Proficiency in English and additional languages for bilingual upbringing or specific language needs.
Driving Ability: A valid UK driver's licence and a safe driving record for transporting children.
PA and Organisational Skills: Capability in managing family schedules, appointments, and travel plans.
Knowledge of UK Nursery/Education System: Familiarity with the educational framework, aiding in children's school readiness and helping them settle in.
Child Development Expertise: Understanding of developmental milestones such as weaning and toilet training as well as child nutrition and sleep habits.
First Aid and CPR Certification: Essential training for emergency situations.
Creativity in Child Engagement: Skills in creative and educational play to foster learning and imagination.
Empathy and Behaviour Management: Ability to empathetically manage children's behaviour and provide emotional support.
Choosing the Right Type of Nanny
Every family has unique needs, so we specialise in matching families with the right type of nanny. Our extensive network and thorough understanding of various nanny types ensure that we find the perfect match for your family's specific requirements. Different types of nanny include:
Live-Out Nanny: provides childcare during set hours and return home afterwards, ideal for families with limited space or who prefer a more professional set up and private family time in the evenings and weekends.
Live-In Nanny: lives with the family, offering flexible care and integrating into the family's daily routine, suitable for those with extra space.
Qualified Nanny: holds childcare or early education qualifications, ideal for families prioritising formal training in child development.
Nanny/PA (Personal Assistant): manages childcare and household administrative tasks, perfect for busy households needing organisational support when the children are at nursery or school.
Nanny/Housekeeper: handles childcare and general housekeeping, suitable for families needing help with daily chores alongside childcare.
Specialist Nannies (e.g., language, special needs): offers targeted skills like language teaching or special needs care, tailored for families with specific requirements.
Night Nanny: specialises in overnight newborn and infant care, assisting with sleep routines and night-time needs, ideal for parents needing rest.
Maternity Nanny: provides vital care, breastfeeding support, and postpartum assistance, ensuring a smooth transition for new parents and newborns.
Rota Nanny: offers essential childcare and support, typically working on a set rotation schedule with another nanny, usually one week on/off rotation 24/7.
The Nanny Hiring Process in London
Finding the right nanny in London involves a specific process, which we have mastered over the years. This includes:
Understanding Your Unique Needs: We consider factors such as the type of nanny you need (live-in, live-out, number of hours), their responsibilities, special skills or qualifications (like language proficiency or driving ability), and your family’s lifestyle and values.
Navigating Payroll and Legalities: The UK's employment process can be intricate, particularly when it comes to hiring a nanny. Our team will guide you through every aspect, including payments, holidays, working hours, and sick pay. We provide guidance on setting up a payroll system, ensuring all tax and national insurance obligations are met and refer you to one of our payroll expert partners. We’ll help you understand nanny salaries in London, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with the market and your budget, and ensures you offer a competitive salary, attracting the best candidates.
Careful Selection Process: Leveraging our extensive database and network, we select candidates that best match your criteria. Our experience and expertise in the nanny industry enable us to identify high-calibre candidates suitable for your family.
Rigorous Vetting and Interviews: We conduct comprehensive background checks on all potential nannies, including providing DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, reference verification, and validation of qualifications. We also arrange interviews between you and shortlisted candidates, guiding and supporting you on what to look for and the questions to ask.
Drafting the Employment Contract: Once you’ve chosen a nanny, we assist in drafting a clear and comprehensive employment contract. This document covers all essential aspects, such as duties, working hours, salary, holidays, and notice periods, ensuring clarity and legal compliance.
Ongoing Support and Communication: After your nanny has started, Homebodies remains committed to your family’s well-being. We encourage ongoing communication and are always available to assist with any adjustments or concerns that may arise in your nanny’s employment.
Review and Adaptation: As your family’s needs evolve, we’re here to help reassess and make necessary adjustments to your nanny arrangement. We also conduct regular reviews to ensure the ongoing satisfaction of both your family and the nanny.
For more information, our Nanny Hiring Guide is a comprehensive tool that outlines every step, from understanding your family's needs, to finalising the job offer. We cover all the bases, ensuring you find a nanny who is not only qualified but also a perfect fit for your family. You can download the guide by completing the form here (at the bottom of the page).
Settling into London Life
Our services extend beyond just finding the right nanny during your relocation to London. We collaborate with numerous partners to assist you in every aspect of London life, offering networking opportunities and guidance to help make your relocation less stressful. From referrals to relocation companies, property advisors, sleep trainers, breastfeeding support, nutritionists, paediatricians, tutoring agencies, to pre- and post-natal yoga, we connect you with the best resources in the city. Our holistic approach means you have access to a wealth of resources, from private member family clubs to various lifestyle services, ensuring your family settles in comfortably and happily. We’ll talk you through and put you in touch with the support you need.
Our Homebodies Promise: A Bespoke Approach
At the heart of our service is our commitment to providing a highly personalised, bespoke approach. We understand the challenges of relocating to London and are here to alleviate any stress or concerns you may have. Our team is dedicated to holding your hand every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable transition to your new life in London.
Let us be your trusted partner in making your London relocation a successful and enjoyable experience. Contact us now for an informal chat about how we can help.