Why the nanny industry needs a re-think.
In private childcare, it’s easy to assume that finding the perfect nanny is just about checking qualifications and experience. A standout CV, a few strong references, and the job is done. But families and nannies alike are beginning to realise that this surface-level approach isn’t enough.
Over the past decade, demand for high-quality, in-home care has grown rapidly, especially among ultra-high-net-worth families. Yet the industry itself has not evolved at the same pace. Families are often left to manage the hiring process on their own, and nannies are placed into roles without the support or preparation they need to thrive.
The result? Unstable placements, unmet expectations, and a level of stress that could be avoided with a more thoughtful approach.
The Problem with Quick Placements
Many traditional agencies focus on fast turnarounds. A nanny is placed quickly, the boxes are ticked, and the process moves on. While this may suit short-term needs, it rarely leads to long-term success or lasting trust between families and nannies.
The best placements are built on much more than availability and qualifications. They depend on understanding a family’s values, routines, parenting approach, and vision for their home life. At the same time, they require recognising the emotional intelligence, adaptability, and professionalism that top-tier nannies bring to their work.
What’s Missing: Ongoing Support
One of the biggest gaps in the current childcare industry is the lack of follow-through once a nanny is placed. Many families are left to navigate the relationship alone, with no expert guidance when challenges arise. Nannies, especially in private households with high expectations, can feel isolated or overwhelmed.
Without continued support, even the most promising placements can start to unravel. Miscommunication builds, small frustrations grow, and the emotional labour on both sides increases.
When support structures are in place, both families and nannies feel more confident and secure. Relationships become stronger. And the quality of care provided to children naturally improves.
The Vetting Process Should Go Beyond the CV
There’s no shortage of experienced childcare professionals, but experience on paper doesn’t always reflect what a family truly needs. The best nannies offer more than childcare skills. They manage complex dynamics, work discreetly in high-pressure environments, and bring warmth, confidence, and a sense of calm to the home.
A robust vetting process should include more than interviews and references. It should explore personality, values, communication style, and professional maturity. This deeper level of insight helps ensure a better match and sets both parties up for success.
A Human-Centred Approach to Childcare
The private childcare industry is overdue for a shift in mindset. Placements shouldn’t be treated as transactions. They are relationships that affect real people, real families, and children’s development.
A more thoughtful, holistic approach would prioritise:
Genuine understanding of both families and nannies
Emotional and cultural compatibility, not just qualifications
Ongoing support from placement through to long-term success
A culture of mutual respect, clarity, and care
Final Thoughts
Families don’t just need a nanny. They need the right person, placed for the right reasons, and supported throughout the journey. Nannies don’t just need a job. They need to feel valued, understood, and empowered to do their best work.
By moving away from rushed placements and towards long-term, human-first partnerships, the childcare industry can provide far greater value to both sides.
Looking Ahead
As the demand for professional, in-home care continues to grow, so does the need for a higher standard. With the right values, processes, and support in place, the industry can meet that challenge and raise the bar for everyone involved.
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