We understand that choosing the right childcare comes with questions. This page outlines our approach, answers common queries, and explains how we support families and nannies from first contact through to placement and beyond.
We understand that welcoming a nanny into your home is a very personal decision, which is why we take great care thoroughly checking and vetting every nanny we represent. Our process begins with an in-depth interview, allowing us to understand each nanny’s experience, approach to childcare, and personal values. We carry out detailed reference checks, speaking directly with previous employers to gain a clear picture of the nanny’s experience, strengths, and character. All nannies are required to hold an enhanced DBS, along with appropriate right to work documentation and verified identification. Where relevant, we also review qualifications, training, and first aid certificates.
3 to 6 weeks is realistic, depending on factors such as interview availability, notice period, and contract negotiations.
Provide a written employment contract, register as an employer with HMRC, pay your nanny’s tax, national insurance contributions and employers NI, offer a pension, have employer’s liability insurance.
All permanent staff who work in a household are employed, not self employed.
Central Nannies are pleased to recommend NannyTax for all your payroll needs for permanent staff. Families who work with our agency receive an exclusive 15% discount when being directly referred. Please speak to one of the Central Nannies team.
At Central Nannies, our placement fee reflects the structured and considered approach we take to every introduction. Each candidate is carefully vetted, professionally interviewed and reference-checked to ensure discretion, reliability and long-term alignment.
Our fees are calculated as a percentage of the agreed gross salary and apply to the first year of employment unless otherwise stated.
All fees include candidate vetting, structured shortlisting, interview coordination and post-placement support, as well as a defined replacement period for added reassurance.
UK Placements
Permanent Nannies (Full-Time & Part-Time)
12% of the nanny’s gross annual salary
Minimum agency fee: £1,250
Permanent placements are arranged with experienced care and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring families receive fully vetted, highly qualified support from the very start. We remain available throughout the placement to provide guidance, reassurance and continuity, helping both families and nannies settle confidently during the early weeks.
Nanny-Housekeepers & Private Household Staff
12% of the agreed gross annual salary
Minimum agency fee: £1,250
We take particular care when placing dual-role or household staff positions to ensure both skill set and personality align within the home environment.
Temporary Nannies (1-12 weeks)
£30 per working day
Minimum agency fee: £200 per booking
Where applicable, a non-refundable Search Fee of £200 will apply. This amount will be deducted from your final invoice upon placement.
All temporary placements are arranged with the same attention to professionalism and suitability – ensuring families receive reliable and appropriately matched support, for those shorter periods.
Summer Support Nannies (1-12 weeks)
£30 per working day
Minimum agency fee: £200 per booking
12 weeks +
12% of the agreed salary for the duration of the placement.
Summer Support Nannies are carefully matched to provide flexible, activity-led childcare during the school holidays, whether for short London stays or extended summer arrangements. All placements include full vetting, thoughtful matching and ongoing support throughout.
Maternity Nurses
£40 per working day
Minimum agency fee: £200 per booking
Our Maternity Nurse placements are arranged with the same care and attention to detail, ensuring families receive experienced, fully vetted support during the early weeks. We remain available throughout the placement to provide reassurance and continuity where needed.
Overseas Placements
Permanent Nannies
20% of the nanny’s gross annual salary
Minimum agency fee: £5,000
Overseas placements involve additional coordination and compliance considerations, and our fee reflects the complexity and care required to ensure a smooth and successful placement from the shortlisting right through to aftercare.
Temporary & Fixed-Term Overseas Placements
20% of the agreed salary for the duration of the placement.
To register, simply fill out our online registration form on our website. Once we receive it, one of the Central Nannies team will give you a call to schedule an interview and discuss the next steps.
Yes. All candidates working with children will require an enhanced DBS certificate on the Update Service. If you need help to apply for a new Enhanced DBS certificate, please speak to a member of the Central Nannies team.
While qualifications such as CACHE Level 3 or a Norland Diploma are valued, families also prioritise strong, hands-on childcare experience. We welcome applications from experienced nannies and early years professionals.
All candidates who work with children must hold an up to date Paediatric First Aid certificate.
No, Central Nannies do not charge a fee to any of our candidates.
Our process begins with an in-depth interview, allowing us to understand your experience, approach to childcare and personal values. We carry out detailed reference checks, speaking directly with previous employers to gain a clear picture of your experience, strengths and character. All nannies are required to hold an enhanced DBS on the update service, along with the appropriate right to work documentation and verified identification.
Photo ID – A valid passport or driving licence
Proof of identity – passport, driving licence, NI number
Proof of eligibility to work in the UK
Qualifications – certificates to evidence your qualifications
DBS Certificate – an up-to-date enhanced DBS certificate
First Aid – an up-to-date Paediatric First Aid certificate
