Hiring a
holiday nanny
Everything you need to know about hiring a holiday nanny: what they do, how we choose them and more
"It felt like we had known her for longer and the children still ask about her, she left a lasting impression." Laura H-J
How do I book a holiday nanny?
Once you fill in our enquiry form, we start looking for the nanny who will best match your family’s needs.
We’ll then send you over some CVs to look through and arrange a phone call, face-to-face interview or Skype/Facetime interview with your preferred nanny or nannies. We’ll keep looking for nannies until you’re sure you’ve found the right one for your family.
Once you’ve chosen a nanny you’ll receive a package of information to confirm the booking.
How do you choose your nannies?
We select our nannies based on their qualifications, skills, experience and personalities. We interview each and every nanny, take verbal and written references and check their documents, including their DBS check, passport, first aid certificate and any other childcare certificates.
We communicate regularly with our nannies to find out any new skills they’ve gained and what their availability is to join you on your family holiday. We call you before, during and after your holiday to get your feedback on your holiday nanny.
Being a holiday nanny is very different to being a permanent nanny, so we devote a lot of time to selecting our nannies and matching them carefully to families, to ensure truly special holidays.
What does a holiday nanny do?
A holiday nanny comes with you on your family holiday to help take care of your children. You can arrange everything with your nanny before you leave, including what hours you want them to work, your family routine and what tasks they’ll do each day, and any special clothing requirements.
You might want your nanny to be responsible for cooking children’s meals and sitting with them at dinner for example, or supervising them around the pool. Our nannies know that your plans can change on the day though, and are happy to be flexible.
It’s all about making your holiday enjoyable and stress-free!
Is there anything else I need to know?
Please make sure you’ve read our Terms & Conditions before booking your travel nanny. These cover things like booking arrangements, deposits and other payments, and our cancellation policy.
What families say about us.
Have a question?
Want to make a booking?
Simply complete the form, or email and we’ll be in touch.
Hello@VacationNannies.co.uk
Hiring a
holiday nanny
Frequently asked questions
The nanny’s profile, CV and references will help you decide whether they’re the right choice for your family. We also recommend your whole family meets the nanny before booking, whether that’s face-to-face or over Skype.
Yes, as long as it isn’t listed as a no-go area by the Foreign Office!
There are set requirements for the number of children any childcare professional can care for. If they’re in sole charge of your children the ratios are:
- one nanny to one baby, and
- no more than two children aged 12–24 months, and
- no more than three children aged 2–12.
If you won’t be asking your nanny to be in sole charge of your children we would discuss the number of children they can look after in more detail when you book. The safety of your children is always our first priority.
It’s your decision whether your nanny has their own room or if they will share a room with your children. Please discuss this with your nanny before you book so they know what to expect. We’d recommend the nanny has their own room though, so they can have some time to themselves and be on top form to look after you and your children the next day!
Most of our bookings are for one or two weeks but we can take longer bookings, depending on availability.
Absolutely. We take great pride in our customer service. Whether it’s by email, whatsapp or a phone call – We will contact you before departure and during your holiday to make sure everything is ok.
Yes, we welcome clients who live abroad. If your family isn’t based in the UK, we can arrange as many Skype chats as you need with your nanny, so you’re 100% sure that they’re the right choice for your family. The nanny will usually fly separately and meet you at your destination, or meet you at a UK airport if you’re holidaying in (or transiting through) the UK – this would be discussed with you before you book.
We know from experience that travel days are often when our nannies work hardest! We do therefore include your travel days in our quote. Travelling with a nanny gives you an extra pair of hands to finish off any last minute shopping at the airport, take care of your children while you check in and deal with luggage, and manage any toilet runs and nappy changes while you enjoy a pre-flight drink. Our nannies can also entertain your children on the journey, giving you time to relax on the plane or train and arrive ready for your holiday! If you would prefer not to pay for travel day, your nanny may not be able to offer a helping hand.
Please see our packages page for more details. The cost depends on how many hours of care you’d like each day, how experienced the nanny is and how many children the nanny will be looking after. Some families only want eight hours of care a day, while others want 24-hour care from a qualified Norland Nanny. The price will be agreed in discussion with you, at the time of booking.
You’re responsible for paying the nanny’s travel from their home to and from your destination, their accommodation and food. Some families invite the nanny to eat with them and others don’t – it’s entirely up to you. You’ll also need to pay for admission for the nanny and your children for any activities the nanny takes them to, snacks and drinks for your children, and any public transport or petrol. It’s a good idea to give your nanny a kitty to pay for these expenses.
If it’s the first time you’re taking a nanny on holiday we’re sure you have many more questions. Please get in touch with us on 00 44 (0) 7477 286 971 or at hello@vacationnannies.co.uk