Nannies and childcare workers care for children in family homes, nurseries and after-school settings — keeping them safe, entertained, fed and settled into a routine. Families across the UK hire daily nannies, live-in nannies, mother's helps and nursery staff. This page explains what the work usually involves, what employers usually ask for, how to stay safe while job hunting, and how to apply through a verified job board.
Salary and visa details below are GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY. Pay varies by employer, region, hours, and experience. Always check the official posting before you apply.
Job Details
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Location | United Kingdom — town or city as listed in the official posting |
| Job type | Full-time or part-time, live-in or live-out — as per official posting |
| Work setting | Private family home, nursery or childcare setting — as per official posting |
| Salary | General guidance only: pay varies by employer, region and experience. Check the official posting for the exact rate. |
| Visa note | General only: most roles require the right to work in the UK. Check the official posting and official immigration pages. |
What the Work Usually Involves
Daily tasks
- Supervise children at all times and keep their environment safe.
- Prepare healthy meals and snacks and follow any allergy plans.
- Do school and nursery runs, and take children to activities and playdates.
- Plan play, crafts, reading and outdoor time suited to each age.
- Support homework, routines, bathing and bedtime where agreed.
- Change nappies and support toilet training for younger children.
- Keep children's rooms, play areas and laundry tidy.
- Update parents on the day — food, naps, activities and any concerns.
- In nursery roles, follow the setting's safeguarding and record-keeping policies.
What Employers Usually Ask For
Requirements
- Genuine childcare experience, with references employers can contact.
- An enhanced DBS check is standard for childcare work in England — other UK nations have similar schemes.
- Paediatric first aid training is widely requested and often required.
- A childcare qualification (such as a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare award) helps, especially for nursery roles.
- Patience, reliability and clear communication with parents.
- A driving licence is often requested for school runs outside cities.
- Legal right to work in the UK.
- Non-smoking and a caring, energetic manner are commonly requested.
Safety Note — Read Before You Apply
Childcare jobs involve trust on both sides, so protect yourself from the start. Use reputable nanny agencies or verified platforms, and be careful with adverts shared only through social media chats. Never pay upfront fees to an agency, recruiter or family for a job, a visa or paperwork — legitimate employers do not charge you to be hired, and UK agencies are not allowed to charge work-seekers for finding them work. Check which working-with-children checks the role requires (for example an enhanced DBS check) and complete them through official channels. Before accepting a live-in role, agree the hours, pay, days off, room and duties in writing, meet the family first, and keep your own documents — never hand over your passport.
How to Apply
- Read the full official posting — ages of children, hours, duties, pay and requirements.
- Check that you meet the listed requirements, including DBS checks and first aid.
- Prepare a short CV focused on your childcare experience, the ages you have cared for and references.
- Apply only through the official link below.
- Save the posting and your application confirmation.
Apply here: Apply here — Indeed UK, verified live 2026-10-16: major UK jobs platform. Search the role keyword "nanny" or "childcare" on that portal to see current listings. Apply link verified: 2026-10-16.
FAQ
Do I need a DBS check to work with children in the UK? Almost always. An enhanced DBS check is the standard requirement for childcare roles in England, with similar schemes elsewhere in the UK. The employer or agency will explain the process.
Do nannies in the UK need qualifications? Private family nannies are not legally required to hold a qualification, but many families ask for childcare training, paediatric first aid and experience. Nursery roles usually require a recognised childcare qualification. Check the posting.
What is the difference between a nanny and an au pair? A nanny is an employee with agreed hours, duties and pay. An au pair lives with a family on a cultural exchange basis with lighter duties and pocket money. Make sure you know which arrangement a posting offers before accepting.
Are live-in nanny jobs common in the UK? Yes, especially in London and larger cities. If a role is live-in, agree the room, hours, pay and time off in writing before you start.
Scam Warning
Never pay a fee to apply, to get a job offer, or to speed up a visa. If someone asks for payment, gift cards, or passport photos by chat, stop and verify through official channels.
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Image alt-text suggestion: "Nanny playing with a toddler in a bright living room."