Can EU Nannies Work in the UK After Brexit?

If you’re an EU nanny thinking about working in the UK, you’re definitely not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get asked by nannies looking at UK roles, especially in London.

The short answer is yes, some EU nannies can still work in the UK, but the process is very different since Brexit.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the current situation.

Can EU Citizens Still Work as Nannies in the UK?

Yes, but you now usually need the legal right to work in the UK before applying for nanny positions.

Before Brexit, EU nationals could freely move to the UK for work. That is no longer the case.

Most UK nanny agencies and private families will now ask about visa status or right to work very early in the process.

Who Can Still Work as a Nanny in the UK?

EU Nannies With Settled or Pre-Settled Status

Many EU nannies who were already living in the UK before Brexit successfully applied through the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you have:

• Settled status

• Pre-settled status

You can usually continue living and working in the UK without needing sponsorship from a family or agency.

Can Families Sponsor a Nanny Visa?

In most cases, no.

This is where many people get confused.

Unlike some corporate jobs, nanny positions are generally not eligible for standard UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Most private families are also not registered sponsors.

This means many UK families specifically look for candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.

What About Au Pair Positions?

The UK no longer has a dedicated au pair visa route.

Some families still advertise “au pair” style roles, but legally, the person still needs valid immigration permission to live and work in the UK.

It’s important for both families and candidates to understand this before making plans.

Are There Any Other Visa Options?

Sometimes, yes.

Some younger applicants may qualify for a Youth Mobility visa depending on their nationality and eligibility.

Others may already be in the UK on:

• Student visas

• Partner visas

• Family visas

• Graduate visas

Each visa has different rules around working hours and employment, so it’s important to check official guidance carefully.

What UK Agencies Are Looking For Now

Since Brexit, many nanny agencies prioritise candidates who:

• Already live in the UK

• Already have the right to work

• Can start relatively quickly

• Do not require sponsorship

That doesn’t mean international candidates cannot find work, especially highly experienced nannies, bilingual nannies, rota nannies, or candidates with HNW experience. But the process is usually more competitive and more complex than it was previously.

There are still fantastic opportunities in the UK nanny industry for EU candidates, but immigration rules are now a major part of the process.

If you’re applying for UK nanny jobs from overseas, it’s important to:

• Check your visa eligibility first

• Be honest with agencies about your work status

• Understand that many families cannot sponsor visas

• Focus on agencies and roles that are open to international candidates where possible

The UK nanny market is still very active, especially in London, but families and agencies are now much more cautious about right-to-work requirements than they were before Brexit.

If you’re applying for UK nanny roles and want support creating a professional nanny CV tailored to the UK market, I offer specialist CV writing services for nannies, au pairs and childcare professionals here. I also offer 1:1 coaching sessions covering interviews, agency applications, confidence building and navigating the UK nanny industry as an international candidate.

From Nursery Practitioner to Nanny: Making the Transition

For many childcare professionals, working in a nursery is where their career begins. It’s where you learn the foundations of early years care, safeguarding, development, routines, and teamwork. But after a few years in a busy nursery environment, some practitioners start wondering what it might be like to work in a home setting instead.

Moving from nursery work into a nanny role is a very natural progression. Many of the skills you already use every day transfer directly into nannying. The main difference is the setting and the level of responsibility.

Here’s what that transition really looks like.

Why Some Nursery Practitioners Choose to Become Nannies

Nursery work can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be stifling and full of paperwork with limited career progression.

Nannying offers a different style of childcare.

Instead of caring for a group of children in a structured setting, you are focused on one family, able to plan your days how you see fit. Many practitioners enjoy the chance to slow things down a little and build deeper relationships with the children they care for.

Some of the reasons nursery staff consider nannying include:

• Smaller group sizes and more one-to-one care

• The ability to plan activities around individual children

• More autonomy during the day

• Often higher pay compared to nursery roles

• A calmer environment compared to busy nursery rooms

It is still hard work, and your days may be busy, but the pace and structure are very different.

The Skills You Already Have

One of the biggest misconceptions is that nursery practitioners need to “start again” to become a nanny. In reality, most already have an excellent foundation.

If you have experience in a nursery, you are likely already skilled in:

• Understanding child development

• Planning engaging activities

• Managing routines

• Supporting behaviour positively

• Communicating with parents

• Safeguarding and risk awareness

• Working with children of different ages

These are exactly the skills families are looking for.

The key is simply presenting your experience in a way that translates well to a home environment.

For example, instead of describing yourself as responsible for a room of twelve toddlers, you might highlight your experience supporting toilet training, planning sensory activities, managing daily routines, and building relationships with families.

What Is Different About Being a Nanny

While the childcare skills transfer easily, nannying does come with a few differences that are worth understanding before making the move.

Working independently

In a nursery, you are always surrounded by colleagues. As a nanny, you are often working alone for most of the day. Some people love the independence, others miss the team environment. You can often find local Facebook groups to meet other nannies or attend children's classes and playgroups to find friends.

Family dynamics

You become part of a household rather than part of a workplace. Communication with parents is key to ensure a positive working environment where everyone feels supported and understood, and avoid conflict.

Household responsibilities

Many nanny roles include child related tasks such as preparing meals, children’s laundry, keeping play areas tidy, and organising school bags or activities.

This isn’t the same as nursery cleaning duties, but it does require organisation and a willingness to muck in. Ensure your contract is clear on the responsibilities you are happy to provide.

Professional boundaries

Working in someone’s home means maintaining clear professional boundaries while still forming a warm relationship with the family.

How to Make Your CV Appeal to Families

One of the biggest challenges nursery practitioners face when moving into nannying is translating nursery experience into something families understand.

Parents are usually less interested in nursery terminology and more interested in how you will care for their child day to day.

Your CV should focus on things like:

• Age groups you have worked with

• Activities you plan and enjoy

• Experience supporting routines such as sleep, feeding, or toilet training

• Communication with parents

• Safeguarding awareness

• Creating a calm and stimulating environment

It’s also helpful to highlight qualities families value in a nanny, such as reliability, warmth, patience, and initiative.

Do You Need Extra Qualifications?

Usually not.

Most families are happy to hire a nanny with a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification and solid experience with children.

What matters more is your ability to demonstrate confidence in caring for children independently.

Having an up to date Paediatric First Aid certificate and a clear DBS check are also necessary.

Is Nannying the Right Move?

For some nursery practitioners, nannying is a perfect next step. For others, they realise they prefer the team environment and structure of nursery work.

Neither option is better or worse. They are simply different styles of childcare.

If you enjoy building strong relationships with families, planning your own days, and working more independently, nannying can be a very rewarding career path.

Next Steps

Think nannying is the career for you? Check out my guide for first-time nannies here.

Need some help writing your CV? Let me write it for you.

Wondering how to handle nanny job interviews? Here’s an article on common nanny interview questions and how best to answer them.

Would you rather have some more in depth support? Book a 45 or 90-minute coaching session here.

Struggling to Find a Long-Term Nanny Job? Here’s How to Improve Your Chances (Without Losing Hope)

If you've been looking for a nanny job for a while and haven't had much luck, you're not alone. The childcare job market goes through quieter periods, and even experienced nannies can find themselves waiting longer than expected for the right role.

While you can't control the number of jobs available, you can make sure you're giving yourself the best possible chance when the right opportunity comes along.

Review Your CV

Your CV is often the first impression families and agencies have of you. If you've been applying for weeks without securing interviews, it's worth taking another look.

Make sure your CV includes:

• A clear, concise personal statement

• Easy-to-read formatting

• Detailed descriptions of each role, including the children's ages and your responsibilities

• Relevant experience such as newborn care, SEN, travel, HNW households or additional qualifications

Sometimes a few small changes can make a big difference. If you'd like some professional feedback before committing to a full rewrite, my CV Review service is a great place to start.

Use Quieter Periods to Build Your Skills

Although it can feel frustrating, quieter periods are a good opportunity to invest in your professional development.

Courses in areas such as:

• Child development

• Behaviour management

• Safeguarding

• Paediatric First Aid

• Newborn care

• SEN awareness

can strengthen your CV and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Many excellent courses are available online, including several free options. Check out my list here.

Make Sure You're Looking in the Right Places

Not every family advertises in the same place, so it's worth widening your search.

Try checking:

• Reputable nanny agencies such as Army of Nannies

• Childcare job boards

• Facebook nanny groups

• Local parenting groups

• Your own network, including previous employers

• LinkedIn

Consistency is important. Applying regularly and responding promptly to new opportunities will often produce better results than sending lots of applications in one go.

Don't Overlook the Small Details

Sometimes it's the little things that help you move to the next stage.

Take a few minutes to check that:

• Your DBS and Paediatric First Aid certificates are up to date

• Your references are current and happy to be contacted

• Your profile photo looks professional

• Your social media profiles reflect the image you want families to see

• Your introductory messages are friendly, professional and free from spelling mistakes

• You're as flexible as possible when arranging interviews

Remember That a Slow Job Search Isn't a Reflection of Your Ability

One of the hardest parts of job hunting is not taking rejection personally.

The reality is that many excellent nannies experience quieter periods, particularly when fewer families are hiring or competition is high. It doesn't mean you've suddenly become less experienced or less capable.

Keep your routine, continue learning, stay connected with other childcare professionals and try not to judge your career by one difficult month.

Finding the right family often takes time, but it only takes one successful application to change everything.

Need a Second Opinion?

If you're not sure whether your CV is helping or holding you back, I'd be happy to help. Whether you need a quick CV Review, a complete rewrite or some one-to-one coaching, my aim is to help you present your experience clearly and feel more confident throughout your job search.

Enjoyed this article? Join our free Facebook community for more career advice, job hunting tips and support from fellow nannies.

How to Make Your Nanny Experience Stand Out After Working for One Family for Years

If you've worked for the same family for several years, you might worry that your CV looks too short. One family, one job, one employer. Surely that won't impress anyone?

In reality, long-term nanny roles are often viewed as a huge positive. Staying with one family for years demonstrates commitment, consistency and the ability to build lasting relationships. The key is making sure your CV shows how your role developed over time.

Show How Your Responsibilities Changed

A long-term nanny position is rarely "just one job". As children grow, your responsibilities naturally change too.

Think about how your role evolved. For example:

• Establishing feeding and sleeping routines for a newborn

• Supporting potty training and managing toddler behaviour

• Helping children settle into nursery or school

• Supporting homework, extracurricular activities and growing independence

Showing this progression helps families understand the breadth of your experience.

Focus on Your Impact

Rather than simply listing your duties, explain the difference you made.

For example, instead of writing:

"Responsible for daily routines."

Try:

• Established consistent routines around sleep, meals and activities.

• Supported early speech, toilet training and key developmental milestones.

• Planned engaging activities that encouraged confidence, independence and learning.

These examples paint a much clearer picture of your role.

Include Everything You Were Trusted With

Long-term nannies often take on responsibilities that go far beyond childcare.

You might have:

• Managed the family diary and children's schedules

• Liaised with schools, nurseries or household staff

• Supported family travel by organising packing and itineraries

• Helped prepare children for entrance exams or supported homework

• Arranged appointments or assisted with household administration

Don't overlook these responsibilities. They demonstrate organisation, reliability and the trust your employers placed in you.

Include Professional Development

Even if you've stayed with one family for years, your learning shouldn't stop.

Include any relevant courses or training, such as:

• Paediatric First Aid

• Safeguarding

• SEN training

• Child development

• Montessori or other specialist approaches

Keeping your knowledge up to date shows you're committed to your profession.

Make Your Personal Statement Work Hard

Your personal statement is the perfect place to highlight the value of long-term experience.

Rather than apologising for working with one family, emphasise what it demonstrates.

For example:

"Experienced nanny with seven years in a long-term private household, supporting children from infancy through to school age. Trusted to adapt as the family's needs evolved while building strong relationships with both parents and children."

That immediately communicates loyalty, adaptability and long-term commitment, all qualities families value.

Need a Fresh Pair of Eyes?

If you're finding it difficult to present your experience on paper, you're not alone. Many long-term nannies struggle to know how much detail to include or how to show everything they've achieved over the years.

Whether you'd like a CV Review, a complete CV rewrite or some one-to-one coaching, I'd be happy to help you present your experience with confidence.

Enjoyed this article? Join our free Facebook community for more career advice, job hunting tips and support from fellow nannies.

Common Nanny Interview Questions (And How to Answer Them Naturally)

Congratulations! If you've been invited to a nanny interview, you've already done the hard part. Your CV has caught the family's attention, and now they're looking to find out whether you're the right fit for their home.

While every interview is different, there are a few questions that come up time and time again.

Rather than memorising answers, use these examples as a guide and think about your own experiences.

1. Tell Me About Yourself

This is usually the first question you'll be asked, and it's your opportunity to introduce yourself professionally.

Talk briefly about:

• Your childcare experience

• The age groups you've worked with

• The type of roles you've enjoyed

• What you enjoy most about nannying

For example:

"I've worked with children from newborn through to school age in both sole-charge and shared-care roles. I enjoy creating calm, structured routines while making sure children have plenty of opportunities to learn through play and explore the world around them."

2. Why Do You Enjoy Working With Children?

Families want to understand what motivates you.

Rather than saying you "love children", explain what you enjoy about the role.

For example:

"I enjoy building relationships with children and watching their confidence grow over time. Every stage of development brings something different, and I love being part of that journey."

3. How Do You Handle Challenging Behaviour?

Families aren't looking for a perfect answer. They're looking for a calm, thoughtful approach.

You could talk about:

• Staying calm

• Setting clear boundaries

• Being consistent

• Understanding why the behaviour is happening

• Working with parents to ensure consistency

Where possible, include a real example from your experience.

4. What Would a Typical Day Look Like?

This is your chance to show how you plan a balanced day.

You might mention:

• Outdoor play

• Reading

• Creative activities

• Preparing healthy meals

• Supporting naps and routines

• School or nursery runs

• Encouraging independence

Remember that every child is different, so it's perfectly acceptable to explain that you adapt your routine to suit the child's age and needs.

5. How Do You Support Children's Development?

Families want to know that learning happens throughout the day, not just during planned activities.

You could mention:

• Reading together

• Encouraging communication

• Learning through play

• Outdoor exploration

• Supporting independence

• Helping children build confidence and social skills

Again, using a real example makes your answer much stronger.

6. What Are You Looking For in Your Next Role?

This question is just as much about finding the right fit as it is about your experience.

It's perfectly reasonable to talk about things like:

• Good communication

• Mutual respect

• Clear expectations

• A long-term working relationship

• A family whose approach to childcare aligns with your own

Remember, you're interviewing the family too.

Don't Try to Give the "Perfect" Answer

One of the biggest mistakes I see during interview coaching is candidates trying to memorise scripts.

Families aren't looking for someone who sounds rehearsed. They're looking for someone who is genuine, confident and able to talk naturally about their experience.

The more you understand your own examples and achievements, the easier your interview will feel.

Need Some Extra Support?

If interviews make you nervous or you're not sure how to answer difficult questions, I offer one-to-one coaching designed specifically for nannies and childcare professionals.

Whether you'd like a mock interview, help preparing your answers or simply a confidence boost before the big day, I'd be happy to help.

Thinking About Starting a Career as a Nanny? Read This First

Working as a nanny can be an incredibly rewarding career, but it's important to understand that it's much more than just playing with children. As a nanny, you're responsible for supporting children's development, managing routines and building professional relationships with families.

Whether you're considering nannying as your first career or looking to move into childcare from another role, here are a few things worth knowing before you get started.

Understanding the Role

No two nanny jobs are exactly the same. Some nannies work with one child, while others care for multiple siblings. You might work as a live-in or live-out nanny, and responsibilities can vary depending on the family's needs.

Typical duties may include:

• Planning activities and outings

• Preparing meals and snacks

• Supporting homework and school projects

• Managing routines and organising children's schedules

• School runs and nursery drop-offs

• Helping with children's laundry and keeping play areas tidy

If you're just getting started and need help putting your experience into a childcare-focused format, you can download my free Nanny CV Template.

Understanding Employment Rights

Before accepting a role, it's important to understand how employment works in the UK.

National Minimum Wage

As of April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Most professional nannies earn considerably more, with pay varying depending on experience, qualifications, duties and location. London and specialist roles often attract higher salaries.

Tax and National Insurance

If you're employed directly by a family, they are responsible for paying tax and National Insurance through PAYE. If you're self-employed, you'll need to manage your own taxes and may need to complete a Self Assessment with HMRC.

DBS Checks

Most families will expect you to have an enhanced DBS check and it's important to keep this up to date.

Ofsted Registration

Many nannies choose to register with Ofsted. Although it's optional, registration allows parents to use certain childcare schemes and can make you more attractive to some employers. To register, you'll need paediatric first aid training and a relevant childcare qualification.

Build a Professional Portfolio

Having a professional portfolio can help you secure better opportunities.

Consider keeping copies of:

• Your CV

• References

• DBS certificate

• Paediatric First Aid certificate

• Childcare qualifications

• Relevant training certificates

• Written testimonials

• Photos of activities you've planned (without children's faces visible)

Continue Learning

You don't need to have every qualification under the sun before becoming a nanny, but ongoing training is always worthwhile.

Some popular courses include:

• Paediatric First Aid

• Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Food Hygiene

• SEN Training

• Baby and toddler development

• Autism awareness

Many excellent courses are available online and don't have to cost a fortune. Check out my list of recommended qualifications here.

Set Expectations Early

One of the biggest lessons many nannies learn is that clear communication matters.

Having a written contract, discussing duties from the beginning and checking in regularly with families can prevent a lot of misunderstandings later on.

Being flexible is important, but so are boundaries.

Is Nannying a Good Career?

Absolutely. Many nannies spend decades in the profession and build wonderful relationships with the families they work with. No two days are the same, and there are opportunities to specialise, travel, work with HNW families or move into related areas of childcare.

If you're thinking about becoming a nanny and would like some support, feel free to download my free CV template or explore my coaching and CV services. You don't have to figure everything out on your own.

Enjoyed this article? Join our free Facebook community for more career advice, job hunting tips and support from fellow nannies.

Nanny Blog Articles

A roundup of all my latest nanny and childcare professional related blog posts. Let me know in the comments if there’s any other topics you’d like to see covered.

What’s The Difference Between a Nanny and an Au Pair?

Although both nannies and au pairs help care for children, they are very different roles. Understanding those differences can help families decide which type of childcare is right for them, and help childcare professionals choose the career path that best suits their goals.

What Is a Nanny?

A nanny is a professional childcare provider who is employed to care for children in the family’s home.

Many nannies have childcare qualifications, an up-to-date Paediatric First Aid certificate and an enhanced DBS check, although requirements vary depending on the role. Experience is often just as important as qualifications, particularly for long-term positions.

Nannies can work:

• Full-time or part-time

• Live-in or live-out

• On rota schedules

• On a permanent or temporary basis

Responsibilities typically include:

• Planning activities and outings

• Preparing children’s meals

• Supporting routines and development

• Nursery and school runs

• Helping with homework

• Children’s laundry and keeping play areas organised

• Communicating with parents about the children’s day

Many experienced nannies also take on additional responsibilities such as family travel, household management or PA duties.

What Is an Au Pair?

An au pair is usually a young adult who lives with a host family as part of a cultural exchange.

In return for accommodation, meals and pocket money, an au pair provides limited childcare and light household help while experiencing life in another country.

Unlike a nanny, an au pair is generally not employed as a professional childcare provider and is not expected to take sole responsibility for young children throughout the working day.

Typical duties may include:

• Helping children get ready for school

• School drop-offs and collections

• Playing with the children

• Helping with homework

• Light household tasks related to the children

Au pairs usually work fewer hours than nannies and often attend language classes or spend time exploring the local area outside their agreed working hours.

Which Option Is Right for Families?

A nanny is often the better choice for families who:

• Need full-time childcare

• Have babies or young children

• Require flexibility

• Want long-term childcare support

• Need someone with professional childcare experience

An au pair may be suitable for families who:

• Mainly need before and after-school childcare

• Are happy to provide accommodation

• Want a cultural exchange experience

• Require fewer childcare hours each week

Can an Au Pair Become a Nanny?

Absolutely.

Many successful nannies begin their childcare careers as au pairs. The experience provides an excellent opportunity to build confidence, improve English language skills and gain hands-on childcare experience.

If you’re planning to move from au pair to nanny, it’s worth investing time in developing your CV, gaining relevant training and preparing for interviews so you can demonstrate your experience confidently.

Thinking About Becoming a Nanny?

Whether you’re currently an au pair or just starting your childcare career, presenting your experience professionally can make a big difference.

If you’d like some support, you can download my free nanny CV template, book a CV Review or explore my CV writing and coaching services.

Is Hiring a Professional CV Writer Worth It?

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth paying someone to write your CV, you’re not alone. Many nannies aren’t sure whether they should update it themselves or ask for professional help.

The truth is, it depends on your confidence, the type of roles you’re applying for and whether your current CV is getting results.

Here’s why many childcare professionals choose to work with a CV writer.

It’s Hard to Write About Yourself

One of the biggest challenges isn’t lack of experience; it’s knowing how to present it.

Many nannies either undersell themselves or include far more detail than necessary. A CV writer can help organise your experience, highlight your strengths and make your CV easier for families and agencies to read.

A Nanny CV Is Different

A nanny CV isn’t the same as a corporate CV.

Families often want to know about the children’s ages, the type of household you’ve worked in, how your responsibilities changed over time and the relationships you’ve built with previous employers.

Presenting that information clearly can make a big difference.

It’s About More Than Listing Duties

A strong CV doesn’t just explain what you did. It shows the value you brought to each role.

For example, instead of writing:

“Helped with bedtime routines.”

You could write:

“Established consistent bedtime routines that supported healthy sleep habits and created a calm end to the day.”

Small changes like this help paint a much clearer picture of your experience.

A Fresh Perspective Can Be Valuable

After reading your own CV dozens of times, it’s easy to miss opportunities to improve it.

Working with someone else often uncovers experience, achievements and strengths that you hadn’t considered including.

It Saves Time

Writing a CV takes time, especially if you haven’t updated it for several years.

Many of my clients simply don’t know where to start or would rather spend their time preparing for interviews and applying for jobs.

It Can Improve Your Confidence

Having a CV you’re genuinely happy with can make a real difference to how you approach your job search.

When you feel confident about your application, it’s often easier to write cover letters, complete application forms and talk about your experience during interviews.

Is It Always Necessary?

Not necessarily.

If you’re confident writing your own CV and it’s already getting interviews, you may only need a few suggestions rather than a complete rewrite.

That’s exactly why I introduced my CV Review service. It’s a cost-effective way to receive professional feedback before deciding whether a full rewrite is worthwhile.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you’re happy writing your own CV, my free editable nanny CV template is a great place to start.

If you’d like professional feedback, a CV Review may be all you need.

And if you’d rather hand the whole process over to someone else, my CV Writing Service and coaching packages are designed specifically for nannies and childcare professionals.

Whatever you choose, remember that your CV should reflect the quality of the care you provide every day. Sometimes a few small changes are all it takes to help families and agencies see your experience more clearly.

Common Nanny Terms and Abbreviations Explained

If you’re new to nannying or looking through agency vacancies for the first time, you might feel like everyone is speaking another language.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common abbreviations you’ll come across.

MB

Mum Boss

DB

Dad Boss

NK

Nanny Kid or Nanny Kids

NF

Nanny Family

G1

Girl aged 1

You’ll often see children’s ages written like this.

Examples:

• G3 = Girl aged 3

• B6 = Boy aged 6

B5m

Boy aged 5 months

The m stands for months.

HNW

High Net Worth

Used to describe affluent families who may have larger homes, additional staff or more complex childcare requirements.

UHNW

Ultra High Net Worth

Families with extremely high levels of wealth, often employing multiple household staff.

HP

High Profile

Families who are well known publicly, such as celebrities, professional athletes or senior business leaders.

NWOC

Nanny With Own Child

A nanny who brings their own child to work as part of the arrangement.

SE

Self-Employed

HK

Housekeeper

PA

Personal Assistant

Some nanny roles also include PA or household management responsibilities.

FT

Full-Time

PT

Part-Time

SAHM / SAHD

Stay-at-Home Mum / Stay-at-Home Dad

WFH

Working From Home

A term you’ll see regularly in job adverts, particularly since remote working became more common.

Rota Nanny

A nanny who works on a rotating schedule, for example one week on and one week off or two weeks on and two weeks off.

Proxy Parenting

Providing sole-charge care while parents are away for work or travel, sometimes for several days at a time.

Live-In / Live-Out

Live-In: You live in accommodation provided by the family.

Live-Out: You travel to and from work each day.

Unicorn Family

A light-hearted term many nannies use to describe that rare family where everything just seems to click. The role, communication, expectations and working relationship all feel like the perfect fit.

Have you come across any nanny terms that confused you when you first started? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list.

Go Gross Campaign

Understanding Gross vs Net Pay- What You Need to Know 

Something I hear a lot from nannies and au pairs is that they find gross vs net pay can be very confusing. Just like any other industry, salary for nanny jobs should always be agreed upon in gross form. Let’s explore why this is so important to ensure you’re being paid correctly.

Originally many nanny jobs were paid cash in hand and therefore a net pay was used when referring to salary. More recently, rightly so, professional nannies are insisting on being employed legally. This means you are eligible for worker's rights, holiday allowance, sick pay, maternity/ paternity/ adoption leave & pension contributions. For that reason pay should only be agreed in gross terms to ensure you are getting everything you are entitled to. 

Gross pay is the total amount earned before any mandatory or voluntary amounts such as tax deductions, student loans, national insurance and pension payments. This is the figure that should be in your signed contract when you begin a job.  

Net pay is the amount you are left with after all these deductions are made. Also known as ‘take-home pay’

Why the Distinction Matters

• Net pay means any tax rebates are issued to you rather than your employer. 

• You can choose to pay more into your pension if you wish.

• If you are taking out a mortgage, a new loan or starting a rental contract you will need to show your salary in gross figures to prove your income to be eligible. 

• You will get the benefit of any government changes to tax allowance e.g annual April tax allowance increase 

• It ensures that your employers are legally employing you 

How Net Pay is Calculated 

You can use this Nannytax calculator to work out your gross to net figure to ensure you are happy with the salary before agreeing to a contract when beginning a new job. 

https://www.nannytax.co.uk/gross-to-net-salary-calculator

Looking for some more guidance on your nanny career? Book a one-to-one coaching session here