Common Nanny Interview Questions – and How to Answer Them
If you’ve landed a nanny interview, congratulations! That’s already a great sign. But now comes the part that can feel a little intimidating: answering questions about yourself, your experience, and how you’d fit into someone’s home and family.
To help you feel calm, clear, and confident, here’s a guide to the most common nanny interview questions- and how to answer them like a pro.
1. “Tell me a bit about yourself.”
What they’re really asking:
Who are you as a person, and why are you a good fit for a childcare role?
How to answer:
Give a short overview of your childcare experience, your personality, and your approach to nannying. Mention what age groups you’ve worked with and the kind of roles you enjoy.
Example:
“I’ve worked with children from newborn to age 10, and I love creating a calm, structured environment with lots of imaginative play. Families often say I bring a sense of calm and confidence to their home.”
2. “Why do you enjoy working with children?”
What they’re really asking:
Are you passionate about this or just looking for a job?
How to answer:
Share a genuine reason you enjoy childcare, whether it’s building trust, seeing their growth, or creating daily structure.
Example:
“I love the consistency and connection that comes from being part of a child’s everyday world. Watching them grow in confidence and seeing how small routines make a big impact is something I never get tired of.”
3. “How do you handle challenging behaviour?”
What they’re really asking:
Can you stay calm under pressure?
How to answer:
Briefly describe your approach (positive reinforcement, boundaries, calm communication). Show that you’re firm but fair, and understand child development.
Example:
“I stay calm, explain what’s expected, and try to prevent meltdowns by giving clear choices and consistent routines. If a child is overwhelmed, I give them space, validate their feelings, and revisit the issue when they’re calmer.”
4. “Can you describe a typical day with children?”
What they’re really asking:
Are you organised and child-focused?
How to answer:
Outline a realistic day including play, meals, rest, and learning. Highlight how you plan around the child’s needs.
Example:
“A morning might start with breakfast and a walk or outing, followed by story time, arts & crafts, and lunch. I like to create a gentle rhythm that’s predictable but flexible depending on energy levels and moods.”
5. “How do you support a child’s learning and development?”
What they’re really asking:
Do you actively support their growth?
How to answer:
Talk about how you weave learning into daily life — play-based learning, reading, and encouraging independence.
Example:
“I love using play to support language and motor skills. We might bake together, count toy cars, or label feelings through books. I also give children choices and responsibilities to build confidence.”
6. “What are your expectations from us as a family?”
What they’re really asking:
Can we trust this to be a balanced working relationship?
How to answer:
Be honest but diplomatic. Mention open communication, mutual respect, and clear routines.
Example:
“I work best with families who communicate openly, give clear expectations, and see the nanny as a valued part of the team. I always want what’s best for the child, and that works best when we’re on the same page.”
Final Thoughts
A nanny interview isn’t just about being liked - it’s about making sure your values align with the family’s. The more prepared and confident you feel in your answers, the more naturally your real personality will shine through.
Want help preparing for interviews or reviewing your answers?
I offer 1:1 coaching for nannies and au pairs — including mock interviews, job search support, and confidence building.
Or download my free CV & cover letter templates to get started
Thinking About Starting a Career as a Nanny? Check Out Our Guide First
Working as a nanny in the UK is more than just a job—it’s a rewarding career path that offers the chance to shape young minds, foster growth, and form close relationships with families.
Understanding Your Role as a Nanny
In the UK, a nanny is much more than a childcare provider. You are entrusted with the daily care and development of children, often becoming an integral part of the family dynamic. Depending on the arrangement, you may work as a live-in or live-out nanny, with responsibilities ranging from managing the children’s schedules to helping with homework, cooking nutritious meals, and organising fun, educational activities.
Need help presenting your experience? Download our free nanny CV template to get started.
Legal Requirements and Employment Rights
When working as a nanny in the UK, it’s important to be aware of the legal aspects of your job. This includes:
• National Minimum Wage: As of April 2024, the national minimum wage for workers over 23 is £11.00 per hour. However, most nannies negotiate higher wages depending on their experience, qualifications, and the region they work in.
• Tax and National Insurance: If you’re employed by a family, they are responsible for paying your tax and National Insurance contributions. However, if you’re self-employed, you must manage your own taxes and may need to file a Self-Assessment with HMRC.
• DBS Checks: Most families require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, to ensure you’re safe to work with children. It’s essential to keep this up to date.
• Ofsted Registration: Some nannies choose to register with Ofsted to gain more credibility and access to government childcare vouchers. This requires you to meet specific standards in areas like First Aid and safeguarding.
Building a Strong Portfolio
As a nanny, having a strong portfolio is crucial. A well-prepared portfolio can include:
• CV and References: Highlight your experience, qualifications, and any special skills (e.g., early years education, bilingualism, SEN training). If you'd like help refining your documents, check out our CV writing service for nannies
• Certificates: Keep copies of your DBS check, First Aid certification, and any childcare qualifications.
• Testimonials: A letter of recommendation from a previous employer can go a long way in securing future positions.
Training and Development
The childcare industry is always evolving, and staying updated with the latest training can set you apart from other nannies. Consider enhancing your skills by taking courses such as:
• Paediatric First Aid: A must-have for any nanny working with children.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection: Knowing how to recognise and respond to potential risks is a key part of working in childcare.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Training: Understanding how to care for children with specific needs can open up new career opportunities.
There are many online and in-person courses available across the UK, so it’s worth investing in your ongoing education. Need advice on which training would best support your career goals? Book a nanny career coaching session for personalised guidance.
Setting Boundaries and Expectations
Communication is key when working as a nanny. Clear, open discussions with parents about expectations, working hours, holidays, and job duties are essential. It’s also important to set boundaries—this ensures that both parties understand the working relationship and avoids any misunderstandings.
Here are some tips for managing expectations:
• Contract: Always have a signed contract detailing your working hours, salary, duties, and holiday entitlement.
• Regular Reviews: Schedule meetings with the family to discuss how things are going and address any issues for either side early on.
• Flexibility vs. Boundaries: While being flexible is important, especially with young children, it’s essential to maintain a balance between meeting family needs and ensuring your own well-being.
The Rewards of Being a Nanny
Being a nanny is a truly fulfilling job. You get to witness children’s milestones, form lasting bonds with them, and make a real difference in their lives. Many nannies speak fondly of the close relationships they develop with the families they work for, often staying in touch long after the children have grown.
Moreover, no two days are ever the same, which keeps the job exciting and dynamic. From planning fun days out to helping children through their first days at school, the variety and personal involvement make this profession deeply satisfying.
Being a nanny in the UK is a rewarding and flexible career with plenty of room for personal and professional growth. By staying informed about your rights, continually developing your skills, and maintaining open communication with the families you work with, you can ensure a successful and fulfilling career.
Need a little help getting started or want to move to the next stage in your career? Download our free nanny CV template or explore our coaching and CV support services today — you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Nanny Blog Articles
A roundup of all our latest nanny and au pair related blog posts. Let us know in the comments if there’s anything else you’d like to see from us.
What’s The Difference Between a Nanny and Au Pair?
Often families may struggle to realise whether they need a nanny or au pair to cover their childcare needs. While both can no doubt provide excellent care for children, there are a few major differences in terms of responsibilities, living arrangements, and employment terms.
Nannies
⭐️ Professional Caregivers: Nannies are professional caregivers who will often have formal training in childcare-related courses and significant previous experience. Most families expect nannies to hold at least an up-to-date first aid qualification and a DBS check on the national update service. Further qualifications may also make a candidate more desirable such as being OFSTED registered, a CACHE or BTEC diploma, or even a relevant degree, can make a candidate highly desirable.
➡️ Need help showcasing your qualifications? Download our free nanny CV template or get professional support with our nanny CV writing service.
⭐️ Employment: Nannies are typically hired as employees (either full-time or part-time) and are paid an hourly wage. They are entitled to benefits such as national insurance & pension payments, maternity leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday and statutory sick pay. Some nannies may choose to be self-employed.
⭐️ Living Arrangements: Some nannies may choose to be live-in nannies and therefore have a lower monthly wage to offset this. Alternatively, they may live out and commute to the family's home daily. You can also find rota positions where you will live-in for 2 weeks at a time whilst on duty before having 2 weeks off where you will be expected to have your own accommodation.
⭐️ Responsibilities: Nannies generally take on a broad range of childcare responsibilities including planning play & organising educational activities, preparing children's meals, helping with homework, attending children's groups and classes and sometimes performing light nursery household duties related to the children such as laundry and tidying communal areas.
➡️ Looking to progress in your nanny career? Consider a career coaching session to explore your next move and boost your confidence.
⭐️ Duration: Nanny positions are often long-term, with many families looking for someone to stay for years as their children grow. However, there are also short-term or temporary nanny roles, such as holiday or maternity cover positions.
Au Pairs
⭐️ Cultural Exchange: Au pairs are usually young individuals (aged 18–30) who join a host family abroad as part of a cultural exchange. They may have limited formal childcare experience, but often bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. This arrangement can offer children a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures and languages.
➡️ If you're new to childcare and need help getting started, download our free au pair Canva template to create a polished candidate profile for your host family.
⭐️ Employment: Unlike nannies, au pairs aren’t traditional employees. They receive a weekly allowance (rather than a salary) and typically work 20–30 hours per week, assisting with childcare and basic household tasks.
⭐️ Living Arrangements: Au pairs typically live with the host family as part of the arrangement, receiving a private room and food paid for in addition to their monthly allowance.
⭐️ Responsibilities: Au pairs help with childcare and light household chores, generally working a set number of hours per week (often around 20-30 hours). Au pairs are not typically expected to care for young infants alone and are more suited to toddlers and school-age children.
⭐️ Duration: The stay of an au pair is usually committed to one year, with the possibility of an extension if both parties agree. This shorter duration is ideal for families with school-aged children looking for temporary childcare solutions and cultural exchange opportunities.
In short, nannies are professional, long-term caregivers with training and experience — perfect for families needing reliable, skilled childcare. Au pairs, on the other hand, offer cultural exchange and light childcare support on a part-time basis and are often just starting their journey into childcare.
➡️ If you're an au pair ready to transition into a nanny role, or you’re not sure where to begin, book a 1:1 career coaching session to gain confidence, plan your next steps, and build a CV that stands out.
Kickstarting Your Career: Why Hiring a Professional CV Writer is a Smart Investment
In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted CV is more crucial than ever. It’s your first impression, your initial handshake, and often, your ticket to securing that coveted interview. Despite its importance, many job seekers underestimate the value of a professionally written CV. Here’s why hiring a professional CV writer can be a game-changer— especially for those in the nanny and childcare industry.
1. Expertise in CV Crafting
Professional CV writers bring a wealth of experience and industry knowledge. They understand the intricacies of different job markets and what employers are really looking for. A great writer knows how to tailor your CV to highlight your strengths, minimise any gaps, and present your experience in the best possible light.
If you're applying to agencies or families and feel like your current CV isn’t quite cutting it, check out my Nanny CV Writing Service — tailored specifically for childcare professionals.
2. Tailored specifically to the nanny/childcare community
Nannying is unique — it’s personal, flexible, emotionally involved, and often difficult to summarise professionally. Knowing how to frame your skills in a way that appeals to both parents and agencies is an art.
As someone with extensive experience in both childcare and career support, I know how to help your personality and strengths shine through.
➡️ Just starting out? Grab my free nanny CV Canva template to get the basics right, or upgrade with a bespoke CV written just for you.
3. Highlighting Accomplishments, Not Just Responsibilities
A common mistake in CV writing is listing duties instead of results. A professional CV writer can transform everyday tasks into impactful achievements — making your work sound as valuable as it truly is.
For example:
Instead of “helped with bedtime routines,”
Try “successfully established and maintained a consistent bedtime routine, improving child sleep quality.”
That’s the kind of upgrade I deliver in every personalised CV package.
4. Objective Perspective
It’s hard to be objective about your own experience. A professional writer brings an outside perspective, asking smart questions to uncover hidden gems and make your strengths stand out.
Many of my clients feel unsure of how to “sell themselves.” That’s where I come in — helping you feel proud and confident about what you bring to the table.
5. Saving Time and Reducing Stress
Writing a strong CV takes time — especially if you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities. Handing the task over to a professional means you get to focus on finding the right job and preparing for interviews, rather than stressing over formatting or wording.
Let me take the pressure off with a done-for-you service that saves you hours of frustration.
7. Boosting Confidence
Having a polished, professional CV gives you confidence walking into any application or interview. You’ll know your experience is being presented in the best light — and that sense of self-belief can be felt by employers too.
Pair it with a 1:1 interview coaching session if you want to walk in fully prepared.
8. Return on Investment
Yes, hiring a professional is an investment — but it’s one that pays off. A strong CV helps you land roles faster, apply for higher-paying jobs, and stand out with ease.
One job offer can easily make up the cost of a professionally written CV — and then some.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A professionally written CV isn’t just a document — it’s your first chance to shine in front of agencies and families.
✨ Download the free nanny CV template
✨ Or explore the CV writing and career coaching packages to take your job search to the next level.
Don’t leave your career to chance. Let’s get you noticed — and hired.
Nanny Lingo Explained
Nanny Lingo Explained- common acronyms for childcare related phrases
When starting out as a new nanny or au pair it can be tricky to work out some of the common abbreviations used by families and agency’s. Below is our handy guide to help get you started-
MB
Mum boss
DB
Dad boss
NK
Nanny kid/kids
NF
Nanny family
G1
Girl aged 1 years old
B5m
Boy aged 5 months old
HNW
High net worth- a family with a high income
UHNW
Ultra high net worth- a super wealthy family
HP
High profile- a family that is famous or especially well known such a television or sports stars
NWOC
Nanny with own child- typically used when discussing the nanny bringing their own child to work with them.
SE
Self employed
HK
Housekeeper
PA
Personal assistant
PT
Part time hours
FT
Full time hours
SAHM/SAHD
Stay at home mum/ dad
WFH
Work from home parents- something that is a lot more common since COVID
UNICORN FAMILY
Something many nannies strive to find- the perfect family that they enjoy working with and truly feel appreciated by.
Let us know in the comments if we forgot any!
Go Gross Campaign
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 for nannies and au pairs.
Understanding Gross vs Net Pay- What You Need to Know
Something we 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.