Nanny Interview Checklist

For families

Nanny Interview Checklist

Print this before your first interview. Work down the list in order — documents first, then experience, then scenarios, then the practical terms.

1.Documents to see in person

Photo ID (passport or UK driving licence)
Enhanced DBS certificate — check the date and whether it is on the Update Service
Right to Work evidence or a Home Office share code
Paediatric first aid certificate (12-hour, Ofsted-recognised) and its expiry
Childcare qualifications and any safeguarding training certificates
Driving licence and insurance, if the role involves the school run

2.Experience questions

Tell me about the ages of children you have cared for.
Describe a typical day in your last role.
What did you cook, and how did you handle fussy eating?
How do you plan activities across a week?
Why did your last role end?
May I contact two recent employers as referees?

3.Scenario questions

A child refuses to leave the park. What do you do?
A toddler has a high temperature at 2pm. Walk me through your steps.
You disagree with how we handle screen time. How do you raise it?
You are running 20 minutes late. What happens?
A stranger arrives saying they are collecting the children. What do you do?

4.Terms to agree in writing

Exact hours, days and any expected flexibility
Gross pay (not net), pay date and payroll arrangements
Holiday entitlement and how it is booked
Sick pay, notice period and probation length
Duties beyond childcare — laundry, tidying, cooking, errands
Use of the family car, mileage and expenses
Confidentiality, social media and photographs of the children

5.After the interview

Take up both references by phone, not just email
Arrange a paid trial day with you present for part of it
Ask your children how they felt afterwards
Issue a written contract before the first working day

General guidance only. For employment terms, take advice from an employment specialist or a specialist nanny payroll provider.

Would you rather talk it through?

Our team can help you work out what support fits your household, at no cost.