Hiring a Private Nanny: What UHNW Families Should Consider

Hiring a Private Nanny is one of the most personal recruitment decisions a family can make. The candidate will often spend substantial time with the children, travel with the family and become part of the daily rhythm of the household. Experience matters, but compatibility and judgement are equally important.

Define the childcare philosophy and daily reality

Before beginning a search, agree what the family wants the nanny to own. Consider ages of the children, nursery or school schedules, routines, developmental goals, homework, activities, travel and whether parents want a highly autonomous nanny or a more collaborative style.

The brief should also state whether the role includes nursery duties such as children's laundry, packing, meal preparation and organisation of play areas.

Choose the right working arrangement

Private nanny positions can be live-in, live-out, travelling, rota-based or a combination. Each structure attracts a different candidate pool.

A rota nanny may provide intensive coverage for a defined period followed by substantial time off. A live-out nanny usually needs a predictable commute and schedule. A travelling nanny must be genuinely comfortable with airports, hotels, changing time zones and extended periods away from home.

Assess age-specific experience

A nanny who is outstanding with school-age children may not have the same expertise with newborns or toddlers. Ask for detailed examples relevant to the ages in your family.

For babies, families may prioritise feeding, sleep routines and newborn care. For older children, educational support, emotional intelligence, activities and organisation may become more important.

Education and languages

Some families require a Governess or Tutor rather than a traditional Nanny. If language development or formal education is central to the role, define the requirement clearly and verify teaching or educational qualifications where relevant.

Do not add languages simply because they appear prestigious. A language requirement should reflect how the family actually communicates or the educational goals for the children.

Travel, security and confidentiality

UHNW family life can involve frequent travel, public attention or security procedures. The nanny must be able to follow protocols without making children feel restricted. Discretion around social media, photographs, locations and family information should be discussed explicitly.

References are essential

Speak with previous authorised employers and ask about the nanny's relationship with children and parents, reliability, boundaries, communication, travel, flexibility and reason for leaving.

Appropriate identity, qualification and background checks should be completed before final appointment.

Family fit cannot be measured by CV alone

The final decision should consider how the nanny communicates with parents, responds to feedback and interacts with the children. The goal is not simply a candidate who can perform tasks; it is a professional who can provide safe, stable and developmentally appropriate care within the family's values.

Explore Merlo Nanny and Private Household Recruitment or see our selection process.