The Do’s and Don’ts of Employing a Nanny: Real Stories, Legal Clarity, and Emotional Support

Why trust, transparency, and teamwork matter when hiring - or working as - a nanny in the UK.

Navigating a nanny-employer relationship can feel like stepping into a whole new world - whether you’re recruiting your first nanny, returning to work after parental leave, or building a career in childcare. In this essential episode of All Things Nanny, real parents, veteran nannies, and agency experts join forces to demystify the responsibilities (and emotions) involved in employing a nanny in the UK.

Perfect for both parents and nannies, you’ll get honest, practical guidance on hiring, contracts, pay, boundaries, and those all-important early weeks. Discover the big mistakes first-time employers make, how nannies approach interviews with confidence, and why mutual respect changes everything. Hear stories that go beyond the legal requirements - from setting up payroll to building a true connection and handling difficult moments when things don’t go to plan.

• The most common pitfalls in recruitment - and how to avoid them.
• How to set boundaries and protect everyone’s wellbeing (especially with live-in roles).
• Contracts, payroll, and the essentials of getting legal compliance right from the start.

• Shada Lambert, Professional Nanny & Nanny Coach | Instagram: @nannysharz | Website:
• Anna Whitehouse, Founder of Mother Pukka & Flex Appeal, Broadcaster, Mother and Nanny Employer | Instagram: @mother_pukka | Website: motherpukka.co.uk
• Claire Adams, Director, Tinies Nanny Agency | Website: tinies.com
• Host: Helen Phillips

• 01:44 – Why parents often underestimate the responsibilities of becoming an employer
• 03:02 – A child’s perspective: letting your kids take part in the hiring process
• 04:48 – What makes an interview respectful and promising for a professional nanny
• 06:21 – Where hiring managers and parents go wrong with boundaries (and why ring-fencing a nanny’s time matters so much)
• 14:12 – Legal must-knows: tax, payroll, contracts, and employer responsibilities
• 17:22 – The importance of written contracts – for both protection and peace of mind
• 21:40 – Clear, fair communication about salaries and respecting overtime
• 31:27 – Setting household boundaries and traditions in the early weeks
• 44:16 – Handling conflict and uncomfortable conversations in a working relationship
• 47:48 – A moving real-life story of a contract breakdown and its impact on everyone

1. Have honest, transparent discussions - about boundaries, expectations, and personal values - from the very start.
2. Always agree and sign a detailed contract, including emergency contacts, pay, duties, and professional development.
3. Schedule regular check-ins to review what’s working (and what isn’t) before tension builds.

• Tinies Nanny Agency: tinies.com
• Mother Pukka: motherpukka.co.uk
• ACAS guidance on employing people in your home: