Exceptional childcare, thoughtfully matched to your family

Nannies provide experienced, dedicated childcare, with live-in and live-out options to suit your family’s routine. A nanny housekeeper combines childcare with agreed household responsibilities. Junior nannies are earlier in their childcare careers and typically have less experience than an established nanny — we can help you decide whether their experience suits your children’s ages and the responsibilities involved. Au pairs live with your family as part of a cultural exchange arrangement, helping with agreed childcare and light household tasks; we do not advise sole care by an au pair for children under the age of two, but they can be a wonderful extra pair of hands alongside a parent. After-school nannies offer more focused support around school collection and the afternoon routine. If you’re unsure which option would suit you best, we’re happy to talk it through.

Registration is free. Your overall budget will depend on the type of childcare you choose, the hours required and your childcarer’s experience. As a starting point, our indicative pay ranges: live-out nannies and nanny housekeepers typically £18–25 gross per hour; after-school roles £23–25 gross per hour; live-in junior nannies £350–400 net per week for 25–30 hours; and au pairs from £250–300 net per week for 25 hours. Alongside your childcarer’s pay and our agency fee, we advise families to plan for the wider costs of their chosen arrangement. These include payroll administration, applicable tax, National Insurance and pension contributions, accommodation and living costs for a live-in childcarer, and appropriate motor insurance if driving forms part of the role. We’ll help you understand what to budget for before your placement begins. Our agency placement fee is separate from your childcarer’s pay — you can view current fees and payment terms on our fees page, or explore an initial estimate with our childcare cost calculator. Wondering how pay compares with the legal minimum? See our minimum wage guide.

We’ll arrange an initial conversation to get to know your family, your routine and the kind of support you’re looking for. We’ll also explain the service, fees and next steps before your search begins. From there, we introduce suitable candidates and help you arrange interviews — and once you’ve chosen someone and agreed the role, we guide you through the offer and placement arrangements.

We’re here to help you prepare for the placement and navigate the settling-in period. Depending on your chosen service, this may include guidance on interviews and offers, contract and payroll arrangements, preparation resources and settling-in check-ins. We also support childcarers with relevant resources and opportunities to connect with others. Your Family Search Agreement explains what is included and how to contact us if you need help.

Selected services include a replacement guarantee for a specified period. If difficulties arise, please contact us so we can discuss the situation and explain the support available under your agreement. The guarantee period, eligibility requirements and any replacement or refund terms are set out in your Family Search Agreement.