There is no single rate that describes every nanny arrangement. A short evening booking, a recurring weekly schedule and a full working day involve different duties and logistics. To compare offers, describe the child’s age, schedule, location and expected tasks, then check that each candidate is quoting for the same arrangement.
Related read: nanny care for an infant.
What an hourly arrangement covers
Hourly care is often used for an evening out, a school or nursery pickup, or occasional cover. Ask whether the caregiver has a minimum booking length; a short visit may not be charged as a simple fraction of a longer shift. Agree in advance what happens if a parent is delayed or asks the nanny to stay beyond the planned finish time.
The word childcare can conceal very different workloads. One family may need supervision and play, while another expects a meal, bath, bedtime routine, a walk or transport to an activity. List the tasks rather than relying on a broad phrase such as “help around the house.” If household chores are not part of the role, say so clearly before the first shift.
- Confirm start and finish times and how late finishes are handled.
- Ask whether travel time or transport expenses are treated separately.
- Write down the childcare duties and any tasks that are excluded.
A short shift, a full day or a monthly schedule
A request for a nanny for four hours is only a starting point. The time of day, address, number and ages of children, and whether the nanny must collect them all affect the practical arrangement. Several visits spread through a day are not necessarily equivalent to one continuous shift, since travel and availability between visits may matter.
For a full day, clarify attendance hours, breaks, meals, outdoor time and the child’s nap routine. A recurring monthly arrangement needs a calendar and clear rules for holidays, cancellations, a child’s illness and additional hours. Rather than using “full-time” as if it had one universal meaning, spell out the days and presence expected in your household.
- Set the regular days and identify dates or periods outside the usual schedule.
- Agree what happens when care is cancelled or the shift needs to run longer.
- Discuss evenings, early starts and weekends separately.
Child’s age, experience and location
Care for a baby may involve feeding, changing and sleep routines; care for a school-age child may focus more on collection, accompaniment and keeping to a routine. Ask about experience with the child’s age and the actual duties you need. With the candidate’s permission, contact references and explain any medical instructions, allergies or additional support needs before agreeing to the role.
Location and travel can shape whether an arrangement works. A distant address, late public transport or accompanying a child outside the neighbourhood may affect the terms. Explain whether the nanny is expected to use public transport, travel with the child or make purchases during the shift. When comparing candidates, give everyone the same details about the route, hours and level of responsibility.
- Share the children’s ages, address and expected schedule.
- Mention pickups, outings, meals and additional needs before requesting an offer.
- Agree who covers transport and expenses incurred on the child’s behalf.
Choosing a nanny and agreeing the terms
Use the introductory conversation to walk through an ordinary day and ask how the nanny would handle a delayed parent, a change in plans or a child who refuses a meal. A short introduction with the child and reference checks can help assess suitability, but they do not replace clear expectations about household routines and updates to parents. EzraPro’s guide to checking a nanny can help you prepare questions and discuss references.
After choosing someone, send a written summary of hours, duties, payment arrangements, cancellations, breaks and travel. Include emergency contacts, who is authorised to collect the child and what to do if the child becomes unwell. If you are arranging infant care, compare the specific responsibilities in this guide to nanny care for an infant: infant-care considerations.
- Compare like with like: same hours, duties and travel assumptions.
- Record cancellation, extension and expense arrangements in writing.
- Agree emergency contacts and the adults authorised to collect the child.
