How to Interview a Nanny and the Questions That Really Matter

Hiring a nanny isn’t just about finding childcare, it’s about inviting someone into your home, your routine, and your child’s world. Whether you’re new to the hiring process or looking for a better fit for your family, a thoughtful, well-prepared interview is your greatest tool.

The right questions will help you go beyond a CV and uncover someone whose values and temperament are truly compatible with your child and your family.

Below, we guide you through key areas to explore, including some questions you may not have considered. We want you to feel confident in choosing someone who isn’t just capable but also aligned with your family’s life and routine.  As always, the ‘fit’ has got to be right!

This might seem obvious but understanding a nanny’s background and level of experience will give you essential insight into how experienced and capable they are. You need to get a feel for whether they genuinely enjoy spending time with children, especially children your child’s age.

• How long have you been working as a nanny? Was this full time?
• What age groups have you worked with?
• How many children have you looked after at a time?
• Have you worked in a similar household to ours (e.g. single-parent, parents that work from home, both parents working in an office, pets)?
• Why did you choose to become a nanny?
• What do you enjoy most about caring for children?
• Can you tell me more about your most recent nanny job?
• How many children were you caring for, and what ages?
• How many days a week were you with the family?
• What did you particularly enjoy ...... anything you didn’t like about the job?
• Why did you leave?

Every family has its own rhythm, and the right nanny will know how to both respect that routine and gently structure a child’s day in a meaningful, engaging way.

• What would a typical day with my child look like?
• How do you plan activities that support learning and development? Do you feel confident helping with early learning (letters, numbers, or phonics)?
• How would you balance screen time, outdoor play, and quiet time?
• What are your favourite indoor and outdoor activities for children this age?
• Are you comfortable following specific routines, dietary restrictions, or sleep schedules?

Children experience so many things for the first time, so it’s no surprise that emotions sometimes run high! Clear boundaries, empathy, and patience all go hand in hand when it comes to guiding behaviour and helping children feel secure. This is also where emotional intelligence really shines: knowing when to step in, when to comfort, and when to gently encourage independence.

If your child has particular emotional needs or behavioural challenges, it’s important to raise this early in the conversation. A strong Nanny candidate will approach these discussions with openness, curiosity and care, and if they’re not comfortable, it’s likely not the right match.

• How do you handle tantrums, biting, or aggressive behaviour?
• What’s your approach to discipline?
• How do you help children manage big emotions?
• Can you give an example of how you’ve resolved a behavioural issue?
• How do you support children through transitions, like starting school or welcoming a new sibling?

When it comes to children, things don’t always go to plan! Your nanny will often be the only adult present, so it’s essential that they can handle the unexpected. From minor scrapes to more serious situations, you’ll want the reassurance that your child is in safe, capable hands. A nanny should know how to act quickly, administer first aid, and make sound decisions under pressure.

• Are you trained in infant and child CPR/First Aid?
• Have you ever handled a medical emergency while nannying?
• What would you do if my child had a fever? A fall? Choked?
• Are you comfortable administering medication if needed?

Life with young children is rarely predictable. If your schedule shifts week to week, or if you sometimes need an extra pair of hands in the evening, a nanny who’s flexible and reliable is invaluable.

• Are you open to a flexible or changing schedule?
• Do you have a reliable way to get to work?
• Are you open to occasional babysitting in the evening or on weekends?
• Do you drive? If so, do you have a clean driving record?
• How do you keep parents updated during the day?
• Are you open to light housework, laundry, or meal prep for the children?

Caring for babies and toddlers requires a specific set of skills and plenty of patience. If your child is under three, make sure your nanny feels confident with the developmental stage they’re in.

• Are you comfortable with changing nappies, bottle-feeding, or sleep-training?
• How do you manage tricky nap times?
• What signs of developmental milestones do you look for?
• Are you comfortable using baby monitors?

Whether your family embraces a particular faith, speaks more than one language at home, or simply values openness to other ways of life, the right nanny can help reflect and reinforce that worldview. Some families look for a nanny who shares their background; others may want someone who can introduce their child to new languages, stories, or traditions. Either way, a nanny who brings curiosity, respect, and cultural awareness into everyday life can open up a world of learning, all from the comfort of home.

• Are you bilingual or do you speak other languages?
• Have you worked with families from different cultural or religious backgrounds before?
• Are you comfortable introducing cultural or language-based learning?
• Would you be comfortable helping a child learn a second language, or maintaining a language they speak at home?
• Are you respectful of family traditions, religious practices, or dietary needs?

Even the most charming candidate should be backed up by glowing references and a clean DBS check. And don’t underestimate the value of a trial day - it’s the best way to see how a nanny truly interacts with your child and fits into your home.

• Can you provide at least 2 references from previous families?
• Do you have an up-to-date DBS/background check?
• Are you willing to do a paid trial day or week?

Once the formalities are over, take a step back and reflect…

• Did they connect well with my child or children?
• Did they ask thoughtful questions?
• Do I feel confident leaving my child in their care?
• Could I imagine them in my home day-to-day?
• Did they show initiative, or wait to be directed?

A great nanny isn’t just someone who ticks all the boxes on paper, they’re someone who brings calm, care, and confidence to your family’s daily life. With the right questions and a clear sense of your priorities, you’ll be far better placed to find someone who truly feels like part of the family.