Nanny Reference Checking

We check nanny references to give you peace of mind.  This gives us a chance to ask the difficult questions and glean insight into situations in which the family may not have felt comfortable articulating.  Or, it gives us a chance to find out exactly how fantastic the nanny actually is!  Ultimately, our thorough reference checks are just one more step towards ensuring your little ones are in the hands of the most loving, reliable and knowledgable nanny possible. We can also do foreign police checks through Civil & Corporate (this cost is billed to the client).

The sort of topics and questions we pose to previous employers:

  • To confirm their address, children's ages and when the nanny was employed by the family.

  • What sort of presence did the nanny maintain while living in your home?

  • Do you think the candidate is suitable to be a live-in a nanny?

  • How would your children describe the candidate?

  • If the candidate showed up at your door one afternoon would the children be excited?

  • How well did your baby respond to the nanny’s attempts to develop a sleeping and eating routine?  

  • Did you take the candidate on holiday with your family?  Was the candidate flexible and responsive to you and your partner’s need to have evenings out assuming this was discussed and arranged via mutual agreement and consideration was given to the nanny’s need for their own free time and rest

  • Did you require the nanny to drive your child(ren) around/to and from school?  If so, would you recommend them as a driver?

  • Why did the candidate’s employment with your family come to an end?  Do you still keep in touch?

  • Did the candidate know your neighbourhood well before working for you?  If not, was they resourceful in finding fun and creative activities for the child(ren)?

  • Is the candidate punctual?

  • We often find that even though a family has written a nice reference letter, they are often able to provide a great deal more insight into the nanny’s disposition and childcare capabilities over the telephone.  The privacy of a telephone conversation grants the family the freedom to speak openly and honestly. 

  • If you are torn between two nanny candidates their verbal references might help you make the right decision.