All Things Nanny: Nanny or Nursery, Which Is Right for Me? Finding the Best Childcare Solution for Your Family

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

Confused about whether a nanny or nursery is the best fit for your child? This episode unpacks the real-life experiences, costs, and emotional considerations that families and childcare professionals face.

Guests:

• Sally Britton, Managing Director, Snap Care | SEN recruitment specialist
• Jo Williams, Nannytax Ambassador & Professional Nanny | Qualified Nursery Practitioner

Websites: snapcare.co.uk, nannytax.co.uk

Choosing between a nanny and a nursery is one of the biggest decisions for any family. In this episode, host Helen Phillips is joined by Sally Britton and Jo Williams, both with deep expertise across nanny and nursery settings. Together, they offer practical guidance from both parent and practitioner perspectives, helping you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for your child's wellbeing and your family's lifestyle.

This episode is for parents weighing up their childcare options, nannies curious about working in different functions, and agencies aiming for best practice. We cover daily routines, cost breakdowns, funding options, and emotional bonds. You’ll also hear honest stories about what works - and what happens when it doesn’t.

Key topics explored:

• How daily life, structure, and flexibility differ between nannies and nurseries.
• Financial realities: cost comparisons, funding options, and the true value of bespoke care.
• Supporting children’s development—both educational and emotional—whatever their individual needs.

Please note: This podcast does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making decisions related to employment or tax.

Timestamped Highlights

• 01:07 What a typical nanny day looks like - and the importance of bespoke routines
• 04:45 How a day in nursery runs: structure, activities, and social opportunities
• 05:05 Benefits of nursery for socialisation and confidence building
• 08:39 What children most enjoy in each environment - autonomy, group play, one-to-one bonds
• 09:50 Crunching the numbers: cost, wages, and specialist support
• 13:25 Understanding nursery funding, tax-free childcare, and eligibility differences
• 15:08 Real-world flexibility: how nannies handle late trains, and nurseries charge for late pick-up
• 17:31 How nurseries track children's learning and progress and why communication matters
• 24:44 How SEN-trained nannies support complex and additional needs
• 28:44 Key factors parents should consider before deciding - and real life stories of thriving children

Quick Wins for Parents & Nannies

1. Start an open discussion with your potential nanny or nursery about your child’s unique needs and daily routine - collaboration is essential for the best fit.
2. Investigate available nursery funding or tax-free childcare for nannies - know what support you’re eligible for before committing.
3. Continually assess whether your current childcare is working for both you and your child - don’t be afraid to review or combine options for the best result.

Links & Resources

• Snap Care (specialist nanny & SEN agency): snapcare.co.uk
• Nannytax (key payroll/funding info): nannytax.co.uk
• UK...

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:

All Things Nanny is the go-to podcast for parents and nannies navigating the world of childcare employment. Whether you're hiring help at home or working as a professional nanny, this show offers real stories, expert advice, and trusted guidance on everything from HMRC compliance and payroll to family dynamics and legal rights. Brought to you by Nannytax - the UK’s leading nanny payroll service - each episode helps you make confident, informed decisions that support great working relationships and ethical employment.