Live-in Nannies are childcare providers who reside with the family they work for, either in the family home, or separate accommodation provided by their employers. They are generally required to work full time hours, typically ranging from 10-12 hour shifts, 5 days a week. Due to their close proximity to the family, most candidates are flexible and adaptable when it comes to working hours - often happy to offer extra hours in the form of babysitting in the evenings or weekends, for an additional fee.
We understand that finding suitable help can be a stressful and time-consuming process hence why here, you will find all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision. You can view all of our Live-in Nanny candidates here.
The responsibilities of a live-in nanny are largely the same as the ones of a live-out nanny - the primary difference is typically an earlier start and absence of commute to work, enabling the nanny to help the children get ready for the day.
They are entrusted with all of the childcare responsibilities - from supporting the child's personal wellbeing to facilitating their academic development. Although duties and expectations may vary from family to family, some of the key responsibilities include:
Although live-in nannies must prioritise childcare, they may also take on certain housekeeping duties related to the child. These can include:
All of the responsibilities are discussed and agreed upon before the start of employment in order to avoid any misunderstandings or potential disagreements down the line.
At Little Ones, we believe that transparency is key to building trust and long-lasting relationships with both our clients and candidates. Having an open conversation around salary expectations helps ensure a smoother, long-term placement.
Based on recent placements made within the company, a live-in nanny in London can command a salary range of £700 to £900 gross per week, for a 50 hour work week. As accommodation and board are included in the employment arrangement, their salaries are typically lower, with an accommodation offset deducted accordingly.
While there are several factors that determine the salary of a live-in nanny, including, location, experience, qualifications (if any required), duties, number of children and their ages, it's important to note that the starting salary for any live-in positions must comply with the UK National Minimum Wage. Live-in Nannies offer flexible hours, providing families with greater convenience while helping them reduce overall childcare expenses. In addition, they can also travel with their family, and for an additional fee, offer 24-hour care when the parents are away.
As an employer, you will need to factor in setting up payroll and ensuring you have insurance in place before the employment commences. Our trusted partners at Lily's Payroll, can help guide you through this process and ensure that you're provided with all the correct information, so that you remain compliant with HMRC and avoid legal consequences.
When you hire a live-in nanny, you take on the role of their employer, which comes with certain responsibilities and obligations.
In terms of accommodation, the nanny must be provided a bedroom in the family home or separate flat nearby. It must be furnished and equipped with all the necessary amenities such as a bed, a desk, ample storage space, Wi-Fi and access to a bathroom - either an ensuite or a shared one. As of 2026, the daily accommodation offset for any live-in candidates is £11.10 which equals to £77.70 per week. This amount is the maximum sum employers can deduct from their employee's wages, without breaching pay regulations.
In addition, the family is required to either provide their live-in nanny with meals during the working days or an agreed food allowance, as long as the nanny resides in the household. To ensure a good match, it is vital that the family outline any food preferences and dining habits. It is equally important that the nanny shares any food or dietary requirements they have, to ensure a seamless process.
Employers must also offer a holiday allowance that meets statutory requirements, ensuring the nanny receives appropriate paid time off. A live-in nanny, whether employed on a full-time or a part-time basis, is entitled to 5.6 weeks, or 28 days, of paid holiday leave per year. Although that is the statutory minimum, some employers are happy to offer longer annual leave - the minimum entitlement also includes bank holidays.
In addition, it is important to establish clear working hours from the outset, including start and finish times, as well as any arrangements for overtime or additional babysitting, maintaining transparency and mutual understanding.
Finding the perfect candidate isn't just about experience and qualifications - it's about securing the right fit for your lifestyle, routine and family values. With over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry, Little Ones proudly offers clients a pool of fully-vetted and highly-qualified Live-in Nannies, ready to start as soon as you need them to.
Our specialist consultants offer personalised support at every stage of the hiring process, from registering your search to helping you ask the right questions during interviews. This carefully designed process ensures your child receives a stable, consistent and loving environment to grow up in.
A nanny is not just an employee - they become an integral part of your household and your child's daily routine. Choosing the right agency to help you source help is a key step to building a long-lasting and supportive relationship. Whether you're looking for a Live-in Nanny, on a full-time or part-time basis, or require specific qualifications and expereince, Little Ones can offer you a wealth of skilled professionals available in London, across the UK and overseas.
Call us today on 020 3666 2780, for a non-obligation chat and to discuss your requirements, or click here to contact us via email.