It’s 1:30 and the baby has just gone down. It’s also time to collect your eldest from school. Wake the baby, and the afternoon is ruined. Leave the school gate waiting, and you’ve got a different problem.
This single clash is why many Southdowns families start looking for a nanny. It’s also why the way you brief her matters more than her CV.
What a nanny actually does
A nanny is an experienced childcare professional who looks after your children as part of your household’s routine. Unlike a short-term helper, she usually works consistent hours and builds a long-term relationship with the family.
Typically, she handles:
- Feeding, sleep and play routines for babies and toddlers
- School runs and after-school care
- Daily structure that keeps children calm and secure
- Communication with you about how the day went
An au pair is usually a younger, more flexible helper. A nanny brings more formal, long-term experience, which matters most with infants. You can read more about their differences here.
Why two ages make the day harder
One child is easy to plan around. Two children of different ages are a puzzle. The baby needs sleep on a schedule, and the school-age child needs pick-ups on a different one
The Nap-proof plan (Our Expert Framework)
The counter-intuitive idea is this: protect one nap, and stay flexible about everything else.
- Write the fixed times: school finish, extra-murals, the baby’s longest nap.
- Mark every collision, meaning anywhere those times overlap.
- Choose a fix for each: a car nap on the way, a shifted nap, or a different pick-up arrangement.
- Give her permission to adjust within limits you agree on.
A rigid hour-by-hour schedule tends to fall apart by Wednesday. One protected nap and clear permission to flex gives her something sturdy to work with.
In the interview, ask: The baby’s nap clashes with the school pick-up. What do you do? A practical answer is worth more than a perfect one.
What to Check Before You Say Yes
Whoever you choose, you should be able to answer yes to each of these:
- Identity and police clearance have been verified
- Experience with children has been seen in practice, not just claimed
- Driving has been discussed if school runs are part of the role
- Hours, duties, leave and house rules are written down
- Accommodation or travel arrangements are sorted
At Kith, we handle vetting, including ID verification, police clearance, and a practical session with children. Our au pairs also complete training through the Kith Academy.
How to Brief Your Au Pair in the First Week
- Walk her through the Nap-Proof Plan together
- Show her a full day, start to finish
- Agree how you’d like to be updated
- Book a check-in at the end of week one, and again at month one
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Find Your Nanny
The right nanny doesn’t just cover the gaps. She gives your family a calm, predictable day. Join Kith and we’ll match you with a vetted, experienced nanny who fits your home
Want to see exactly how it works for Southdowns? Read about our Nannies in Southdowns service.
If you’d like a tutor for your child’ schoolwork or assistance with homework, our Private Tutor in Southdowns: The 12-Week
Exam Plan details our expert knowledge framework in this service.
