Live-in Nanny Requirements Explained

Choosing a live-in nanny gives your family a level of consistency, support and flexibility that is difficult to achieve through any other form of childcare. For many households, particularly those with younger children or demanding schedules, a live-in arrangement offers a steady presence in the family home and a reassuring continuity across the week.

To help you understand how this arrangement works in practice, this guide explains what a live-in nanny typically requires, what families should expect from the relationship and how Nannies Matter supports you during the hiring process and throughout the placement.

Accommodation Requirements for a Live-in Nanny

A live-in nanny must have their own private, comfortable room in the home or on the grounds, giving them the space they need to settle in well. This is standard across the industry, and expected by all experienced nannies.
Families should provide:

• A private bedroom with suitable furniture and storage.
• Separate accommodation or clearly defined living space if the home layout allows.
• Bathroom access, either private or shared.
• Clear house rules so both sides feel comfortable in shared areas.
• Privacy and uninterrupted personal time outside agreed working hours.

A professional nanny’s living conditions influence the quality of the working relationship. Providing thoughtful accommodation helps create a respectful environment in which everyone feels at ease.

Working Hours, Duties and Weekly Structure

A live-in nanny works full-time hours, typically Monday to Friday, with a structure agreed in advance. The role focuses on the children and their development, with duties tailored to their ages, routines and interests.
Typical responsibilities include:

• Morning preparation: dressing children, preparing breakfast, organising school bags and managing the school run.
• Nursery duties: children’s laundry, tidying bedrooms, cleaning toys, maintaining play areas and keeping clothing organised.
• Healthy meals: preparing nutritious meals for the children, supporting regular routines around food and tidying the kitchen after meal preparation.
• Learning and development: age-appropriate activities, reading, homework support, attending baby classes, arranging playdates and helping children build confidence and independence.
• Supporting daily rhythm: managing nap schedules for younger children, helping older children with after-school routines, and ensuring a calm and predictable end to each day.
• Errands related to the children: collecting prescriptions, purchasing school supplies or arranging appointments when needed.

A live-in nanny may also take sole charge when parents are working or away for short periods.Nannies Matter ensures that everything relating to duties, structure and expectations is covered clearly from the outset. We help you define the working pattern, outline the nanny’s weekly responsibilities and prepare the job description so the relationship starts on strong foundations.

Contracts, Legal Requirements and Employer Responsibilities

Hiring a live-in nanny means becoming an employer, and certain legal requirements apply. While the specifics can feel complex, Nannies Matter supports you through every step of the process.

A live-in nanny will expect:

• A clear contract: covering working hours, duties, house rules, holiday period, national bank holidays and the structure of the role.
• Compliance with employment law: including paid holiday, rest breaks, working hours and the formal status of the role.
• National Insurance and tax arrangements: these must be handled correctly; Nannies Matter will guide you through the process or help you appoint a payroll service if needed.
• Public liability insurance: families employing domestic staff should have appropriate insurance in place.
• A defined structure: including clarity around babysitting expectations, any occasional weekend work, and how overtime is handled.

Nannies Matter 

• makes sure every legal and administrative detail is in place by:
• preparing and reviewing your nanny’s contract.
• advising on working hours, duties and boundaries.
• helping you register correctly as an employer.
• guiding you on tax and National Insurance obligations.
• ensuring your nanny feels respected, supported and professionally recognised.
• Nothing is left unclear. You can focus on making your selection from the shortlist of nannies we have found for you, while we handle the framework that surrounds the role.

Professional Boundaries and House Etiquette

A live-in arrangement works best when everyone understands how to share the space respectfully.
Families can set clear yet courteous expectations around:

• shared areas of the house
• the nanny’s living space
• visitors and friends
• use of household amenities
• technology and privacy
• start and finish times
• how communication should work during the week

At the same time, parents should expect the nanny to uphold professionalism, maintain discretion and work in a way that meets your values. Nannies Matter supports you in establishing these boundaries early, so you and your nanny can enjoy a smooth relationship from day one.

Live-in Nanny or Live-out Nanny - Which Suits Your Home Best?

A live-in nanny offers:

• earlier starts and later finishes when needed.
• flexibility around family routines.
• a calm, continuous presence for younger children.
• the ability to step in when parents travel or have commitments outside the home.

A live-out nanny, meanwhile, may suit households that prefer more separation between work and home life.

When you begin the process of finding your new nanny, Nannies Matter can discuss both options with you, and help you understand which structure will best complement your lifestyle, your home and your children.

Nannies Matter Supports Families Hiring a Live-in Nanny

Nannies Matter specialises in placing experienced nannies in private households across the Home Counties. We will take the time to understand your needs, and provide you with a shortlist of the best possible candidates to choose from. From first conversation to final placement, we make sure every detail is handled with care.

To speak to us about hiring a live-in nanny, call 07736 337065 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will be in touch.