Why Working with a Nanny Agency is Worth It
There’s a reason people don’t hire their heart surgeons through Facebook Marketplace. When it comes to expertise, professionalism and something as important as the care of your children, you want to know you’re in good hands.
If you’ve ever tried to hire a nanny on your own (i.e scrolling through endless online profiles, messaging back and forth, booking interviews that go nowhere, trying to decipher qualifications, juggling DBS checks, wrangling references, negotiating pay - we could go on!) then you already know that finding the right nanny isn’t just a task; it’s practically a full-time job.
It’s also deeply personal. This isn’t like hiring a dog walker or a cleaner (valuable as those people are) - a nanny is someone who will be in your home, engaging with your child, supporting your family’s routines and, ideally, growing into someone your children feel safe, happy and secure with.
And yet, when it comes to hiring a nanny, some families understandably wonder: Do we really need an agency? Isn’t it just as easy to post on a local Facebook group and hope for the best? And so you may ask:
What does a nanny agency really do?
A professional agency doesn’t just send you a CV and call it a day. At Dovetail, we act more like matchmakers, mentors and behind-the-scenes project managers rolled into one. We take the time to really understand your family - your values, your lifestyle, your routines, your children’s temperaments and we combine that with our knowledge of experienced, trusted nannies to create a match that’s not just good on paper but also brilliant in practice.
Here’s a glimpse into what that process looks like:
1. We listen. Really listen.
Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or you feel completely overwhelmed, we start with a conversation. We ask the right questions to help you figure out your priorities. Do you need a nanny who drives? Someone with SEN experience? A baby expert? A confident cook? A creative spirit? Someone who can travel with you?
We’re not ticking boxes, we’re building a picture. And often, our experience helps families uncover what they really need, not just what they thought they wanted.
2. We vet everyone, thoroughly.
Every nanny we represent has been interviewed by us personally. We don’t just scan their CVs, we speak to them, get to know their approach, ask scenario-based questions and make sure their values align with ours (and yours). We verify Enhanced DBS certificates, review qualifications and follow up on glowing references (and yes, we really do call them).
When we introduce a candidate, you can trust that they’ve already passed several rounds of scrutiny so you’re not wasting time on the wrong fit.
3. We match with intention.
We’re not a numbers game agency. We won’t bombard you with profiles and hope one sticks. We handpick a small number of candidates we genuinely believe you’ll connect with and we tell you why we think each one could work.
In short, we do the legwork so you can focus on the heart work.
4. We stay with you.
Once you’ve found your nanny, we don’t disappear. We’re here to help you navigate the contract, holiday entitlement, pension questions, first aid training, nanny insurance and whatever else comes up. Need a trial structure? A contract template? Guidance on gross vs. net pay? We’ve got you.
We also check in after placement to make sure everything’s settling smoothly, and we’re always here if you need support later on whether it’s renegotiating hours, exploring a new hire or just some friendly advice on handling a sticky situation.
But can’t we just find someone cheaper ourselves?
You can find someone independently. And yes, it may cost less upfront, but the hidden costs of going it alone often include:
Time lost trawling unverified candidates
Worry over unconfirmed references or sketchy gaps in CVs
Frustration after arranging interviews that don’t go anywhere
Uncertainty about what’s legal, fair or appropriate in a nanny contract
Stress when the person you hired doesn’t show up - or quits after three weeks
There’s also the very real emotional toll of hiring someone without guidance, only to realise they weren’t the right fit and having to start all over again.
At Dovetail Nannies, we take all of that off your plate. We give you confidence, security and access to a pool of nannies who are already proven, professional and trusted. That’s not a luxury, it’s peace of mind.
This is about more than childcare. It’s about trust.
We’ve had parents come to us after trying to hire privately, exhausted and discouraged, and we’ve had others who were sceptical of using an agency at all until they realised how much time, energy and emotional bandwidth we saved them.
When you work with a reputable agency like Dovetail, you’re not just outsourcing a task. You’re gaining a partner who understands the unique pressures of parenting, the emotional labour of finding the right support, and the importance of safeguarding your family.
We’re proud of the nannies we work with - they’re dedicated, professional and passionate about early years care. But we’re just as proud of the way we support families: with empathy, flexibility and a real understanding of what matters.
So no, working with an agency isn’t outdated or unnecessary. In today’s world where families are busier, childcare is more complex and trust is everything - it’s more valuable than ever.
