What’s It Like to Be a Nanny? Everyday Joys and Hidden Challenges: A Deep Dive into Professional Nanny LifeNavigating Nanny Life: Real Stories and Practical Guidance for UK Families

Why listen: Discover the inside realities of being a nanny in the UK, with heartfelt stories and actionable advice for both parents and professionals.

In this episode, All Things Nanny goes behind the scenes of UK nanny life. Helen Phillips joins forces with Jo Williams and Sally Britton to explore the full spectrum of nanny roles, the skills that matter most, and the emotional heart of working in a family’s home. If you’re a parent considering hiring a nanny, or a nanny seeking insight and support, this is essential listening. The conversation breaks down misconceptions, reveals the differences between nursery and nannying roles, and unpacks day-to-day life, from creative routines to navigating boundaries and transitions.

Key discussion points include:

1. The variety of modern nanny positions, including SEN, holiday, emergency, and rota nannies.
2. What qualifications, personality traits, and real-life experience help nannies and families thrive.
3. How boundaries, emotional resilience, and mutual respect shape sustainable working relationships.

Guests:

1. Sally Britton, Managing Director, Snap Care (SEN recruitment specialist)

Instagram: @snapchildcare

Website: snapcare.co.uk

1. Jo Williams (“Jo the Nanny”), Nannytax Ambassador

Instagram: @jo_the_nanny

Timestamped Highlights:

1. 03:02 – Jo Williams on adapting routines and teaching skills during lockdown as a live-in nanny.
2. 05:13 – Sally Britton explains why loving children is non-negotiable for nannies.
3. 08:21 – SEN duties: working with therapists and implementing creative, child-centred routines.
4. 14:08 – Jo Williams shares the joys of helping children meet milestones and building lasting bonds.
5. 17:07 – Sally Britton tells how specialist night nanny support transformed a family’s wellbeing and trust.
6. 22:30 – A child’s journey from “won’t walk” to ballet dancing through teamwork and dedication.
7. 23:44 – The emotional impact of leaving a long-term nanny family: coping with loss and transition.
8. 25:35 – Clear boundaries when parents work from home; why professional distance matters.
9. 29:59 – Sally Britton challenges common misconceptions about hiring nannies for children with disabilities.
10. 40:12 – Practical tips: qualifications, driving, first aid, and how a strong CV makes a difference.

Links/resources:

● Snap Care: snapcare.co.uk

● Nannytax: nannytax.co.uk

● Ofsted Registration Guidance: gov.uk/government/publications/nannies-applying-to-register-as-a-childcarer-on-the-ofsted-childcare-register

● Early Years Qualifications: gov.uk/find-qualified-early-years-childcare-professional

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow All Things Nanny and share it with someone navigating nanny employment.

Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know in the comments or email us at ([email protected]).

All Things Nanny is a podcast by Nannytax, the UK’s leading nanny payroll and employment support service.

Hosted by Helen Phillips

Produced by Matt Cheney at Brown Bear Studios

For more support and resources, visit (nannytax.co.uk/podcast)

© 2026 Nannytax. All rights reserved.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or employment advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making employment related decisions.