How to source a nanny agency

If you were to type 'nanny agency in London' into a search engine you will find hundreds of agencies so how do you know which ones are the most reputable and suited to your needs. Here are a few tips:

1. REC registered The Recruitment and Employment Confederation regulates and monitors the recruitment sector and all members are required to adhere to certain standards to ensure they have thorough safeguarding processes in place.
2. Word of mouth Talk to your friends, colleagues, and children's school/play centre to see if they have any recommendations. Alternatively, ask an ex-nanny who might have registered with a few nanny agencies.
3. Local can be beneficial A nanny agency doesn't have to be in London if that's where you live but it can certainly help. Even more so, if it's in your area. These agencies are likely to have nannies on their books who live locally and know the area well. If required to plan and organise days out with your children, these nannies should already have excellent knowledge about the parks, playgrounds, daily events and directions etc.
4. Safeguarding Proper safeguarding procedures are critical for a reputable nanny agency in London. The agency should perform face-to-face interviews, check eligibility to work, proof of identification and references. They should also have the ability to organise a Criminal Record Check (CRB) if their nannies don't already have one in place.
6. Customer service If you contact a few nanny agencies, keep note of which agency responded with the most efficiency. This will give you a good indication of their efficiency throughout your dealings with them. Also, make sure you are happy with any questions or concerns and that these are dealt with in a professional manner. Ensure they send you Terms of Business so you can be clear on these. All reputable agencies should not charge you anything until a nanny accepts your job offer.
7. Trust your instinct Even if you feel the agencies are meeting all the necessary requirements, be guided by your instincts as to which agency feels like it's going to be trustworthy, reliable, helpful and efficient throughout the process. Any reputable nanny agency will want to help you as best they can and this should come across in your dealings with them.