FAQs

A mentor provides guidance, support, and practical strategies for anyone working in early years, including nannies, nanny agencies, practitioners, settings, and groups such as messy play, play cafés, toddler groups, and baby massage. Debbie focuses on safeguarding and compliance, helping leaders build confidence, improve practice, and manage day-to-day challenges while keeping children safe.

Mentoring helps nannies, agencies, practitioners, and leaders of settings and groups build confidence, improve practice, and embed safeguarding and compliance into all aspects of their work. Debbie provides practical, personalised guidance for both new and experienced professionals, helping enhance the quality of care, learning experiences, and overall professional development.

Formal qualifications are not a legal requirement to work as a nanny in the UK. Many families and agencies prefer nannies with childcare training, relevant experience, and an understanding of child development. Nannies are not registered with any regulatory body. Some choose to join the voluntary register run by Ofsted so families can access support such as Tax Free Childcare. Professional nannies hold paediatric first aid training, have an enhanced DBS check, complete safeguarding training, and have appropriate insurance to demonstrate safe and professional practice.

A nanny’s main responsibility is the care, safety, and wellbeing of children. In nanny terminology, the tasks typically expected are referred to as nursery duties, which include planning activities, supporting learning through play, preparing meals, following daily routines such as naps, school runs, and bedtime, and helping with child-related household tasks such as tidying play areas, organising toys, and managing children’s laundry. Clear communication with parents about expectations is essential for a successful working relationship.

HMRC generally expects nannies to be employed under PAYE, and self-employment can create compliance, tax, and insurance risks. Debbie advises nannies on the safest employment options and can introduce them to Way2Pay, her partner in practice, for correct PAYE setup and management.

Safe sessions require risk assessments, hygiene, appropriate materials, supervision, and safeguarding policies. Debbie provides guidance to early years leaders and session facilitators on planning and delivering compliant, safe, and engaging activities where children can explore, learn, and enjoy themselves.

Staff meetings are essential for sharing information, reviewing policies, discussing safeguarding, and ensuring consistency across a setting. They also provide opportunities for team building, supporting collaboration, communication, and a positive working environment. Regular meetings help practitioners stay updated on regulations, plan activities effectively, and maintain high-quality early years practice. Debbie can facilitate staff meetings, guiding agenda planning, policy updates, safeguarding discussions, and team-building exercises. This ensures practitioners work effectively together while delivering safe, compliant, and engaging sessions for children.

Groups that welcome families and children should have public liability insurance to cover accidents or injuries. Some organisations also choose additional cover for equipment, volunteers, or organised events. Having appropriate insurance demonstrates responsible practice and reassures families attending the group.

Compliance requires understanding safeguarding procedures, risk assessments, ratios, and regulatory standards for early years settings. Debbie guides leaders, practitioners, and facilitators on implementing strong safeguarding measures, reviewing policies, and maintaining safe practice for children across all sessions.

Agencies themselves are not regulated, but a reputable agency will follow professional procedures to ensure quality placements, including following up references, checking the nanny’s enhanced DBS on the update service, verifying the Right to Work in the UK, and conducting a face-to-face or online video interview. They will also check that nannies have completed a 12-hour paediatric first aid course, and many agencies prefer nannies to hold additional safeguarding, food hygiene training, and public liability insurance. These steps help agencies maintain professional standards and give families confidence in the nannies they place.