Nanny Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Most Nanny interviews in the UK follow a pattern, and knowing it beats guessing. Below are eight questions from our bank of 16, each with a note on what the interviewer is really after.

Eight Nanny interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Why do you want to work as a nanny, and what qualities make a great one?

Why they ask: Families want to know you are committed and understand how different private childcare is from group settings.

2. What are the current safe sleep guidelines for babies, and how do you put them into practice?

Why they ask: Safe sleep is a high-risk area for infants, so parents expect precise knowledge.

3. What would you do if a baby or toddler in your care was choking?

Why they ask: Parents need to be sure you can act correctly in a life-threatening emergency.

4. Which qualifications, checks and training should a professional nanny hold, and what do you currently have?

Why they ask: Parents rely on verifiable safeguarding and first aid credentials before trusting you with their children.

5. How would you structure a daily routine for a baby and a toddler together, and how do you decide which activities to do?

Why they ask: They want to know you can plan a varied, age-appropriate day with children of different ages.

6. A toddler in your care falls and bumps their head at the playground. The parent is unreachable. What do you do?

Why they ask: Head injuries are common, and they test first aid knowledge and decision-making alone.

7. What do you know about employment rights and tax for nannies, and how would you want your employment set up?

Why they ask: Many nanny disputes arise from unclear contracts, so they check professionalism and awareness.

8. Tell me about a time you managed challenging behaviour in a child you looked after.

Why they ask: Behaviour guidance is a daily nanny skill, and parents want calm, consistent strategies.

A sample answer to question 1

Why do you want to work as a nanny, and what qualities make a great one?

I enjoy the depth of relationship that nannying allows. In a home you get to know one family closely, follow a child's development over months or years and tailor everything to their personality, routines and needs, which is not possible in a larger group. I also like the variety: one day might be baking and a trip to the library, the next a swimming lesson, school run and homework. The qualities I think matter most are reliability, because parents depend on you to be there on time and calm; warmth and patience, so children feel secure; good judgement and initiative, because you are often the only adult making decisions, from safety to what activities will help a child learn; and discretion, because you are privy to a family's private life. I also think a great nanny communicates honestly and regularly with parents, sharing both good news and concerns.

Common mistake to avoid: Saying you just love children; ignoring discretion and responsibility

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Nanny interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.