Finding the right Rota Nanny for your family
Rota Nanny Guide: Costs, Duties and How to hire the Right One
In the last ten years, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients, who come to us in anticipation of their new baby’s arrival, realising they need a level of childcare which works round-the-clock, and fits seamlessly with their busy schedules and frequent travel. These clients have often looked to hiring a Rota Nanny.
In this latest blog, we help you navigate the process of hiring a Rota Nanny, from understanding the role to finding the perfect fit for your family and household.
What is a Rota Nanny and How do they work?
A Rota Nanny is an experienced childcare professional who works on a rotational schedule, often in teams with other nannies, to provide uninterrupted care for children. Typically, Rota Nannies work in shifts of one or two weeks on and off, ensuring consistent and reliable support whilst maintaining their own work-life balance.
Over the years, we’ve successfully placed Rota Nannies with high profile families in Europe, including Paris and Monaco, international destinations including India and California, and in the UK, with the majority in areas of London such as Notting Hill, South Kensington, and Knightsbridge. Our dedicated team carefully evaluates each candidate’s experience, personality, and approach to childcare, ensuring they align with our clients’ values and lifestyle.
We’ve also noted a rising trend in the requests for a Rota Nanny over a Live-in Nanny – highlighting a growing interest in the Rota Nanny schedule, in response to rising demands of modern family dynamics and the desire for continuous, high-quality childcare.
Ideal for Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) and High-Net-Worth (HNW) families, Rota Nannies bring flexibility and expertise to households with complex schedules, frequent travel, or multiple residences.
What are the duties of a Rota Nanny?
Responsibilities of a Rota Nanny can include:
- Daily Care – Managing feeding, bathing, dressing, and bedtime routines
- Developmental Activities – Engaging children in age-appropriate educational and creative play
- School and Extracurricular Support – Assisting with school runs, homework, and extracurricular activities
- Health & Well-being – Monitoring children’s health, administering medication if required, and ensuring safety at all times
- Nursery & Playroom Maintenance – Keeping children’s spaces tidy and organised
- Meal Preparation – Cooking nutritious meals tailored to dietary requirements
- Packing and Organising – Preparing bags for school, travel, or outings
- International & Domestic Travel – Accompanying families on holidays and business trips
- Rotational Handover – Ensuring smooth transitions between nannies for consistent care
- Sleep Training & routine management
- Bilingual Support (if language skills are required)
- Managing household staff coordination related to children’s care
Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for families looking to hire the right professional Nanny.
How does a Rota Nanny schedule work?
Set shifts
The family establishes a schedule outlining the specific days and hours when care is needed. This may involve day shifts, evening shifts, or overnight care, depending on the family’s routine.
Rotation system
Multiple nannies are assigned to the schedule, allowing them to rotate shifts. This ensures that there is always a caregiver available, while also giving each nanny time off.
Communication
Families often use shared calendars or apps to communicate the schedule clearly to all nannies involved. This helps everyone stay informed about who is working when.
Flexibility
The rota system can be flexible, allowing adjustments based on the family’s changing needs, such as holidays, special events, or changes in work schedules.
Continuity of care
Whilst the Nannies rotate, efforts are made to ensure continuity in care for the children, such as regular updates on the children’s routines and preferences.
Pay structure
The pay of a Rota Nanny may be structured hourly or as a salary, depending on the agreement with each nanny and the hours worked.
How much does a Rota Nanny cost?
A Rota Nanny salary expectations typically range from £65,000 to £150,000, depending on factors such as the level of responsibility, number of children, the Rota Nanny schedule, and travel requirements. Additional qualifications, such as Norland College training or fluency in multiple languages, can also influence the salary.
What are the pros and cons of hiring a Rota Nanny?
Pros of a Rota Nanny
Consistent, round-the-clock childcare: One of the biggest advantages of having a Rota Nanny is the assurance of consistent, round-the-clock care for your children. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, or even weekends, you can rest easy knowing that your little ones are in safe hands at all times.
Perfect for busy families: For families that are always on the go or travel frequently, a Rota Nanny is an ideal solution. This setup allows for flexible childcare that adapts to your schedule, ensuring that your children’s needs are met no matter how hectic life gets.
Great work-life balance for Nannies: Rota Nannies enjoy a balanced work schedule that allows them to have dedicated time off between shifts. This structure helps prevent burnout and allows them to bring their best selves to work, which ultimately benefits your family.
Highly experienced professionals: Rota Nannies are often highly experienced professionals who are well-versed in childcare. They bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table, ensuring that your children receive quality care and support as they grow.
Cons of a Rota Nanny
Higher salary costs: One consideration to keep in mind is the cost. Rota Nannies typically command a higher salary compared to traditional nannies, given the level of commitment and flexibility they provide. It’s important to weigh this cost against the benefits of having round-the-clock care.
Varied approach to childcare: With multiple Rota Nannies working in rotation, you might encounter differences in their childcare approaches. Whilst this can bring a range of experiences to your children, it may also require some adjustments to ensure consistency in routines and discipline.
Adjustment to having a Nanny full-time: Having a Rota Nanny in your home full-time can take some getting used to. It’s a shift in family dynamics, and it’s important to establish boundaries and open communication to help everyone adapt smoothly.
Complex scheduling and handover: Coordinating schedules and handovers between Rota Nannies can be a bit complex. It requires clear communication and organisation to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Rota Nanny
Define Your Family’s Needs
Before you begin the search, clarify the key aspects of the Rota Nanny role:
- Children’s ages and needs: Identify the level of care required, from newborn support to managing school schedules
- Scheduling: Determine the Rota Nanny schedule (e.g., two weeks on/two weeks off) that suits your household
- Travel requirements: Will the Rota Nanny need to accompany the family on holidays or split time across multiple properties?
- Languages and skills: Consider if fluency in another language or specific certifications (e.g., sleep training, first aid) is essential
Partner with a Specialist Recruitment Agency
In order for the process to run smoothly, it’s important to engage a reputable agency like Cora to help you find the best Rota Nanny for your household.
We conduct face-to-face screenings of candidates and provide clients with comprehensive candidate profiles. These profiles summarise each candidate’s educational and career background, as well as their personality traits and attributes relevant to the position.
Before making a decision to hire a Rota Nanny, it’s crucial to verify their credentials. At Cora, we request references from previous families and conduct a DBS check to ensure that candidates meet the highest safety standards.
Review Candidate Profiles
Evaluate shortlisted candidates on:
- Qualifications: Look for formal childcare certifications and additional skills like early years education
- Experience: Prior experience in private households or rotational roles is invaluable
- Soft skills: A Rota Nanny should be adaptable, organised, and nurturing whilst maintaining professional boundaries
Conduct Interviews and Arrange Trials
- Interviews: Prepare questions that assess the Rota Nanny’s expertise, approach to childcare, and alignment with your family’s values
- Trial Period: A short trial allows you to observe their interaction with your children and other members of household staff
Finalise the Employment Contract
Work with your agency or a legal expert to create a comprehensive contract outlining:
- Rotational schedule and working hours
- Responsibilities, including travel expectations
- Compensation, benefits, and holiday arrangements
- Confidentiality clauses to protect your family’s privacy
Discover the latest legal advice on employing someone to work in your home.
Where to find the best Rota Nannies in the UK and internationally
At Cora, we specialise in connecting families with exceptional Rota Nannies who meet their unique needs. With our bespoke approach, you can expect:
- Access to an exclusive network of highly experienced, trustworthy and nurturing childcare professionals
- A smooth recruitment process, from initial consultation to placement
- Ongoing support to ensure long-term success
Ready to Find the Perfect Rota Nanny?
Learn more about our Nanny services or contact us today to begin your search. Whether you’re looking for a Rota Nanny in London, the UK, or abroad, our team is here to help you find a Rota Nanny who delivers exceptional care and peace of mind.
