References and a strong interview tell you a lot. They don’t tell you how a nanny and your children actually get on in real life. That’s what a trial period is for — and it protects both sides, not just the family.
How long should it be
Trials range from a single paid day to two weeks, depending on the role. A short trial (one or two days) is usually enough to observe basic fit; a longer trial suits more complex households or children who take time to warm up to new people.
It must be paid
A trial is working time, not an audition done for free. Any credible candidate will expect to be paid for a trial day at the agreed rate — treat it as a short, genuine placement, not a favour.
What to actually observe
- How they engage with your children specifically, not just children in general
- Whether they follow the routines and rules you’ve described, or default to their own
- How they communicate with you at handover — what they share, and how
- How they respond to something unplanned (a mess, a meltdown, a change of plan)
A trial isn’t about catching someone out — it’s about replacing guesswork with evidence.
After the trial
Give honest feedback either way, promptly. If it’s a yes, use the trial as the starting point for a proper contract, not an informal continuation.