Once you’ve settled on «nanny» as the right type of care, the next decision is whether you want them living in your home or coming in each day. Both are common in London, and the right choice depends less on preference and more on your household’s shape.
Live-out nannies
A live-out nanny has their own home and commutes to yours for agreed hours — full days, part days, or a fixed weekly pattern. They leave at the end of their shift, which keeps a clear boundary between working hours and personal time, for both sides.
Live-in nannies
A live-in nanny has their own room in your home, and their salary is typically lower to reflect the accommodation and, often, meals provided. In exchange, families usually get more flexibility around early starts, late finishes, or occasional evening cover.
What actually drives the decision
- Space: live-in only works if you genuinely have a private room to offer.
- Hours: irregular or long hours (frequent travel, shift work) often suit live-in better.
- Budget: live-out salaries are higher, but you’re not covering board and lodging.
- Privacy: some families strongly prefer their home to themselves outside working hours — a live-out arrangement respects that naturally.
Neither option is «more professional» than the other — they’re simply built for different households.
A hybrid worth knowing about
Some nannies offer «live-in during the week, home at weekends» — useful for families needing early starts on weekdays but with no need for weekend cover. It’s worth asking about directly, as not every candidate will volunteer it.