Nanny Agency London · Prime Central

Nanny Agency London, Vetted, Multilingual Career Nannies

Lumière is the private nanny agency trusted by London families across Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, Belgravia, Notting Hill and Knightsbridge. Live-in, live-out, rota, governess and maternity-nurse placements. Fully DBS-checked. Multilingual. Matched for language, routine and values.

Find Your Nanny

Quick answer

Lumière is a French Riviera-based nanny agency placing career nannies and governesses with London families across Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, Belgravia and Notting Hill. All candidates DBS-cleared, NNEB/CACHE/Norland-qualified where requested, and placed under declared UK PAYE employment. Typical London live-in cost £700–£1,200 gross/week. Shortlist within 2 weeks.

private Childcare in London

London Nanny Hiring, What Makes Lumière Different

A London nanny placement demands more than DBS checks and a CV. Whether your family lives in Mayfair, Kensington, Belgravia, Notting Hill or Richmond, the London nanny we match to your household is bilingual, career-trained, and discreet by default. Every London nanny on Lumière's books has been personally vetted, with verified references and full right-to-work compliance.

Why London Families Trust Lumière

Lumière is the trusted nanny placement agency for families in London. We combine world-class international standards with deep understanding of London's unique family culture, its wonderful neighbourhoods, and the distinct needs of busy professional families.

Expertise in Quality Placements

Lumière specializes in matching carefully selected nannies with families across London. Our placement team understands the needs of household management in wonderful neighborhoods like Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair and Knightsbridge. We don't simply connect families with childcare providers, we create thoughtful, lasting partnerships based on shared values and compatible lifestyles.

Every placement reflects our commitment to excellence. We work exclusively with nannies who bring not only professional qualifications but also warmth, discretion, and genuine passion for child development. Our nannies understand what London families need, from managing school runs to international travel with confidence.

What Makes Us Different

  • Comprehensive DBS clearance and background verification for all nannies
  • Access to qualified and experienced childcare professionals
  • Deep understanding of London neighborhoods and family lifestyle
  • Multilingual and bilingual nanny specialists for international families
  • Live-in, live-out, and flexible scheduling options
  • Ongoing support and relationship management after placement
  • Experience with complex household requirements and international relocations
  • Referrals to complementary household services (tutors, drivers, housekeeping)
Service Types

Types of Nannies in London

Lumière places all types of professional childcare specialists throughout London. Whether you need full-time live-in care, part-time live-out support, specialized expertise, or flexible arrangements, we have experienced nannies ready to join your family.

Live-In Nannies

Live-in nannies reside in your London home and provide dedicated childcare with flexible availability for your family's needs. This arrangement works well for families with demanding professional schedules, multiple children across different age groups, or those who travel frequently. Live-in nannies become part of your household, managing daily routines while maintaining professional boundaries and personal time.

Our London live-in nannies bring experience managing busy households, coordinating with tutors and activity providers, and maintaining high standards of child safety and development. They're particularly valued by international families and those with complex scheduling requirements.

Specialized Nanny Services

  • Live-Out Nannies: Work defined hours and return home, ideal for families wanting focused childcare with clear boundaries
  • Rota Nannies: Work on alternating schedules (two weeks on, two weeks off) ensuring consistency with fresh caregivers
  • Maternity Nurses: Specialized postpartum support and newborn care during critical early months
  • Bilingual Nannies: Fluent in English plus French, Russian, German, Mandarin or other languages for language development
  • Travel Nannies: Expert in international travel, relocations, and managing childcare across time zones
  • Governesses: Combine childcare with academic tutoring and cultural education for older children
London Neighborhoods

Nanny Services Across Central London

Lumière places experienced nannies throughout London's wonderful neighborhoods. We understand the distinct character, lifestyle, and childcare needs of each area, from the elegant townhouses of Belgravia to the village feel of Hampstead and Richmond.

Kensington & South Kensington

Home to accomplished families, Kensington combines excellent schools, cultural institutions, and leafy residential streets. We place experienced nannies who understand the neighborhood's social landscape and educational expectations. South Kensington's proximity to museums and international community requires nannies with cultural awareness and language capabilities.

Chelsea

Chelsea families value style, culture, and professional excellence. We match nannies who understand Chelsea's character, appreciate the neighborhood's vibrant community, and can manage households balancing professional life with active family time. Chelsea nannies typically work with families maintaining international connections and who enjoy social events.

Mayfair

Mayfair is home to families who value privacy and discretion. Our Mayfair placements prioritize professional warmth, cultural awareness, and complete reliability. Mayfair nannies work with families, business leaders, and international clients who value exceptional service and confidentiality. These placements often involve complex household coordination and entertaining.

Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge families often have international backgrounds and connections across London's institutions. We place multilingual nannies comfortable managing households with diverse backgrounds and global perspectives. Knightsbridge's location near excellent schools and cultural attractions makes it appealing to busy professionals.

Hampstead

Hampstead attracts families who value education, community, and London's village atmosphere. Hampstead nannies typically work with families who care deeply about learning, outdoor activities on the Heath, and creative play. We place nannies who appreciate Hampstead's cultural character and can support children's learning.

Notting Hill & Holland Park

These neighborhoods appeal to creative families and those valuing vibrant community. Notting Hill and Holland Park families appreciate nannies who understand London's contemporary culture, navigate diverse communities easily, and support children's exposure to arts and activities. These placements often value flexibility and creative thinking.

Belgravia

Belgravia is home to international families and those who value privacy. Belgravia placements require nannies with complete discretion, professional warmth, and experience managing complex household needs. These nannies often work with families traveling internationally, maintaining multiple homes, and hosting events.

Richmond & Southwest London

Richmond families often prioritize space, community, and excellent schools while staying connected to London. Richmond nannies work comfortably in spacious homes, supporting outdoor activities and education coordination. These placements suit nannies seeking a more relaxed pace while maintaining high professional standards and easy London access.

Our Process

Rigorous Vetting for Peace of Mind

Every nanny in our London network has undergone thorough vetting including DBS clearance, professional qualifications verification, and reference checks. We ensure families can trust their children with complete confidence.

1

DBS & Security Checks

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance, criminal background verification, and safeguarding checks ensure every nanny meets UK legal requirements.

2

Professional Verification

We confirm childcare qualifications, CPR/first aid certifications, and educational credentials. Reference checks with previous London employers verify childcare experience and professional competence.

3

In-Depth Interviews

Personal interviews assess childcare philosophy, communication skills, experience with different age groups, and professional maturity. We evaluate reliability, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

4

Family Matching

We consult deeply with your family to understand values, lifestyle, expectations, and specific needs. We match based on compatibility, ensuring genuine fit across all important dimensions.

UK Childcare Standards

Ofsted Requirements & UK Childcare Regulations

All nannies working in the UK must comply with current childcare regulations and standards. We ensure every placement meets or exceeds these requirements, giving families confidence in their nanny's qualifications and professionalism.

UK Childcare Qualifications

Nannies working in the UK should hold relevant childcare qualifications, typically Level 3 Childcare and Education or equivalent. All must maintain current CPR and first aid certifications, specifically Paediatric First Aid. Many professional nannies hold additional qualifications in child psychology, Montessori education, or special needs support.

We prioritize nannies who demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development, continuing education, and staying current with best practices in child development and safeguarding. Many of our nannies hold advanced qualifications and specialized training beyond minimum requirements.

DBS Clearance & Safeguarding

Enhanced DBS clearance is legally required for nannies working in UK households. This screening ensures nannies have no criminal history or safeguarding concerns. All nannies must adhere to UK child protection legislation and understand current safeguarding best practices.

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certification (current and valid)
  • Safeguarding training and child protection awareness
  • Knowledge of UK childcare regulations and standards
  • Commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries
  • Regular CPR and Paediatric First Aid certification renewal
  • Understanding of child development at different ages

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should a London nanny have?
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Ideal qualifications for a London nanny include formal childcare training (Level 3 Childcare or equivalent), DBS clearance, CPR and first aid certification, several years of professional nanny experience, strong references from previous families, language skills beyond English, and understanding of child development and UK childcare standards. We also value nannies who understand London life, school systems, and can provide wonderful childcare in diverse family settings.
How does Lumière vet nannies in London?
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Our thorough vetting process includes DBS background checks, reference verification from previous employers, qualification and certification review, in-depth personal interviews about communication and childcare approach, experience evaluation with different age groups, fit assessment with London lifestyle, and matching with your family values. We invest time understanding both families and candidates to create lasting placements.
Do you place both live-in and live-out nannies in London?
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Yes, we place both live-in and live-out nannies throughout London. Live-in nannies are ideal for families with demanding schedules, multiple children, or those who travel frequently. Live-out nannies work set hours and return home, providing greater work-life balance. We also offer flexible arrangements, rota nannies who work on alternating schedules, and specialized services like travel nannies and bilingual nannies.
How are nannies matched with London families?
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We have conversations to understand your family's values, lifestyle, and specific childcare needs. We then carefully match candidates based on compatibility, experience with similar family structures, fit with London life, and their professional goals. This thoughtful approach ensures long-term satisfaction and successful placements across all London neighborhoods from Kensington to Richmond.
Why do London families choose Lumière for nanny placement?
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Lumière is trusted by families because we combine rigorous vetting with personalised matching. We understand the unique needs of busy professional families and those with international lifestyles. Every nanny in our network has been thoroughly vetted, DBS-cleared, and reference-checked. We focus on finding not just qualified nannies, but the right fit for your family's values and lifestyle.
What areas of London do you serve?
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We serve all of central London and beyond, including Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Hampstead, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Belgravia, South Kensington, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Our extensive network allows us to find the perfect match regardless of your location within London. We work with families across diverse London neighborhoods, from Westminster to Wandsworth.
What is the typical cost of hiring a nanny in London?
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Nanny costs in London vary based on experience level, qualifications, hours required, and whether you need live-in or live-out care. Experienced, DBS-cleared London nannies typically earn between GBP 35,000-55,000 annually for live-out positions, with live-in positions offering accommodation in addition to salary. We recommend consulting directly with our team to understand pricing for your specific needs.
How does DBS clearance work for nannies in London?
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DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance is a legal requirement for nannies working in the UK. It provides a background check including criminal records and safeguarding information. All nannies in our London placement network must have valid DBS clearance before working with families. We handle verification of all certifications and ensure every nanny meets current UK childcare standards and regulations.
Can Lumière place bilingual or multilingual nannies in London?
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Yes, we specialize in bilingual and multilingual nanny placements throughout London. Many London families value language exposure for their children. We place nannies fluent in French, Russian, German, Spanish, Mandarin and other languages. These placements combine professional childcare with natural language development, ideal for international families or those wanting to raise multilingual children.
What support does Lumière provide after placement?
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Our relationship with families doesn't end at placement. We provide ongoing support, guidance on household management, assistance with any concerns or adjustments, and access to our network resources. We encourage regular communication and are available if you need to discuss the placement, require additional services, or need help navigating any challenges that arise.

Ready to Find Your Ideal London Nanny?

Our team is ready to understand your family's unique needs and connect you with a wonderful nanny who becomes an important part of your London home and children's lives.

Start the Process

Worldwide Service

Global Nanny Placement Services

While Lumière is based on the French Riviera and serves the French Riviera, we place professional nannies throughout the world. Whether you need childcare in London, Paris, Geneva, Dubai, New York, Hong Kong, or any international destination, our global network ensures the perfect match for your family.

London Paris Monaco Geneva Dubai New York Hong Kong Singapore Los Angeles Sydney

Our Promise

Every London nanny is carefully selected, DBS-cleared and reference-checked

Every London family deserves to feel confident in their childcare. Every nanny in our network has been through thorough reference checks, qualification validation, enhanced DBS verification and security screening. We take time to get it right, so you can relax from day one.

From Our Journal

Read Our Childcare Insights Visit Journal → Learn About Lumière About Us → Live-In Nanny Service Learn More →

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Worldwide Presence

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Nanny Geneva

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Nanny Dubai

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Nanny New York

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Nanny Zurich

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Nanny Monaco

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Vetting & compliance

How Lumière nannies are vetted for London families

Every nanny placed with a London family clears the compliance bar that UK private households expect. Lumière handles the paperwork, families brief once and we deliver candidates pre-cleared.

Enhanced DBS check

Every London-bound candidate holds a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance, refreshed at placement or covered by the DBS Update Service.

NNEB · CACHE · Norland

Lumière prioritises career nannies qualified through NNEB, CACHE Level 3 Childcare, or Norland College, the three qualifications London families consistently ask for.

Paediatric first aid

Current Ofsted-compliant paediatric first aid certification (12-hour course), refreshed every three years. Includes CPR for infants and choking response.

Right to Work in the UK

Right-to-Work documentation verified before placement, settled/pre-settled status, Skilled Worker Visa, or British/Irish passport. Lumière supports families through visa sponsorship where required.

PAYE & National Insurance

Lumière works with HMRC-registered nanny payroll providers (Nannytax, Stafftax) so every placement is run as declared PAYE employment with Employer's National Insurance and pension auto-enrolment.

Ofsted registration (where applicable)

For families using Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit, Lumière flags Ofsted-registered candidates on the Voluntary Childcare Register.

Declared employment. All London placements are run under UK PAYE with declared employment. Lumière does not place cash-in-hand or undeclared nannies.

The Lumière difference

Founded by a working career nanny, not a recruiter

"I founded Lumière because the families I worked for kept asking the same question: where do we find another nanny like you? I still take private placements. Every nanny I place is one I would work alongside."

Hanna founded Lumière Placements after years inside private households as a career nanny. She continues to take selected private placements alongside leading the agency, a working-nanny perspective that shapes every shortlist Lumière puts forward. Lumière is the only French Riviera-based boutique placement agency, placing across Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Nice, and worldwide, founded and led by an active working career nanny.

Why families choose Lumière

Based
French Riviera
Founder
Hanna, working career nanny
Approach
Families understood from the inside, the right nanny for the right family
Qualifications
Norland, CACHE, NNEB, Montessori
Vetting
References verified, DBS where applicable
Employment
Declared, full contracts
Reach
17 cities · 3 continents
Specialisms
Live-in, rota, governess, maternity, yacht, travel
Every Lumière nanny completes our Training & Standards Programme, founder-led by a working career nanny, not a corporate recruiter. Over 100 nannies placed, with a free re-match in the first three months.