Why After School Nannies Are the Perfect Fit for Your Family

Why After School Nannies Are the Perfect Fit for Your Family

At Hummingbird, we've seen a growing number of families reaching out for flexible childcare options, especially before and after school nannies.

Many parents are finding that traditional childcare, like after-school clubs or childminders, just doesn't offer the flexibility they need. If you're stuck at work or running late, these setups can add stress instead of easing it.

That's where after school nannies come in. They provide that crucial wraparound care, whether it’s school pick-ups, babysitting until you get home, or managing the kids’ evening routine.

Parents also love the freedom a nanny brings. Want your child to attend swimming lessons or brownies? Hoping to finally say “yes” when they ask to have a friend over? With a nanny, it’s all possible.

The result? Total peace of mind, knowing your kids are cared for, happy, and safe in their own home.

Why employ a nanny before & after school?

Parents who employ a before and after school nanny typically require some support in the mornings, and in the afternoons / evenings.

Providing wrap around care around standard school or nursery hours, with extra hours in the school holidays if needed. Benefits are the flexibility it offers, and appointing somebody who understands your families ethics can directly support your children in their development.

Another key factor is the cost saving, particularly when there is more than one child.

What is the nanny’s typical duties?

An afterschool nanny can be incredibly valuable.

They step in to ensure your children are cared for and supported during the busy parts of the day.

This often includes helping with the school run, preparing meals, supervising homework, and offering a calm, reassuring presence in the home. Many nannies also provide light babysitting in the evenings, giving parents that all-important peace of mind.

Typical duties can include:

• Take and collect children from school or nursery,
• Escorting the children to their after school activities,
• Ensuring the children have a nutritious evening meal,
• Help with homework and reading,
• Bathing and preparing for bedtime.

How much should I pay a before and after-school nanny?

The cost of hiring a before and after-school nanny can vary depending on where you live in the UK, the nanny’s experience, and the level of responsibility involved. However, as a general guide, the typical hourly rate for part-time nanny support is between £12 and £15 per hour.

In areas with a higher cost of living, rates may be at the upper end of that range or even slightly higher. It’s also worth noting that nannies with additional qualifications, such as paediatric first aid certification or extensive experience in school child care, may command a higher hourly rate.

When budgeting to hire a nanny, be sure to factor in additional costs such as employer National Insurance contributions, holiday pay, and potential overtime—especially if you’ll need flexible hours or additional support during school holidays.

At Hummingbird, we can guide you through the entire process, helping you set a fair rate that reflects your nanny’s skills while staying compliant with UK employment law.

Can I ask the nanny to work more during school holidays?

Yes, absolutely. If your nanny is available, many families choose to increase their nanny’s hours during school holidays to provide consistent care while the children are at home. This is especially helpful for working parents who need reliable cover during half terms, summer holidays, or inset days.

Some families also choose to hire a nanny with additional skills or flexibility, someone who can offer light housekeeping alongside childcare duties. This might include help with laundry, tidying up, or even walking the family dog. For many mums, having a nanny who can support both the children and the smooth running of the home brings huge peace of mind.

Whether you need a nanny with years of childcare experience or you're open to new nannies who bring fresh energy and enthusiasm, we’ll help you find someone who fits your lifestyle and routine.

School holidays can be tricky, but the right nanny makes it all that much easier.

If the nanny works more during school holidays, how is the salary calculated?

The salary can be done two ways, either average the salary out across the year (the nanny receives the same amount each month). alternatively you can pay the nanny each month according to the exact hours worked.

Ready to Hire an After School Nanny?

At Hummingbird, we provide a trusted nanny recruitment service that helps parents hire a nanny in the most professional and compliant way possible. Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time support, our team is here to make the process simple and stress-free.

Every nanny we work with is fully vetted. This includes an enhanced DBS check, verified references, and up-to-date first aid training. You can rest assured knowing your children are in safe and capable hands.

We take care of the entire process for you. From understanding your family's unique needs to introducing you to a carefully selected shortlist of experienced nannies, we make it easy to find the right match. Whether you need consistent school child care or flexible part-time help, we can help you find someone who fits seamlessly into your routine.

If you're ready to hire a nanny who offers reliability, flexibility and peace of mind, Hummingbird is here to help, get in touch with us here.