Interviewing an After-School Nanny: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

Interviewing an After-School Nanny: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

Hiring an after-school nanny is a big step - and often an emotional one.

You’re inviting someone into your home, trusting them with your most precious people, and hoping they’ll fit in like a long-lost (and incredibly reliable) family member.

At Hummingbird Home Staff, a trusted nanny agency in London, we know how important this process is. With over 35 years of experience pairing families with the right childcare professionals, we’ve picked up a thing or two about what makes an interview successful.

So, whether you’re gearing up to meet your first candidate or have a calendar full of interviews, here are the questions you absolutely must ask to ensure you find the right home-based childcare for your family - plus a few that will help you get to the heart of who your nanny really is.

Important Questions to Ask When Interviewing an After-School Nanny

1. What experience do you have with children of this age?

It’s essential that your nanny understands the developmental stage your child is in. After-school time can be hectic: homework needs doing, snacks need preparing, and energy levels can be sky-high or entirely depleted (sometimes both!).

Ask for specific examples - how have they handled the post-school slump before? What kind of games or activities do they like to plan? Asking these questions will help you get a feel for whether or not your potential candidates are the right fit for your family.

2. What’s your approach to discipline?

This one’s crucial. You want your nanny’s approach to align with your parenting style. Whether you lean towards gentle guidance or structured boundaries, your nanny should reinforce your household’s values, so it’s super important to ensure everyone is on the same page!

3. How do you handle homework time?

Some children need a quiet, structured environment. Others need a snack, a run around the garden, and only then will they even look at their maths book. A great after-school nanny knows how to support your child to make sure their homework is complete without doing it for them, and can adapt based on your child’s needs.

4. What would a typical after-school routine look like with you?

You want to get a feel for how your potential nanny would structure your children's time after school, so let the candidate walk you through their ideal plan. You’re looking for someone who’s thought it through - who doesn’t just “wing it” but has a gentle rhythm in mind that includes healthy snacks, playtime, rest, and maybe even help with those never-ending sock piles.

5. Are you comfortable preparing meals or snacks?

No, they don’t need to be a MasterChef finalist, but it helps if your nanny can whip up something balanced and appealing. And let’s be honest - anything that prevents your child from eating crisps for tea is a win!

6. What would you do in an emergency?

Every nanny should have up-to-date first aid training - and if you’re working with a nanny agency in London like Hummingbird, we’ve already made sure of that. Still, it’s important to ask how they’d handle scenarios like a bump on the head or an allergic reaction for your own peace of mind. Calm confidence is key.

7. How do you set boundaries with screen time?

Every parent knows that the screen time argument is the eternal struggle. A good nanny should follow your lead while helping your children learn to enjoy downtime in more creative ways. If their idea of winding down is curling up with a storybook instead of YouTube, you’re on to a winner.

8. How do you stay engaged with children after a long day at school?

After-school nannies need stamina and spark. After all, they’re the bridge between the school day and your return home. Ask how they maintain energy and connection - because enthusiasm at 4:30 p.m. is a special kind of magic.

Bonus Questions (That Say a Lot):

• “What’s your favourite thing about working with children?”
• “Can you tell me about a challenging moment you handled well?”
• “How do you support children’s emotional wellbeing?”

These questions help you understand their values, patience levels, and emotional intelligence - which are arguably the most important traits of all.

Top Tip: Trust Your Gut

Interviewing isn’t just about checking boxes - it’s about connection. Did they smile when talking about children? Did they listen as much as they spoke? Did they feel...right? At Hummingbird, we always say: the right nanny just feels like family. And if you’re ever in doubt, our team is here to guide you through each step.

Need Help Finding the Perfect Fit?

As a specialist nanny agency in London, we’re experts at matching families with warm, reliable, and highly experienced after-school nannies. Whether you need a homework helper, a football partner, or someone who always remembers who likes their carrots cooked and who doesn’t - we’ll help you find the right nanny to take the pressure off.

So, if you’re searching for the perfect after-school nanny to join your family, reach out to us today, and let’s make your nanny search smooth, supported, and seamless.