What Exactly is a Nanny? Understanding Their Roles and Types

We know very well how demanding modern family life can be. In today’s fast-paced world, families often require support to balance work, household responsibilities, and child-rearing. That’s where a nanny comes in - offering not only childcare but a nurturing, educational environment tailored to each family’s needs. But what exactly is a nanny, and how can they make a difference in modern family life?

A nanny is a professional caregiver employed to provide personalised, consistent care for children within a household. Unlike other childcare providers, nannies typically work closely with families, establishing routines and offering long-term support that fosters child development and emotional well-being. 

At The Rocket House, we offer a range of nanny services via our easy-to-use app, providing families with high-quality, professional childcare solutions. Whether you need temporary help or long-term care, our services are designed to meet diverse needs with flexibility and reliability. Read further to discover the various nanny types available and how they can make a difference for your family, or hire a nanny directly via The Rocket House app today!


What Does a Nanny Do?

A nanny’s primary role is to take care of children in the family’s home, providing everything from physical care to emotional support. Unlike babysitters or au pairs, nannies are usually more involved in a child's daily routine, including activities like preparing meals, helping with homework, and planning educational games or outings.

The core responsibilities of a nanny go beyond basic supervision. Nannies create a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive. They also work closely with parents to establish routines, maintain a stable atmosphere, and support developmental milestones. In contrast to daycare or nursery staff, nannies provide one-on-one care, focusing solely on the children in their charge, making them an ideal option for families looking for personalised support.


The Different Types of Nannies

At The Rocket House, we understand that every family has different needs, which is why we offer a variety of nanny services. Whether you’re travelling, juggling work and school schedules, or need overnight assistance, our nannies can help. Let’s explore some of the key types of nannies available:

Holiday Nanny

Holiday nannies offer essential support during family vacations, making travelling with children less stressful. They help plan activities, manage routines, and even assist with travel logistics, giving parents the chance to relax. Whether it’s a beach holiday or an overseas trip, a holiday nanny ensures the whole family enjoys the break.

Part-Time Nanny

For families who don’t need full-time care, a part-time nanny offers the perfect balance. A part-time nanny can assist for a few hours a day, on selected days each week. They’re ideal for parents working part-time or those who need extra help with school runs, after-school activities, or homework.

Travel Nanny

If your family travels frequently, a travel nanny could be a game-changer. These nannies are skilled at managing children while on the go, helping with everything from packing and navigating airports to entertaining children during long trips. They offer peace of mind, knowing your children are in capable hands, even when you’re away from home.

After-School Nanny

An after-school nanny is perfect for families with school-aged children who need assistance in the afternoons. These nannies handle school pickups, oversee homework, and help with evening routines, allowing parents to focus on their work or other responsibilities while ensuring their children have a smooth transition from school to home.

Rota Nanny

A rota nanny is perfect for families who need round-the-clock care. These nannies work in shifts, ensuring that someone is always available to take care of the children. This type of service is particularly useful for high-demand households, where parents may work long or irregular hours and need consistent care for their children.

Night-Time Nanny

Parents of infants or young children know how challenging night-time care can be. Night-time nannies specialise in caring for children during the night, helping manage sleep routines and allowing parents to get some much-needed rest. Whether it’s feeding a newborn or soothing a restless toddler, these nannies are invaluable for night-time support.

Maternity Nanny

A maternity nanny provides expert care for newborns, often on a 24-hour basis. From night feeds to sleep training, maternity nannies offer essential support to parents during the early stages of their baby’s life. Whether you need assistance with establishing routines, advice on newborn care, or help with the day-to-day challenges of having a baby, a maternity nanny ensures both you and your newborn are well looked after. Many families request maternity nannies to provide peace of mind and an extra pair of skilled hands during those precious early months.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Nanny

When it comes to childcare, hiring a professional nanny offers numerous benefits. One of the biggest advantages is personalised care; nannies tailor their services to meet the unique needs of your family and children. This level of attention helps build stability for children, allowing them to develop a strong bond with their caregiver, which is crucial for emotional and cognitive development.

Additionally, nannies provide much-needed support for parents. Whether you’re juggling work and family life or simply need time to rest, having a reliable nanny on hand can significantly reduce stress. Unlike nursery or childminder services, a nanny provides continuity and consistency, helping maintain a stable environment for your children.

Why Choose The Rocket House for Nanny Services?

With so many nanny options available, why should you choose The Rocket House? If you are looking for positions under 16h per week, our app makes finding and booking a nanny easier than ever before. Each nanny is thoroughly vetted, ensuring they meet our high standards for quality and professionalism. Whether you need short-term assistance or ongoing support, our platform offers a flexible and convenient way to find the right caregiver for your family.

At The Rocket House, we also understand that every family has unique needs. For any position above 16h per week, we have an expert team who can really get to know your unique family needs and lifestyle to match you with the right nanny.

Our wide range of services ensures that you can find a nanny who fits perfectly into your lifestyle, whether it’s for a holiday, part-time care, or full-time support. The app offers an intuitive booking system, allowing you to schedule care quickly and efficiently, with no hassle and our team at the Agency is always on hand to support you and your family too.

How to Book a Nanny

Booking a nanny through The Rocket House is straightforward and hassle-free. 

Sign Up: Choose a subscription plan that suits you—whether it's free, monthly, or annual. P.S. Our Annual Plan gives you discounted access to our Agency fee, making us the most affordable high-end agency in London!

Nanny request form: Simply contact us via the app within the nanny agency tab by filling out the request form and our helpful team will be in touch regarding next steps to find the perfect nanny for you. 

Bespoke Search: Finding the right nanny goes beyond skills and experience. It’s about aligning with your family’s core values and lifestyle. After carefully understanding your needs, we’ll interview nannies who we believe match your family. We’ll then share a shortlist of candidates and guide you through their profiles. You are encouraged to contact them directly to arrange interviews and discuss any questions. You can also find helpful tips in our ‘Guides’ section.

Complete Peace of Mind: With The Rocket House, you can rest easy knowing that your children are in the hands of fully vetted, highly qualified professionals. And if things don’t work out, we offer a refund on our agency fee or will help you find another nanny within 4 weeks.

Our different subscription packages also allow you to choose between a free App subscription which incurs pay as you go booking fees, or sign up for a monthly or an annual plan with no booking fees, depending on how often you need us.

Heads up! Your annual subscription gives you access to a discounted Agency Fee for any jobs over 16h per week, making us the most affordable high-end London Nanny Agency! Whether you're looking for a long-term arrangement or short-term assistance, we’ve got options to suit every family.  The Rocket House makes finding the right nanny simple, reliable, and flexible, ensuring your children receive the best care possible - reach out to us today, we’re here to help!