More Than a Job: How to Build a Life in London as a Nanny
More Than a Job: How to Build a Life in London as a Nanny
London is a magical city, full of excitement, especially for our international nannies relocating from other parts of the world. There’s so much to see and do, and with Europe on the doorstep, the possibilities feel endless. But it can also be overwhelming, and settling in takes time.
At Kindred, we know it takes more than just a great job to feel settled. A strong start at work helps, but creating a full life means feeling supported as a person, not just a professional. This guide shares our best nanny-to-nanny practical and emotional advice for feeling at home in London.
Finding Your Feet: Nanny Life and Routine
Whether you've lived in London for years or just arrived, settling into a new routine takes time. Many of our nannies reach out before they move or while travelling, hoping to secure a role in advance. Some families prefer to meet in person before deciding. Every family is different, and settling into a new role can take a few weeks to a couple of months.
Be patient with yourself. You’re adjusting to a new role, schedule, and household rhythms, and the family is adjusting to you too. Even with prior experience, every family dynamic is unique. Take time to observe and ask thoughtful questions. Don’t assume everything will work like your last job. Clarify expectations early, it builds trust and avoids misunderstandings.
Boundaries matter: What’s fine in one home might not be in another. Check things like screen time, snack rules, and how tidy children’s areas should be. Keep a short daily log of naps, meals, moods, or activities. It’s simple, helpful, and shows you’re on top of things.
When it comes to behaviour, follow the family’s lead. Consistency is key, especially in the early days. If something feels off, stay calm and raise it gently. Ask which rules are non-negotiable, it’s much easier to be proactive than reactive.
Your First Week Checklist:
Ask for a walk-through of the house rules or family routine
Jot down daily routines and questions to review
Be calm, kind and prepared - everyone’s nervous at the start (including the kids!)
Have a fun activity ready for day one in case of tears
Making Friends in a New City
Friendships are a huge part of feeling at home. At Kindred, we get that. Everyone in our office has worked as a nanny, and we know that settling into a job is only part of the picture.
Where to find your people
We host Kindred community meet-ups every couple of months. These are a great way to meet other nannies and feel connected. There’s always someone from our team present, so you can finally put a face to the name on the phone.
We also have three lovely ambassadors who are current nannies themselves and are brilliant at welcoming newcomers and creating community. Our WhatsApp and Facebook groups are where you’ll find updates, events, and even casual coffee meet-ups. Many of our nannies have met their closest London friends this way.
Local hot-spots for connection
If you work full-time with little ones, daytime activities are great for both the kids and your social life. Try rhyme time at the library, stay-and-play groups, or sensory classes. Children’s centres offer low-cost sessions, and parks like Battersea, Victoria, and Clissold are known nanny hubs during the week. These activities help little ones develop, and help you expand your nanny network too.
Navigating London Like a Local
London can be a lot, but with the right tools, it gets easier fast.
Must-have apps:
Citymapper: The holy grail for navigating London. It tells you the fastest route using tubes, buses, trains, or walking, and keeps you updated on delays or cancellations in real time.
Trainline: Ideal for booking trains to places outside of London. You can also buy and manage railcards (16-25 years & 25-30 years), which give you a third off most train fares.
WISE: Great for international nannies converting their money. Lower fees and better exchange rates than high street banks. You can open a multi-currency account, get a UK bank account number and sort code, and use the WISE card like a debit card.
Supermarket loyalty cards: Tesco Clubcard, Nectar (Sainsbury’s), and Lidl Plus help you earn points and save money on groceries.
Ready to hire the right nanny for your family?
We believe there’s a perfect match for every family if you ask the right questions. We pride ourselves on offering a matching service truly tailored to our nannies and families.
Helpful essentials:
Register with a GP (local doctor) once you’ve got a UK address. Search on the NHS website to find your nearest surgery.
Use an Oyster card or contactless payment on public transport. Prices are usually similar, but Oyster is essential for any discounted children’s travel cards.
Switch your driver’s licence: If you plan to stay longer than 12 months and want to drive, you’ll need to exchange your international driver’s licence for a UK one. The DVLA website has a simple guide, make sure to do this within your first year in the UK.
National Insurance (NI): Register for a National Insurance (NI) number if you haven’t already. You’ll need this for tax and employment. Your Kindred consultant can help guide you through the process if unsure.
Affordable fun on your days off:
Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays)
Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill for views and picnics
Free museums: Natural History Museum, V&A, Museum of London Docklands
Explore South Bank or around Notting Hill
Sign up for TimeOut’s free newsletter for pop-ups and events
Feeling at Home
Settling into your new neighbourhood
Lots of people are in the same boat, new to London and looking to connect. The best way to feel at home is to get out and explore. Walk your area, find your local cafe, supermarket, or weekend market. Joining an exercise class is also a great way to meet new people, and apps like Classpass give you access to gyms and studios across the city. Want to meet new people? Try MeetUp, Bumble BFF, or join community Facebook groups like Lonely Girls Guide and Gals who Rent. It may feel awkward at first, but it’s often how lasting friendships begin.
If you’re a live-in nanny, talk with the family early about house rules around guests, kitchen use, and quiet time. It’s also okay to protect your personal space, downtime matters. Use a diary or family message book to avoid late-night knocks or forgotten updates. These small boundaries make a big difference to how at home you feel.
Culture Shock & Confidence
Things that might surprise you
Let’s be honest, no matter how well travelled or adaptable you are, London can be a bit of a culture shock. The fast pace, the weather, the British sense of humour, it’s all part of the package! One of the main things that can surprise newcomers is the weather, it’s no joke. It can go from sunny to pouring in minutes, always carry an umbrella and a jacket. You might be surprised by how fast-paced everyone is (don’t stand on the left of the tube), but then equally how much they love a slow queue? British humour can be dry, and phrases like “You alright?” can be confusing at first (or several years later).
Confidence tips in the early days
Being far from home, navigating a new job, and adjusting to a new culture is a lot. Give yourself grace. Nobody expects perfection in the first week (or even the first month). Celebrate the small wins, your first solo commute, a smooth bedtime routine, or a casual chat with another nanny. Confidence builds slowly, and it does build! Remember to not compare your start to someone else’s middle.
Our Kindred Touch: Support Beyond the Role
How Kindred supports nannies
We don’t just place nannies, we support them. At Kindred, we believe that how a nanny feels is just as important as what they do. Our consultants check in with new nannies after the first week, the first month, and beyond. Our goal is for you to feel confident, seen, and never alone in this journey.
Recognition and connection
Our ambassadors are active in the WhatsApp group chats and help host our regular meet-ups. We’re always just a message away, whether you need practical advice, reassurance, or someone to remind you you’re doing a great job. We also believe in celebrating the unseen work you do,from giveaways to our upcoming Nanny of the Year campaign, we love finding ways to say thank you.
Your Kindred Induction Week Guide is packed with tips just like these, from communication tools to settling into your home and role. Keep it handy in your first few weeks, and if someone feels unclear, we’re just a message away. Because this isn’t just about having a job. It’s about building a life you’re proud of, and we’re here to help you do exactly that.
About Kindred Nannies
The team at Kindred Nannies has over 20 years of experience helping families find a nanny in the UK and abroad. We have assisted hundreds of nannies to find a rewarding nanny job caring for children of all ages throughout London and the surrounding areas.
