For families

Trial shifts & probation

Most families want to meet a nanny in their home before committing to a long-term hire. This page explains how trial shifts work on Nannvo, what insurance applies, and what happens after you hire.

Last updated: July 2026. General information only — not legal or insurance advice.
In short: After your shortlist and interview, you can arrange a paid trial shift before signing a contract. Every nanny on Nannvo has already passed our vetting — a trial does not replace DBS/PVG or reference checks. Once you hire, a standard two-week probation applies. See also our employer guide.

1. What is a trial shift?

A trial shift (sometimes called a trial day) is a paid working session in your home so you and your nanny can assess fit before a permanent arrangement. It is not a free informal babysit — it is professional childcare on agreed terms.

Typical trial arrangements:

  • One full day (e.g. 8–10 hours), or
  • Two half-days (e.g. morning and afternoon sessions on separate days)

Longer trials can be agreed with our team if your situation needs it — contact us before booking.

2. When trials happen in the Nannvo journey

  1. You submit a hire request and receive a vetted shortlist (within 48 hours).
  2. You interview shortlisted nannies (video or in person).
  3. You request a trial shift with your preferred candidate.
  4. After a successful trial, you confirm the hire through Nannvo and sign an employment contract.
  5. A two-week probation period begins on the contract start date.

To arrange a trial, reply to your shortlist email or contact us — we coordinate dates with you and the nanny.

3. Payment for trial shifts

Trial shifts are paid at the hourly rate agreed for the placement (based on the nanny's experience tier and location — see pricing).

  • Agree the trial date, hours, and rate with Nannvo before the session.
  • When you confirm a hire through Nannvo, trial payment is handled as part of your payroll setup alongside ongoing wages.
  • There is no separate agency placement fee for trials — you pay for the hours worked at the agreed rate.

If you decide not to hire after a trial, you pay only for the trial hours completed — there is no obligation to continue.

4. Insurance during trial shifts

Insurance is an important consideration. Here is how Nannvo handles it honestly:

  • Nanny public liability (PL): Every nanny on your shortlist has a valid PL certificate verified by Nannvo before introduction. The certificate must still be in date on the trial date.
  • What PL covers: PL is held by the nanny's insurer, not Nannvo. Cover depends on the policy terms — most UK nanny PL policies cover professional childcare duties, but you and the nanny should confirm with the insurer if unsure about trial or pre-contract work.
  • Nannvo's role: We verify certificates; we do not provide insurance and do not guarantee claim outcomes. See our Terms of Service.
  • Employers' liability: If the trial constitutes employment in your circumstances, you may need employers' liability insurance as for any employee. See our employer guide and gov.uk guidance.
Before the trial: Confirm with your home insurer that employers' liability cover applies if required. Ask the nanny to confirm their PL policy covers the trial session. Contact us if anything has changed since vetting (e.g. lapsed insurance).

5. Vetting and safeguarding during trials

A trial shift does not bypass Nannvo vetting. Before any introduction, every nanny has passed:

  • Enhanced DBS (or PVG in Scotland)
  • Identity and right-to-work verification
  • Two professional reference checks
  • Suitability interview
  • Public liability insurance verification

The same safeguarding standards apply during a trial as during employment. Report any concern immediately — see our Safeguarding Policy.

6. Probation period after you hire

Once you sign an employment contract and the nanny starts work, the first two (2) weeks are a standard probation period (as set out in our contract template).

  • During probation, either party may end the arrangement with one week's written notice (unless you agree different terms in your contract).
  • After probation, the notice periods in your signed contract apply.
  • Probation is separate from a pre-hire trial — the trial helps you decide whether to hire; probation applies once employment has started.

7. If the trial is not the right fit

There is no obligation to hire after a trial. If the nanny is not right for your family:

  • Pay for the trial hours completed at the agreed rate.
  • Tell us promptly — we can help you consider other shortlisted candidates or refine your search.
  • Provide constructive feedback where possible; it helps us improve matching.

8. For nannies

Nannies invited to a trial should:

  • Confirm PL insurance is active and covers the session.
  • Arrive on time, follow the family's house rules, and apply safeguarding standards.
  • Raise any concerns about hours, duties, or safety with Nannvo before or after the trial.

9. Questions?

Contact our team at hello@nannvo.com, via contact form, or on WhatsApp.

Hire a Nanny Employer guide