Hiring a nanny to care for your child is a decision that demands absolute trust. As private investigators we offer a specialist Nanny Checks Service that provides parents with the reassurance they need when welcoming a caregiver into their home.
Unlike online-only services, our process is conducted by experienced professionals who understand how to uncover red flags.
We don’t rely on automated results we carry out real checks, with investigative rigour and attention to detail.
Nanny Check - Standard Service
- ID checks including name, current and past addresses.
- Verification of employment history. All prior nanny roles and references are contacted.
- Financial Checks including CCJ/IVAs.
- Social Media screening – A full scan of social media profiles and activity for any red flags.
Nanny Check - Premium Service
- ID checks including name, current and past addresses.
- Enhanced DBS Check (individual consent needed).
- Verification of employment history. All prior nanny roles and references are contacted.
- Financial Checks including CCJ/IVAs.
- Social Media screening – A full scan of social media profiles and activity for any red flags.
What Can Go Wrong Without Proper Checks?
Families who skip or outsource basic vetting to unqualified sources often find out too late that:
A nanny’s employment history is falsified, hiding previous dismissals or disciplinary issues.
There are undisclosed criminal records or past allegations that were never followed up.
Financial issues such as bankruptcies, County Court Judgments (CCJs), or fraud cases raise safeguarding concerns.
Their online footprint shows inappropriate content, extremist views, or high-risk behaviour around children.
The individual used false references or forged documents, including fake DBS checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I check a nanny’s criminal record in the UK?
A: To check a nanny’s criminal record in the UK, you need to request a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. An Enhanced DBS check is recommended for anyone working with children, as it reveals both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and whether the person is barred from working with children. As private investigators registered with the ICO, we can work with authorised umbrella bodies to facilitate these checks with the nanny’s consent, ensuring the process is both lawful and thorough.
Q: How do I verify a nanny’s identity and documents?
A: Verifying a nanny’s identity means checking their passport, driving licence, proof of address, and right-to-work documents if applicable. However, fraudulent documents can be hard to spot. We use enhanced ID verification tools and cross-reference with official databases to confirm authenticity and detect inconsistencies, ensuring your nanny is exactly who they claim to be.
Q: Can I check a nanny’s financial history or credit score?
Yes with appropriate consent, you can carry out a soft financial history check to look for signs of financial instability, such as CCJs (County Court Judgments) or a history of bankruptcy. While this doesn’t impact their credit score, it helps identify potential risk factors, especially where a nanny may have unsupervised access to your home and belongings. We conduct discreet financial checks as part of our Premium Nanny Screening package.
Q: How do I verify a nanny’s employment history and references?
A: A proper employment history check involves more than reading a CV. We contact previous employers, verify job roles, and look for gaps in employment, dismissals, or fabricated references. As private investigators, we can verify hidden red flags such as recurring job-hopping, informal arrangements, or unverifiable roles, giving you a clear view of the candidate’s professional integrity.
Q: Should I check a nanny’s social media or online presence?
A: Yes a nanny’s social media presence can reveal valuable insights into their character, behaviour, lifestyle, and values. We conduct discreet social media screening to flag any inappropriate content, concerning associations, or risky behaviours that may not be disclosed in interviews. This step is often overlooked, but it can be one of the most revealing aspects of a full background check.
Q: Is it worth using a private investigator to vet a nanny?
A: Absolutely. While basic DBS checks and references are useful, they don’t tell the full story. A private investigator can dig deeper into a nanny’s identity, history, financial conduct, and online footprint, often uncovering issues that standard checks miss. With children’s safety at stake, professional vetting offers peace of mind that free tools or agency screenings simply can’t provide.
