You’ve made it through the interviews and now the family has asked you to do a trial. First of all, congratulations! Being invited to this stage means they already see potential in you. But for many nannies, especially those new to working in high-net-worth households, the idea of a trial can feel intimidating. What exactly will they expect? How formal will it be? What should you bring? And most importantly, how can you stand out for all the right reasons?
If you’re new to private households, you might find this post helpful: Working for High Net Worth Families
In the world of private families, especially those with fully staffed homes or VIP lifestyles, trial periods are a standard part of the hiring process. They give both you and the family a chance to see if it’s the right fit, not just on paper, but in real life. And while it might feel like a test, it’s also a golden opportunity. I’ve been through many trials myself and each one has been slightly different and over the years I’ve gained valuable insight in to what works well and how to shine.
In this post, I’ll break down how to ace a nanny trial. I’ll be explaining what nanny trials are, why they matter and how you can prepare for them, so you walk in with confidence and leave with a job offer. I’ll also share some resources I usually bring with me to make a great impression and how it can set you apart from the crowd.
It’s Not Just a Test – It’s a Two-Way Fit Check
A nanny trial isn’t just about showing up and keeping the children entertained, it’s a window into how you’ll operate in their unique home environment. Families (and their household managers or PAs) will be quietly observing several key areas to help them decide if you’re the right long-term fit. You never know who will be watching and sometimes, depending upon the role, you may be working alongside your future rota partner, or alongside the local nanny (if you’re being hired as the English speaker). It’s unlikely, but not impossible, to be asked to trial during a family holiday, I’ve done this as an extended trial in one of my rota roles. Travel was a big part of the role and so they wanted to see how I coped with this. If you’d like a glimpse into those roles, read: Inside the World of Private Governess Luxury Travel
What High-Net-Worth Families Are Really Looking for During a Trial
Here’s what they’re paying close attention to:
- Compatibility with the Children and Parenting Styles
- Real-World Skill Assessment
- Interactions with Other Household Staff
- Privacy, Discretion, and Professionalism
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Compatibility with the Children and Parenting Styles
One of the most important aspects is how naturally you connect with the children. Are you warm, engaging, and attuned to their needs? Do you respect their boundaries while encouraging positive behaviour? At the same time, families want to see if your childcare approach aligns with theirs, especially around discipline, routine, and communication. If the parents prefer gentle parenting or Montessori methods, for example, they’ll be watching to see how well you adapt. If you have reached the trial stage there’s a good probability that you already align as you will have answered the questions in the interview. The trial is because they now want to see how you put this into practise and to see whether you do what you say you do.
Real-World Skill Assessment
This is where your experience truly matters. Can you…
- quickly learn the children’s routines
- settle into the family’s day-to-day rhythm
- plan age-appropriate meals that fit their dietary preferences
- handle behaviour challenges with calm, consistent strategies
Families want to see that you’re proactive, organised, and able to take initiative, not just follow instructions. This is particularly important if your role involves a great deal of sole charge.
You certainly won’t be expected to remember everything. Even though families vary considerably, children’s day to day routines tend to follow a similar structure, even if timings vary. Hopefully at the interview stage you discussed routines and weekly schedules so you’ll arrive for a trial prepared. For example, if you know from the interview that the toddler attends swimming classes every Wednesday morning and your trial includes a Wednesday morning, then arrive prepared with suitable swimwear. Or if a preschooler attends Forrest school on a Friday and it’s rained consistently for days, take your wellies!
Age-appropriate meals that fit their dietary preferences
In roles where you are expected to cook, or maybe prepare light snacks, ensure you are fully aware of any allergies or dietary requirements. In all of my high net worth roles there has been either a chef or housekeeper who cooks for the family.
But in my current role, due to a slightly different set up, I also cook at the weekends when I am on shift or when I’m covering in school holidays. As I’m in a rota role, I’ve even cooked a couple of Christmas dinners! I was a little nervous with the first one as I haven’t had to do this before. I’m pleased to say that all went well (even if the kitchen looked like a tornado had swept through it!) If you are required to demonstrate your culinary skills on your trial, I strongly suggest you ensure you keep the kitchen tidy as you go along!
Interactions with Other Household Staff
In fully staffed households, you’ll likely be working alongside other nannies, housekeepers, chefs, drivers and sometimes even security staff. During your trial, the family will notice how well you communicate and collaborate with the wider team.
- Are you respectful and professional?
- Do you understand boundaries and hierarchy?
- Are you someone who fits in?
- Do you work harmoniously within the household dynamic?
Privacy, Discretion, and Professionalism
High-net-worth families often value privacy above all else. During a trial, they’re assessing how you handle sensitive information, respect personal boundaries, and maintain professionalism at all times. Are you discreet about what you see or hear in the home? Do you know when to step in and when to step back? Demonstrating emotional intelligence, good judgment, and polished behaviour can make a lasting impression.
For example, you may be on a trial and the child spots their parent, but they are clearly on the phone taking a business call. Can you think on your feet and keep the child entertained so that they don’t disturb the parent? Or you hear other staff members gossipping about the family, can you respond in a neutral way? You never know if this is a test to see how you would behave.
What To Bring On Your Nanny Trial
When it comes to packing for a nanny trial, less is not more. But being thoughtful is key. You’ll want to arrive prepared but not overloaded. Depending upon how long your trial is and family schedule, you may want to consider the following:
- Essential Documents & Notes
- Practical Items
- Optional (But Impressive!) Extras
Let’s take a closer look at each of these:
Essential Documents & Notes
Even if the trial feels informal, arriving well-prepared shows professionalism and intention. Ensure that you have key documents to hand. Bringing these documents shows you take the opportunity seriously and equips you to answer questions about your experience, qualifications, or references on the spot.
CV & Professional Documents
Print a clean, up-to-date copy of your CV, along with any supporting documents mentioned in your application. This could include:
- Your teaching certificate/childcare qualifications
- Paediatric first aid qualification certificate
- Enhanced DBS certificate (or online reference)
- Nanny insurance documents
You may never need to hand these over, but having them ready makes you look organised and confident.
References
If the family hasn’t contacted your references yet, bring a printed list of professional references with names, roles, and contact information. You can also include written references or testimonials if previous families or employers have provided them. In VIP households, PAs and HR managers may review this after the trial.
Interview Notes & Questions
Carry a small notebook or folder with any key points discussed during your interview. This might include routines, allergy info, favourite activities, or questions you still have. You can also jot down ideas or observations throughout the trial day to reflect on later, especially if you’re doing a longer trial. Don’t rely on memory alone when small details can make a big difference.
Child-Specific Info
If the family has shared anything in advance, for example, the children’s names, ages, schedule, or learning goals, bring a printed or written copy to refer to discreetly. It shows that you’ve taken the time to prepare and think ahead about how you’ll meet the child’s needs.
Emergency Info
Something you may not have considered, is to have your own emergency contacts written down (including your agency or representative, if applicable), especially if you’re travelling to the family’s home or doing an overnight stay. It’s also wise to carry any health info they may have shared about the child, such as asthma, allergies, or medication protocols, even if they have a medical team.
Tip: Keep these documents in a smart, labelled folder so everything is neat and easy to find. Presentation counts. Even your paperwork is part of the first impression.
Practical Items
What you bring on the day matters just as much as how you present yourself. A well-packed bag shows you’re thoughtful, prepared, and ready to handle the variety that comes with nannying in a high-net-worth household. Here’s how to pack smart:
Versatile, Appropriate Clothing Dress codes in private households can vary. Some families maintain a very relaxed approach, while others expect you to present a more polished look, or even wear a uniform! Even when you’re working with children, unless they specify otherwise, aim for a smart-casual outfit as a safe middle ground.
Something else you may not have considered or had prior experience of, is that in some families, it is normal practice to have a complete change of clothes from those you wear outside of the house. Several families I’ve worked for expected me to change into a different set of clothes upon arrival.
Comfortable activewear for playtime or physical activities (especially if you’ll be outdoors or heading to a park or playroom). Activewear comes in many different styles. What may be suitable for the gym is not appropriate for work, even if you spend your entire day in the playroom. Choose a looser pair of joggers or trousers over skin-tight lycra gym wear, and opt for a practical, loose-fitting t-shirt rather than a low-cut vest.
Smart-casual outfit for arrival and introductions. Think clean, neutral tones, tidy hair, and no flashy logos. For trials, I have always gone for smart casual trousers that I can comfortably sit on the floor in and a nice shirt or smart jumper with a casual blazer. Nothing too corporate nor too casual either.
Swimwear– If water-based activities were mentioned in the interview (e.g., swimming lessons or beach visits) choose something modest and practical. This also includes cultural appropriate swimwear.
Weather-appropriate outerwear. UK weather is particularly unpredictable. Bring wellies, raincoat, sun hat, gloves (depending on the season and activities). Prepare thoroughly so you’re never caught out.
Comfortable Footwear You’ll likely be on your feet all day, walking, playing, tidying or supervising, so choose shoes that are both supportive and presentable. Avoid loud flip-flops or high heels and instead, think trainers, ballet flats, or ankle boots depending on the setting.
Optional (But Impressive!) Extras
You don’t have to bring extras to succeed in a trial, but a little preparation can go a long way. Thoughtful, age-appropriate activities or a folder of your own resources can help you stand out in a subtle, but professional way. These small touches show initiative, creativity, and a genuine interest in engaging with the child and they can make a lasting impression on both the child and the parents.
If you discussed activities or learning goals prior to the trial, bring resources to show initiative and enthusiasm. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and ability to plan ahead.
In one of my roles, I was being interviewed to work with a pre-schooler, who loved the movie Frozen. I went along to my trial armed with a huge cardboard box and some paints and together we built and painted the castle from the movie. The little girl loved it and so did her parents. Despite her poor English skills, she was trying to communicate with me throughout the whole trial and her parents could see how relaxed she was with me. I got the job and enjoyed a very happy two years with her. This type of creative engagement draws on the kind of teaching skills I talk more about in Top 10 Transferable Skills Teachers Bring to Governess Roles
If you’re new to private childcare with high-net-worth families, here are some resource ideas you might bring along:
- A few age-appropriate books (perhaps themed to the child’s interests)
- Flashcards for phonics, numbers, or sight words
- Stickers or reward charts if you’re trialling over several days
- A small craft activity (that you can easily clean up)
One of my go to craft activities is dot marker painting. I’ve taken these along to trials as the dot marker paints are easy to use and the less messy than other types of paint. One child I worked with loved transport and so I made my own pages for him to paint. It was a great way to develop his fine motor skills, colour recognition and colour mixing too. Even just having a “go-to” story or song for transitions can help break the ice and settle the child.
Extras That Show Initiative
While not essential, these little additions can set you apart:
- A folder with printed activity ideas or your weekly nanny planner template
- A calm-down kit if the child has SEN needs (e.g., sensory toys or fidget tools)
- A small bag of open-ended toys (like Duplo, puppets, or magnetic tiles) if appropriate
Important: Always check in advance if the family prefers you to use the materials they provide. Some high-profile homes require you to get approval before bringing in outside items
Bringing thoughtful extras isn’t about overdoing it, it’s about showing that you’ve taken the time to plan with the child in mind. Now that you’ve packed your bag and prepared your resources, let’s talk about how to carry yourself during the trial to leave a lasting, professional impression.
How to Behave During a Trial
Even if the atmosphere feels relaxed, always err on the side of professionalism. Think of the trial as part childcare, part audition. The family (and possibly other staff) will be observing your every move, not to catch you out, but to see how naturally you fit into their world.
Here are some ways to make a great impression:
- Be punctual and presentable
Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early, but not too early as that puts pressure on the family. This also gives you a bit of time to compose yourself. Dress neatly, choosing clothes that are practical, tidy, and in line with the family’s household culture. In more formal homes, avoid overly casual attire like leggings or hoodies. - Be proactive but not pushy
It’s great to show initiative, helping a child put on their shoes, tidying up a play area etc, but always read the room. Check before taking over responsibilities, and respect any existing routines or staff hierarchies. Being helpful without overstepping is a delicate but important balance. - Stay off your phone
Unless you’re using it for something relevant (like showing a story or playing music at the parent’s request), it’s best to keep your phone out of sight. Families may misinterpret even a quick glance at your phone to check the time as distraction, it’s better to wear a watch. In some of my roles, the family expected all staff to keep their personal phones in their bags. They gave me a dedicated ‘nanny’ phone to use while on duty. - Ask smart, relevant questions
Don’t pepper them with questions constantly, but do ask thoughtful ones that show you’ve been paying attention. For example: “Would you prefer I encourage the children to tidy independently, or do you usually help them with that?” - Be warm but keep it professional
Let your personality shine through, but don’t overshare. Avoid venting about former employers, sharing personal problems, or discussing salary unless the family raises it. Keep the focus on the children and how you can support their development and wellbeing. - Show emotional intelligence
If a child has a meltdown, or a moment doesn’t go to plan, stay calm. How you handle these “real” moments can actually impress the family more than perfect ones. Stay patient, positive, and child-focused.
You’ve navigated the trial, given it your all and hopefully built a warm rapport with the children and household. But your work isn’t quite finished yet. What you do next can be just as important as what you did on the day.
What to Do After the Trial
Once your trial ends, the follow-up is just as important as the time you spent in the home.
A short, sincere thank-you message can leave a lasting impression and help you stand out among other candidates. This is not about pushing for the job, it’s about reinforcing your interest and professionalism.
Here’s what to include:
- Express Gratitude
Thank the family for the opportunity and for welcoming you into their home. Mention something specific you enjoyed, perhaps a sweet moment with the children or a part of the routine you found interesting. - Reiterate Your Interest
Let them know you’d love the chance to work with their family long term, and that the trial helped you understand their expectations more clearly. - Keep It Short and Genuine
A couple of well-crafted sentences are more powerful than a long, overly formal letter.
Following up shows that you’re thoughtful, reliable, and emotionally invested which are three qualities families value highly in a professional nanny or governess.
A nanny trial isn’t just a formality, it’s your chance to showcase your skills, personality, and professionalism in action. You will be a little nervous and you might be the type of person who finds the whole interview and trial process a little stressful, but, with the right preparation, mindset, and follow-up, you can leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from other candidates. Whether it’s your first trial or your fifth, if you approach it with confidence and care, you might just be one day away from landing your dream role.
