Happy Nest’s London Fixed Fee Promise
A clearer, fairer way to hire your nanny
Fixed Fee, No Surprises
Start your search today with our clear, fixed placement fee. No 10% of salary, no hidden extras — just careful matching, proper vetting and steady support.
Why families choose a fixed fee over 10%
Hiring a nanny should be straightforward. Yet many agencies charge a percentage of your nanny’s annual salary. The higher the salary, the more you pay the agency — even though the work to find and vet a great nanny is much the same.
The Family Problem
- Percentage-based fees (often 10%) rise with salary, not with service.
- Families can feel penalised for paying fairly, especially in London where salaries are higher.
- Budgeting becomes guesswork when the agency fee keeps climbing with every salary discussion.
Our Family Solution
- Fixed placement fee with Happy Nest: simple, transparent, and fair.
- London placements: £2,495 fixed fee
- Outside London: £1,995 fixed fee
- Initial booking fee: £195 (deducted from the final fee)
- Included as standard
- Expert search and shortlisting
- Thorough vetting and compliance checks (Enhanced DBS, Paediatric First Aid, references, right to work, and more)
- Bespoke contract support
- 12‑month HMRC‑approved payroll setup for your nanny
- Ongoing aftercare during the settling-in period
The fee reflects the work we do, not the wage you agree with your nanny.
The Family Benefits
- True transparency: You always know the agency fee up front.
- Better budgeting: Agree a salary that suits your family and your nanny without worrying about agency percentages.
- Pay for service, not salary: Our incentives are aligned with yours — find the right person, not the highest fee.
- Traditional standards, modern efficiency: A parent‑run team with over 12 years in practice, blending care, discretion, and proper process.
Fixed Fee vs 10%: a clear comparison
| Example Nanny Salary | Typical 10% Agency Fee | Happy Nest Fixed Fee (London) | You Save in London | Happy Nest Fixed Fee (Outside London) | You Save Outside London |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £36,000 | £3,600 | £2,495 | £1,105 | £1,995 | £1,605 |
| £42,000 | £4,200 | £2,495 | £1,705 | £1,995 | £2,205 |
| £50,000 | £5,000 | £2,495 | £2,505 | £1,995 | £3,005 |
| £55,000 | £5,500 | £2,495 | £3,005 | £1,995 | £3,505 |
Outside London the fixed fee is £1,995, which increases the saving further. Figures are illustrative.
What our fixed fee includes (no surprises)
- Discovery and brief: We listen carefully and define the role together.
- Targeted search: Proactive outreach to our established community and wider network.
- Compliance first: Enhanced DBS, Paediatric First Aid, right to work, employment history, and verified references.
- Profile packs: Clear, comparable candidate profiles to make shortlisting easy.
- Interviews and trials: Arranged with guidance on structure and feedback.
- Contract support: Bespoke Statement of Particulars tailored to your family.
- Payroll setup: 12‑month HMRC‑approved payroll for your nanny included.
- Aftercare: We check in after start to ensure a smooth settling period.
Who we place
- Full‑time and part‑time nannies
- Maternity nannies and night nannies
- Nanny‑housekeepers
- SEN‑experienced nannies
We recruit across London and throughout England from our regional offices.
Local knowledge, same fixed fee
London
From Kensington and Chelsea to Hampstead, Richmond, Clapham, Wimbledon and Stoke Newington, we match families with professional nannies who understand London life and logistics — all on the same transparent fixed fee.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ever charge a percentage of salary?
No. We believe a fixed fee is fairest for families and nannies alike.
What if the salary changes during negotiation?
Your agency fee stays exactly the same — fixed and transparent.
What does the £195 booking fee cover?
It initiates your search and is deducted from the final placement fee when you hire through us.
Do you offer replacement cover?
Yes, we act quickly if something is not right in the early stages. We will outline the specific terms in your proposal so everything is clear.
Can you help with Ofsted registration and contracts?
Yes. We support with paperwork, contracts, and guidance if Ofsted registration is required for your nanny.
Do you place self‑employed nannies?
Most nannies are employees. Where self‑employment is appropriate we will advise and ensure the arrangement is compliant.
A traditional service with modern care
Parent‑run, established for over 12 years, and trusted by families across England. We take pride in the old‑fashioned virtues — listening well, checking carefully, keeping our word — and we pair them with modern systems that make the process smooth.
Speak with Happy Nest today
- Call: 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
- Email: hello@happy-nest.co.uk
- Or send a quick enquiry and we will call you back.
Next step: Share your brief. We will confirm the fixed fee in writing and start your search.
With Happy Nest you set a fair salary, and the fee stays fair too.