At My Jolie Place, we take great care in selecting the best applicants for our families. All of our applicants come highly recommended through word of mouth, referrals from past clients, other applicants, and carefully placed job advertisements. Each applicant is personally interviewed by our team, thoroughly reference-checked, and we verify all documentation, including proof of right to work, identification, and relevant qualifications. We pride ourselves on offering trusted, high-quality applicants you can rely on.

We do not carry out DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks as standard. However, many of our Nannies and Housekeepers already have an up-to-date DBS check. If required, we recommend that clients use independent companies to run a DBS check for added peace of mind. We are happy to provide guidance on how to arrange a DBS check if needed.

We charge a one-off placement fee equal to five times the applicant's agreed weekly salary. This fee is payable once the applicant has accepted your offer and before their start date. After the applicant begins working, we offer a four-week trial period to ensure the placement is the right fit for your family.

We offer a four-week trial or rebate period. If the applicant’s employment ends within the first four weeks of starting, we give you the choice between a free replacement or a partial refund — unlike many agencies who offer only a replacement. If you choose a refund, we simply charge £180 per week (or £40 per day) for the time the applicant has worked, and refund the remainder of the original placement fee. We also encourage clients to check in with their applicant before the four-week deadline to make sure both sides are happy and committed to continuing.

Yes, we encourage all of our clients to trial applicants before making a formal offer. As an agency, we do not charge for the first day of a trial. If you would like to extend the trial, we charge £40 per day or £180 per week, treating it as a temporary booking. Most clients choose to trial a applicant for between one day and one week before confirming a hire.

A gross salary is the total amount agreed before any deductions, including income tax, National Insurance contributions, and pension payments if applicable. It is the full amount you, as the employer, commit to paying. A net salary is the amount the employee takes home after all deductions have been made. Most Nanny payroll providers can easily calculate the correct deductions and help you manage your responsibilities as an employer.

Yes, we always recommend providing a written contract to your Nanny or Housekeeper. A contract protects both you and your employee by clearly setting out the terms of the role and expectations on both sides. We are happy to supply a blank contract template to help you, and most Nanny payroll companies also offer contract templates free of charge as part of their service.

When interviewing a Nanny or Housekeeper, it’s important to ask questions that help you understand their experience, skills, and how well they will fit into your home. Some key questions include: • Can you tell me about your previous roles and the ages of the children you cared for (or size of households you worked in)? • What duties did you typically handle day-to-day? • How would you describe your approach to discipline and setting routines (for Nannies)? • Are you comfortable with housekeeping tasks such as laundry, ironing, cooking, and deep cleaning? • How do you handle emergencies or challenging situations? • Are you happy to work alongside parents at home (if applicable)? • Are you flexible with working hours, occasional babysitting, or travel (if required)? • What are you looking for in your next role? • Can you provide references from previous employers? We also recommend discussing practical matters such as salary expectations, notice periods, holiday arrangements, and any special requirements (such as pets, travel, or live-in duties) during the interview. At My Jolie Place, we are happy to guide you with suggested questions and offer interview tips tailored to your specific family and role needs.