Business Details
16 Years
experience
Trusted Nanny Services in Hertfordshire
Established in 2010 by Jane Shabani and Claire OConnell, our agency brings over 35 years of combined expertise in childcare recruitment. We specialise in connecting families with thoroughly vetted nannies, maternity nurses, and childcare professionals across Hertfordshire and North London. Our rigorous selection process includes DBS checks, first aid qualifications, and comprehensive reference verification to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism. With a deep understanding of both family needs and nanny expectations, we provide tailored matches supported by ongoing guidance and employment advice.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our long-standing reputation and the positive feedback from families and nannies who praise our empathetic approach and industry knowledge. We pride ourselves on maintaining transparency throughout the placement process while offering competitive fee structures and post-employment support.
Services
Nanny Placement
Maternity Nurses
DBS Check Verification
Employment Contract Support
Payroll Services
Ofsted Registration Guidance
Nanny Insurance Advice
First Aid Certification
Temporary Nanny Roles
Nanny Share Arrangements
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years combined experience in childcare recruitment
- All candidates undergo rigorous DBS checks and reference verification
- We provide ongoing support throughout the employment process
- Our fee structure is transparent and competitive at 3x weekly salary
- We maintain a deep network of qualified childcare professionals
What people say
Thorough checks
Excellent service
Prompt follow-ups
Personalised approach
Long-term support
Services
Nanny Placement
We specialise in connecting families with qualified nannies through rigorous candidate vetting. Our process includes DBS checks, reference verification, and skills assessment to ensure safe, reliable placements. With local expertise across Hertfordshire and North London, we provide tailored matches that consider both family requirements and nanny capabilities while maintaining industry-leading standards.
DBS Check Verification
All candidates undergo enhanced DBS checks conducted within the last two years. We verify criminal records disclosures and maintain update service registrations to ensure ongoing compliance. This critical safeguarding measure forms part of our comprehensive vetting process that gives families complete confidence in their childcare provider's suitability and professional integrity.
Employment Contract Support
We provide comprehensive contract templates and employment advice for nanny placements. Our support covers working hours, salary agreements, holiday entitlements, and termination clauses. With expertise in domestic employment law, we help families establish clear working arrangements while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements including automatic enrolment pensions and tax obligations.
People
Jane Shabani
Co-Founder
With over 17 years' experience in childcare recruitment, Jane co-founded Pumpkins Nanny Agency in 2010. Her expertise spans nanny placement, maternity nurse selection, and industry compliance. She personally oversees candidate vetting processes.
Claire OConnell
Co-Founder
Claire brings 18 years' childcare sector experience to Pumpkins Nanny Agency. As co-founder, she manages client relationships and placement coordination. Her background includes nursery management and nanny training, ensuring deep understanding of both family needs and professional requirements.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We cover all Hertfordshire areas including Hertford, St Albans, and Welwyn Garden City, plus North London locations from Mill Hill to Maida Vale.
How are nannies vetted?
All candidates undergo enhanced DBS checks, first aid certification verification, reference checks, and personal interviews to ensure they meet our strict professional standards.
What fees apply?
Our permanent nanny placement fee is 3 times the gross weekly salary. This covers full vetting, interview coordination, and contract support services.
Do you offer temporary placements?
Yes, we provide temporary nanny arrangements with flexible hourly rates. Our minimum requirement is 6 hours at £18-20 per hour for after-school care.
Can nannies become Ofsted registered?
We support nannies seeking Ofsted registration through the voluntary Childcare Register. This requires DBS checks, first aid training, and skills verification as specified by regulatory guidelines.
Is nanny insurance required?
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend public liability insurance for nannies. We can advise on suitable policies costing £70-90 annually through trusted providers.
Reviews (7)
Laura Martinez
Jan 22, 2022
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They didn't accept my paediatric first aid certificate uptodate because is not 12 hours but my certificate is legally perfect for work with children for the others agencies and even for Ofted registration. As a Nanny it was the worst experience ever . The families should know that sometimes agencies are putting things very difficult for us even if you have more than 7 years childcare experience and are a good nanny .
Zoe Ogden
Dec 24, 2021
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Pumpkins were very supportive during interview stage right through to close of contract. communication has been fantastic. Support with interview stage, checking how things went, any issues, congratulating on success. Throughout My contract, Pumpkins have kept in touch to see how the role is going and if there are any concerns. Pumpkins have also been in touch with My employer to offer the same support. Really pleased with their service and will continue to seek New roles from them in the future as well as recommend the agency to other nannies and families seeking childcare. Thank you Pumpkins
Ben Henderson
Nov 29, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality
Poor standard of work, ignored me multiple times and refuse to get in touch
Poor standard of work, ignored me multiple times and refuse to get in touch
Bonnie Harding
Nov 21, 2021
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I can not recommend Pumpkins Childcare Agency enough, Im constantly referring families looking for a nanny and any Maternity nurses/night nannies like myself looking for work. They look after the ladies registered with them as well as clients, which is not always the case with agencies. Ive been with them many years and find Claire & Jane to be nothing but professional, caring & polite at all times but most importantly get back to you almost immediately with any updates on jobs & interviews any time of day.highly recommend, which is why Im happy to still be with them after so many years
Kelly Hattam
Nov 15, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
My experience with this agency has been incredible. Extremely professional and knowledgeable. Great advice and really care about your needs. They take the time to listen and work with you. I will be recommending!
My experience with this agency has been incredible. Extremely professional and knowledgeable. Great advice and really care about your needs. They take the time to listen and work with you. I will be recommending!
Suzy Williams
Oct 23, 2021
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Having been signed to a number of agencies, Pumpkins is in a league of it's own! Claire and Jane are so on the ball and really take your needs into account and will find you the perfect nanny family! Any concerns and they are right on the end of the phone with their friendly yet highly professional advice. I will be recommending them to all futures nannies I come across!
Elisa Iannelli
Oct 02, 2021
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Jane and Claire were very helpful and quick with helping me find my new job, they are very supportive and always there to give good advise. Thank you both so much 😊
