Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Childcare Partner in Maidenhead
Established in 1992, Smileys Childcare has built a reputation as a trusted leader in childcare recruitment. Our team of experienced consultants specialises in connecting families with highly qualified nannies, nursery staff, and maternity professionals across the UK. We prioritise rigorous candidate vetting, including enhanced DBS checks and reference verification, to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability. With over three decades of industry expertise, we offer tailored support for both families seeking care solutions and childcare professionals pursuing career opportunities.Our services extend to Ofsted registration guidance, first aid training, and payroll assistance, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive service delivery. Recognised in the Good Nanny Guide and accredited by Best Bear, we maintain strong relationships with nurseries and high-profile clients while fostering a culture of transparency and client-centric care.
Services
Nanny Recruitment
Nursery Staff Placement
Maternity Nursing
DBS Checks
First Aid Training
Ofsted Registration
Payroll Services
Temporary Placements
Babysitting Services
Career Support
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of specialist childcare recruitment expertise
- Our team conducts rigorous candidate vetting including enhanced DBS checks
- We provide tailored support for Ofsted registration and first aid training
- We maintain a 98% client satisfaction rate based on 1000+ annual placements
- Our consultants have direct industry experience as nannies and maternity nurses
Associations and certifications
- Best Bear
What people say
Outstanding service
Very helpful and supportive
Fantastic candidates
Knowledgeable consultants
Excellent placements
Services
Nanny Recruitment
We specialise in placing fully vetted nannies with families across the UK. Our rigorous selection process includes enhanced DBS checks, reference verification, and skills assessment. We match candidates to family needs considering experience, qualifications, and personal compatibility. Our service covers daily, live-in, and shared nannies with ongoing support post-placement.
Nursery Staff Placement
We supply qualified nursery professionals to settings nationwide. Our database includes managers, room leaders, and assistants with up-to-date paediatric first aid certifications. We match candidates to nursery requirements considering Ofsted standards and specific childcare philosophies. Our service includes temporary cover and permanent recruitment solutions for all nursery roles.
Maternity Nursing
Our specialist maternity nurses support families during the critical postnatal period. All candidates have proven experience in newborn care, feeding support, and sleep routine establishment. We provide live-in and part-time options with professionals trained in infant first aid. Our service includes night nannies and doula support for comprehensive postnatal assistance.
DBS Checks
We facilitate enhanced DBS checks for all childcare candidates. Our process ensures compliance with current safeguarding regulations and includes verification of identity documents and professional qualifications. We maintain strict confidentiality while providing thorough background screening for nannies, nursery staff, and maternity professionals seeking employment through our agency.
First Aid Training
We offer Ofsted-compliant paediatric first aid courses for childcare professionals. The two-day programme covers emergency scenarios, resuscitation techniques, and accident management for children under eight. Certified by St John Ambulance, our training meets Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and helps professionals maintain up-to-date qualifications essential for childcare roles.
Questions
How do you vet childcare candidates?
We conduct enhanced DBS checks, reference verification, and skills assessments. All candidates undergo face-to-face interviews and provide proof of qualifications.
What areas do you cover?
We operate nationwide with strongest coverage in Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, and London areas. Our database includes childcare professionals across all UK regions.
Can you help with urgent childcare needs?
Yes, we offer emergency nanny placements with vetted candidates available at short notice through our temporary staffing service.
Do you charge registration fees?
No, our registration is completely free for both families and childcare professionals. Fees only apply upon successful placement.
What childcare qualifications do you require?
We require minimum Level 2 NVQ in childcare with higher qualifications preferred. All staff must have paediatric first aid certification and Ofsted registration.
How quickly can you find childcare staff?
85% of placements occur within two weeks. We maintain an active database of pre-vetted professionals ready for immediate interviews.
Reviews (4)
Hannah Mcgill
Nov 26, 2021
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Amazing company with great principles and nothing but helpful staff! The attention and care they put into helping the children and their staff is amazing! Such a rewarding role and a great company that have kickstarted my passion for childcare!
Sarah Bowman
Jun 23, 2021
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Would definitely recommend smileys. Beth has been a massive help with helping me getting back into a childcare career. I've been in retail for 8 years and its taken alot for me to change my career to something I want to do and Beth at smileys has been a big support and a massive help.
if your looking to use smileys to help get your dream job working with children I would definitely recommend these 🙂
if your looking to use smileys to help get your dream job working with children I would definitely recommend these 🙂
Nelly Ali
Nov 30, 2020
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3 years ago someone called Juliet working for Smileys was really nice polite and helpful but, in the Buckingham area/smileys team is awful... extremely rude, not helpful what so ever... waste of time ...
Sam Harrison-Coles
Sep 30, 2020
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I have now used smileys twice to gain employment. Juliet was great supporting me all the way through and communicating even to see if I was ok. 5 star service.
