This article has been written for the Koru Kids Nanny Service for nannies who are looking for a family to work for.
What’s a trial?
Trials are one-off shifts, paid through Koru Kids. They’ll usually last a couple of hours.
They are optional, but are a great way for both nannies and families to check if it's the right fit before they commit to a contract.
A trial can be a ‘play date’ where you can spend time getting to know the children.
Or some families might like you to do a run through of the typical routine with them.
How do I get paid?
Trials are booked and paid through Koru Kids.
We’ll ask you for your bank details before the trial. You’ll be paid once we’ve confirmed with the family it went ahead.
You don’t need to submit trials as a shift on the app.
Will I be caring for the children by myself?
We recommend to families that they are present during the trial.
This is because we only carry out your DBS check once a family has decided to hire you. This also means you won’t be covered by our Public Liability insurance during a trial.
During the trials, families may leave the room so you can spend time with the children independently (but they’ll still be in the house!).
How can I impress at a trial shift?
Ask the family what they would like to do at the trial before you go. That way you can prepare an activity idea if you’ll be mainly hanging out with the kids, or be ready to ask questions if you’ll be shadowing the family in the routine.
Be sure to arrive bang on time. Show the family you’ve got timekeeping nailed. A trial is also a chance to test out what your journey to work would be like. Plan your route beforehand and leave plenty of time for possible delays.
Engage with the kids. After all, they’re the ones you will be working with! Find out what they like to do and get involved. Families want to see you start to build a relationship with their children.
Answer any questions from the family openly. As you go through the routine, practical questions about anything from cooking to the commute might come up. Just be honest and realistic, so there are no surprises if you were to start working with them.
Ask the family plenty of questions. Ask what their expectations for a nanny are. Learn about the children’s likes and dislikes. Make sure you understand the typical route. This all shows you are making the most of your trial shift.
What should I do after the trial?
The most important thing to do is follow up with a message to the family - whatever your decision.
Let them know if you hope to hear back soon! If you’d like to work for them, send a friendly note letting them know how much you enjoyed meeting them and the children.
Be transparent about other interviews or trials coming up. If you are meeting other families, mention this in your message too. Families will appreciate it.
Tell the family as soon as possible if you don't want to go ahead. Sometimes trials show that the role wouldn’t work for you. It’s the right thing to do to say no after a trial, before committing to a contract. As you’ve spent time with their family, it’s worth spending a couple of minutes writing a thoughtful “no thanks” message explaining why.
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