Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: August 2026

Policy statement

Smart Childcare Agency is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure that candidates introduced to families are suitable to work with children.

The Agency operates solely as an introduction agency, introducing families to nannies, junior nannies, nanny housekeepers and au pairs for live-in and live-out roles. We do not employ candidates directly and do not supervise candidates once placed. We are committed to acting responsibly, professionally, and in accordance with UK safeguarding best practice.

Candidate vetting procedures

Before introducing candidates to families, the Agency requires:

• A valid DBS certificate or equivalent criminal background check (overseas candidates provide a check from their country of origin where applicable);
• Proof of identity and proof of right to work in the UK;
• A minimum of two recent, contactable childcare references, which we verify;
• Interview and suitability assessment with our team, including relevant childcare experience;
• Confirmation that the candidate is aged 18 or over at the time of placement.

We provide families with relevant candidate information — full profiles, references and interview notes — to support informed recruitment decisions.

Agency role

The engaging family is responsible for interviewing and selecting their chosen candidate, supervising and managing the placement, and ensuring the safety and welfare of their children.

Reporting safeguarding concerns

Any safeguarding concern relating to a candidate introduced by the Agency should be reported immediately to hello@smartchildcareagency.com. We reserve the right to suspend or remove candidates from our service if safeguarding concerns arise. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with UK safeguarding legislation and best practice.