Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our childcare and elderly care services in London. We're here to help you make informed decisions for your family.

All our staff hold DBS-checked credentials and relevant certifications. Our nannies typically have CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or equivalent qualifications. Many also hold paediatric first aid certificates renewed every three years.

Caregivers working with elderly clients have NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care, with specific training in dementia care, medication management, and mobility assistance. We verify all qualifications before placement and require ongoing professional development. Each candidate undergoes rigorous interviews and practical assessments to ensure they meet our standards.

We start with a detailed consultation to understand your specific requirements, including schedule, care preferences, dietary needs, and any special considerations. For families with children, we discuss parenting styles, activities, and educational priorities. For elderly care, we assess medical needs, mobility levels, and personality compatibility.

Our team then reviews our database of available professionals, considering experience, skills, and personality traits. We present 2-3 carefully selected candidates with complete profiles. You can conduct interviews at your convenience, and we arrange trial periods to ensure the match works well before finalising the arrangement.

Our rates vary based on the type of service, hours required, and specific qualifications needed. Live-in nannies in London typically range from £450-£650 per week, while live-out nannies charge £12-£18 per hour depending on experience and responsibilities.

Elderly care services start from £15 per hour for companionship and basic assistance, with specialised dementia or nursing care ranging from £18-£25 per hour. We offer flexible payment arrangements including weekly, fortnightly, or monthly billing. There's a one-time placement fee covering background checks, interviews, and matching services. We accept bank transfers and provide detailed invoices for all services.

Yes, we provide both temporary and emergency care services across London. For planned temporary needs such as school holidays, business trips, or parental leave, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability and proper matching.

For urgent situations, we maintain a roster of experienced professionals available on short notice. While we strive to accommodate same-day requests, availability depends on current schedules and location. Emergency bookings may incur additional fees. We offer temporary contracts from single days to several months, with the same quality standards as our permanent placements. Many families use temporary services to trial our staff before committing to longer arrangements.

We include a two-week trial period for all new placements. During this time, either party can end the arrangement without penalty if it's not working out. We encourage open communication and will address any concerns immediately.

If issues arise, we first attempt to resolve them through mediation and additional training. If a replacement is needed, we'll prioritise finding a new match at no additional placement fee within the first three months. Our goal is your complete satisfaction, and we maintain regular check-ins during the initial weeks to ensure everything runs smoothly. We've successfully placed hundreds of families, and most relationships continue for years.

All our nannies and caregivers carry public liability insurance covering up to £5 million. This protects both families and staff in case of accidents or property damage during working hours. We also maintain employer's liability insurance as required by UK law.

For families employing staff directly through us, we provide guidance on necessary insurance policies and legal requirements. Our caregivers working with elderly clients have additional professional indemnity insurance covering medical care activities. We recommend families also review their home insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage. All insurance documentation is available for review before placement begins.

Our primary service area covers all London boroughs, where we have the largest network of qualified professionals. However, we do arrange placements in surrounding areas including Surrey, Hertfordshire, Essex, and Kent for families willing to cover additional travel expenses.

For locations outside Greater London, we typically recommend live-in arrangements to make logistics more practical. We assess each request individually based on distance, transport links, and staff availability. Some of our experienced nannies and caregivers are willing to relocate for the right long-term position. If you're located outside our usual area, contact us to discuss possibilities and any additional arrangements needed.

Nannies handle all aspects of childcare including feeding, bathing, educational activities, school runs, and light housework related to children such as laundry and meal preparation. Many also help with homework, organise playdates, and manage children's schedules. Duties are clearly defined in the employment contract.

Caregivers for elderly clients assist with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting), medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, and mobility support. Some provide specialised dementia care or post-operative assistance. We do not provide medical procedures requiring nursing qualifications unless the caregiver holds appropriate credentials. Each role is tailored to individual needs and clearly outlined before placement.

For standard placements, we typically need 7-14 days to complete the matching process, conduct interviews, and arrange trial periods. This timeframe allows us to find the best possible match rather than simply the fastest available option.

Urgent requests can sometimes be accommodated within 48-72 hours if we have suitable candidates immediately available, though this depends on your specific requirements and location. Complex cases requiring specialised skills or live-in arrangements may take three weeks or longer. We recommend contacting us as soon as you anticipate needing care services. Early booking gives us more time to find the perfect match and ensures availability during busy periods like school holidays.

About Tolohe

Tolohe provides nanny and carer services across London, connecting families with qualified professionals who understand the importance of reliable care.

Professional care services in London

Our Foundation

Tolohe was established in 2018 by Sarah Mitchell, a former paediatric nurse who recognised the challenge London families faced in finding trustworthy childcare and elderly care. Starting with a team of 5 caregivers in Lewisham, we now work with over 80 professionals serving families throughout Greater London.

The company grew from direct feedback from parents and families who needed more than just a placement service. They wanted carers with verified qualifications, enhanced DBS checks, and genuine experience in childcare or elderly support.

Experienced nannies and carers team

What We Do

We match families with nannies holding Level 3 childcare qualifications and carers trained in elderly support, including dementia care. Each professional undergoes background verification and reference checks before joining our network.

Our service covers daily childcare, after-school support, live-in arrangements, and elderly companionship. We work with families in Chelsea, Greenwich, Bromley, and surrounding areas.

80+

Qualified Professionals

6 Years

Serving London Families

Our Approach

We focus on matching the right person to each family's specific needs. This means understanding work schedules, care requirements, and household routines before making recommendations.

Families receive profiles of 3-4 suitable candidates with detailed experience summaries. Trial periods allow both parties to confirm compatibility before long-term arrangements begin.

Core Principles

  • Verification: Enhanced DBS checks and qualification confirmation for every professional
  • Transparency: Clear pricing with no hidden placement fees
  • Support: Ongoing contact with families and carers to address concerns
  • Flexibility: Options for part-time, full-time, and temporary arrangements