Weekend Nanny Jobs: Hours, Pay and How to Find Them
Weekend nanny jobs suit people who want steady childcare work without a Monday-to-Friday commitment. Families hire weekend nannies to cover the days their weekday nanny is off, to give working parents a break, or to help with busy family weekends. If you're ready to look now, browse current weekend nanny jobs in London. Read on for what the role involves, the hours, how pay works and how to land one.
What does a weekend nanny do?
A weekend nanny does the same core job as a weekday nanny, just on Saturday and Sunday. That usually means:
- Looking after the children for a full day or a set block of hours
- Preparing meals and snacks and keeping to the family's routines
- Taking children to activities, clubs, parties and outings
- Bath time, bedtime and, in some roles, overnight care
- Keeping the children's rooms, laundry and play areas tidy
- A clear handover to the parents or weekday nanny at the end of the shift
The difference is continuity. You step into routines someone else runs during the week, so good communication with parents and the weekday nanny matters a lot.
Typical hours
Weekend roles vary more than weekday ones. The most common patterns are:
- Full weekend days, live-out. For example, one current Central London role asks for Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 8pm.
- Weekend days added to part-time weekday hours. Some families want after-school cover in the week plus a weekend day or evening.
- Live-in weekend cover. You stay with the family from Friday evening to Monday morning, sometimes on call around the clock. These roles are more common abroad and with families who travel.
- Overnights. Some weekend roles include one or two nights, either sleeping in or on duty with a baby.
Always check whether the hours are fixed or "as needed", and whether you're expected on every weekend or on a rota.
Who hires weekend nannies?
- Families whose weekday nanny works Monday to Friday and who need weekend cover
- Parents who work weekends, such as doctors, pilots and people in hospitality
- Busy households with several children and a packed weekend schedule
- Families with a newborn who want rest at weekends
- Private households that travel and need a nanny to come along for weekends away
How much do weekend nannies earn?
Weekend work is usually paid by the hour or by the day, and it often pays more per hour than equivalent weekday work, because the hours are harder to fill. Always check whether a figure is gross (before tax) or net (after tax). Nannies, including part-time and weekend nannies, are almost always employees paid through PAYE. If you're unsure, use HMRC's Check Employment Status for Tax tool.
Here's what current listings on Jobs in Childcare show:
- A weekend nanny role in Central London (Saturday and Sunday) advertises £28 to £35 gross per hour.
- A part-time nanny/housekeeper role in Parsons Green, which includes a weekend evening, pays £24 per hour.
- An after-school and weekend governess role in Ascot, Berkshire, advertises from £60,000 a year, reflecting the teaching qualification it asks for.
Weekend work usually carries a premium over an equivalent weekday rate.
Pay moves with experience, qualifications, the number of children and whether overnights are included. Live-in weekend cover is often quoted as a day or weekend rate rather than hourly. For full-time pay benchmarks, see our rota nanny salary guide.
Skills and checks families expect
- Checkable references from previous childcare roles, ideally in private households
- An enhanced DBS check, or willingness to get one
- A current paediatric first aid certificate
- Right to work in the UK
- A driving licence, which helps for activity runs and is often preferred outside central London
- Childcare or early years qualifications, which strengthen your application and are essential for governess-style roles
Above all, families want someone reliable. Weekend cover is hard to replace at short notice, so a record of turning up is worth a lot.
Weekend work alongside another job or study
Weekend nanny jobs fit well around other commitments:
- Weekday nannies and nursery staff can earn extra, though watch your total hours and rest.
- Students in childcare, education or nursing get paid, relevant experience.
- Teachers and teaching assistants can pick up weekend roles in term time.
- People changing careers can build private-household references before moving into full-time nannying.
Be upfront with the family about your other commitments, so they know you can cover the weekends they need.
How to find and apply for weekend nanny roles
- Search the right pages. Start with weekend nanny jobs in London, and look at nanny jobs in London for part-time roles that include weekend days.
- Keep your profile current. Say clearly that you're available at weekends, and which days, hours and areas suit you.
- Lead with your checks. Put your DBS, first aid and references near the top of your profile.
- Apply quickly. Weekend roles fill fast, especially in London.
- Ask the right questions about hours, overnights, pay basis (gross or net) and how handovers work.
For a wider look at the London market, read our guide to nanny jobs in London.
FAQ
Do weekend nannies get paid more?
Often, yes. Weekend hours are harder to fill, so hourly rates are frequently higher than for comparable weekday work. Current London listings show weekend rates of up to £35 gross per hour.
Do I need a DBS check for a weekend nanny job?
Most families expect an enhanced DBS check, or ask you to get one before you start, along with paediatric first aid.
Can I be a weekend nanny alongside a full-time job?
Yes, many weekend nannies do. Just make sure you can commit to the weekends the family needs and still get enough rest.
Are weekend nanny jobs live-in or live-out?
Both. Most UK weekend roles are live-out day shifts, while live-in weekend cover from Friday to Monday is more common with travelling families and abroad.
Where can I find weekend nanny jobs near me?
Browse weekend nanny jobs in London on Jobs in Childcare, and check back often, because new roles are added regularly.