Nanny Reference Letter: How To Write It Right!

1. Start with a Formal Salutation

Begin the letter with a formal greeting. If you know the name of the person or the organization to which the nanny is applying, it is good practice to address them directly (i.e., “Dear [Recipient’s Name]”). If not, a general salutation like “To whom it may concern” will suffice.

2. Introduction and Relationship

After the salutation, introduce yourself and your professional background briefly, to give an idea of your capacity to evaluate the nanny. Explain your relationship with the nanny and the length of time you have known them. 

This provides the reader with some context and helps them understand the basis of your recommendation.

3. Outline the Nanny’s Role and Responsibilities

In this section, detail the nanny’s duties and responsibilities while working with you. This could range from basic childcare tasks to more advanced duties like tutoring in various subjects or helping with language development.

4. Highlight the Nanny’s Skills and Strengths

This is the meat of your reference letter, where you highlight the nanny’s skills, strengths, and overall performance. Include specific qualities that make the nanny an outstanding caregiver. 

These might include patience, creativity, punctuality, dependability, initiative, or cooking skills.

If possible, give specific examples that illustrate these attributes. For instance, you might write about a time when the nanny went above and beyond to ensure your child’s safety, or an instance where they showed exceptional problem-solving skills.

5. Describe the Nanny’s Relationship with Your Family

The relationship between the nanny and your family, particularly your children, is an essential piece of information for prospective employers. They’ll want to know how well the nanny was able to connect with your children and the kind of rapport they built. 

Discussing the nanny’s communication style, their ability to bond with your children, and their impact on your household can provide a more personal and nuanced perspective on their abilities as a caregiver.

6. Provide an Overall Assessment and Recommendation

The next part of the reference letter should provide your overall impression of the nanny. This should reiterate key points mentioned previously, but it should also provide a general assessment that encompasses their full range of duties. 

Ultimately, you should clearly state that you recommend the nanny for any future employment in their field.

7. Contact Information

At the end of the letter, provide your contact information, including your phone number and email address. This will allow potential employers to reach out to you if they have any further questions or require more detailed information about the nanny’s work performance.

8. Closing Remarks and Signature

Finally, end the letter with a formal closing like “Yours sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and signature. If you’re sending a hard copy of the letter, sign it by hand; if it’s an email, a typed name is sufficient.

Sample Nanny Reference Letter

Here’s an example of a nanny reference letter following the guidelines outlined above:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Nanny’s Name] for the position of nanny. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Profession]. [Nanny’s Name] has been our family’s full-time nanny for the last three years, providing exceptional care for our two children, aged 3 and 7.

During this time, [Nanny’s Name]’s responsibilities included preparing meals for the children, aiding with their schoolwork, organizing creative activities, and handling bedtime routines. They have been punctual, responsible, and organized, and always shown initiative when necessary.

[Nanny’s Name] has an outstanding ability to connect with children. They bonded with both of our children, earning their trust and affection. They’re adept at solving conflicts, managing tantrums, and maintaining an overall positive and uplifting atmosphere in our home.

In addition to being warm and nurturing, [Nanny’s Name] also proved to be an excellent educator. They used their background in early childhood education to aid our children’s learning, keeping them engaged and curious.

In conclusion, [Nanny’s Name] has been a great asset to our family, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to any family seeking a professional, caring, and skilled nanny. I am confident that they will bring the same level of dedication and care to your family as they did to ours.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number].

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]