Reference Letter for Nanny — Free Template for Parents
Parents interviewing a nanny almost always call past families, and a written reference makes that conversation easier. This version is written by a parent and covers the children's ages, the schedule, daily duties and the specific moments that made you trust your nanny with your kids.
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[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Reference for [Name of the person you're giving a reference for]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to provide a reference for [Name of the person you're giving a reference for] in support of an application for a nanny position. [How you know them, and for how long]
I can confirm the following: [Facts you can confirm]
[Their character and work habits]
I recommend [Name of the person you're giving a reference for] [How strongly you recommend them]. If you have any questions or would like to verify this reference, please contact me at [Your email and phone number].
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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What parents want to read
Give the children's ages during the nanny's time with you, the hours and days worked, and the core duties. Parents use these details to judge whether the nanny's experience matches their own family's needs.
Then describe how the nanny actually handled your children: discipline style, communication with you, activities, safety, and how the kids felt about them. A short story about an illness, injury or tough phase is often the most persuasive part of the letter.
Be ready for a phone call
Most families will want to talk to you even after reading the letter. Include a phone number you answer and be prepared to discuss reliability, honesty, driving, and why the arrangement ended.
If the job ended because your children started school or you moved, say so in the letter, since new families often wonder why a good nanny is looking for work.
What to do, step by step
Check what you're allowed to say
If you're writing as an employer, check your company's reference policy first. Some organizations only let managers confirm job title and dates, or route all references through human resources.
Gather the facts
Confirm dates, job title, duties or tenancy details from your records. Ask the person what they're applying for and who should receive the letter.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Keep the facts accurate and the praise specific — a reference is more convincing when every statement can be checked.
Sign it and include contact details
Sign the letter and list a phone number or email you'll answer. Many employers and landlords call to confirm a reference before making a decision.
Send it or hand it over
Email it as a PDF to the recipient or give a signed copy to the person you're vouching for. Keep a copy for your records.
What if you can't give a positive reference?
You don't have to write a reference for anyone. If your experience with the person was mixed, it's usually best to decline politely rather than write a letter that damns with faint praise or includes statements you can't stand behind.
If you're an employer and the person asks for a reference anyway, you can offer a neutral employment confirmation that states only their job title and dates of employment. Many companies use this approach for every former employee.
Whatever you write, keep it truthful and factual. Exaggerating someone's record can mislead the next employer or landlord, and making negative claims you can't support can create problems for you.
Example reference letter for nanny
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Rachel Goldman
rachel.goldman@example.com, (555) 726-0193
October 5, 2026
Re: Reference for Sofia Ramirez
Dear Family,
I am writing to provide a reference for Sofia Ramirez in support of an application for a nanny position. Sofia was our full-time nanny for three years, from September 2023 to August 2026, caring for our two children from ages one and four.
I can confirm the following: Sofia worked Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. She handled school drop-off and pickup, prepared meals, managed nap schedules, planned daily activities and outings, and did the children's laundry. She was punctual every day and gave us plenty of notice for any time off.
Sofia is warm, patient and completely reliable. She helped our son through potty training and our daughter through a hard adjustment to kindergarten, and she sent us short updates and photos every day. When our son had an allergic reaction at the park, she stayed calm, used his medication exactly as we had shown her and called us right away.
I recommend Sofia Ramirez without hesitation. If you have any questions or would like to verify this reference, please contact me at rachel.goldman@example.com, (555) 726-0193.
Sincerely,
Rachel Goldman
Frequently asked questions
How should I address a nanny reference letter?
If your nanny is sending it to a specific family, address it to them by name. If they'll share it with several families or a placement agency, "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Family" works well and lets them reuse it.
Should I mention driving or swimming supervision?
Yes, if it applies. Many families need a nanny who drives children safely, supervises water play or handles allergies and medication. Mentioning those specific responsibilities, when you trusted your nanny with them, is very helpful to the next family.
Is a babysitter reference different from a nanny reference?
The structure is the same, but a nanny reference usually covers a regular, longer-term arrangement with more responsibility, while a babysitter reference may describe occasional evenings. Be accurate about how often and how long the person cared for your children.
Should I mention what we paid our nanny?
It is usually better to leave pay out of a reference letter. Pay is a private matter between you and your nanny, and the next family will negotiate their own rate. Focus the letter on experience, reliability and how your children were cared for.
What should a reference letter include?
Who you are, how you know the person and for how long, the facts you can confirm firsthand such as their role, dates or rent history, a few specific qualities with an example, and your contact details. Keep it to one page and sign it so the recipient knows it really came from you.
Is a reference letter the same as a letter of recommendation?
They overlap and the terms are often used interchangeably. A reference letter tends to be shorter and more factual, confirming someone's history and character, while a letter of recommendation usually argues why the person is right for one specific opportunity, such as a scholarship or graduate program.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.