Nanny Screening in Amsterdam — Why a Background Check Is Essential

Why you should never welcome a nanny into your home on trust alone

You are about to hand someone your house keys, access to your bank card for groceries and — most importantly — the daily care of your children. Hiring a nanny or childminder is not an ordinary staffing decision. It is a trust decision with direct consequences for the safety of your family. That is why you deserve more than a good feeling after an introductory meeting.

Amsterdam is a city with a vast international supply of private childcare. Expat families seek English-speaking nannies, Dutch parents find childminders through word-of-mouth, and online platforms offer hundreds of candidates at the click of a button. That large supply brings risks. Diplomas from abroad are difficult to verify, references can be staged, and a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) only covers the criminal record within the Netherlands — it says nothing about behaviour in other countries or recent situations that never reached the justice system. The Dutch Childcare Act sets requirements for registered childcare, but for private nannies and childminders there are virtually no mandatory screening mechanisms.

What does a professional nanny screening involve?

A thorough background check goes far beyond calling the references a candidate provides. At SAJ Recherche, we examine multiple aspects of your candidate’s background as part of a nanny screening:

• Identity verification — checking identity documents for authenticity, including foreign passports and residence permits
• Diploma verification — confirming stated qualifications with educational institutions, including internationally
• Employment history — verifying that stated positions actually took place, including periods and roles
• Reference checks — independent verification of references, establishing that the referee genuinely is the former employer rather than a friend playing the part
• Social media and open sources — analysis of public online activity for signals relevant to the safety of your children
• Criminal background — investigation into any prior offences, to the extent legally permitted under the GDPR and the Wpbr framework

All findings are compiled into a clear, structured report that you receive before making a final decision.

How SAJ Recherche conducts the investigation

SAJ Recherche is a licensed investigation agency operating under the Dutch Private Security and Investigation Services Act (Wpbr). This means our work meets strict quality standards and is subject to police oversight. All investigations are conducted in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

We combine digital research with traditional investigative methods. This means we do not simply consult databases and open sources — we also make telephone and written contact with relevant parties, including former employers, educational institutions and, where necessary, authorities abroad. The candidate is informed about the investigation, ensuring the process remains transparent. Our findings are shared exclusively with you as the client. Discretion is not an afterthought but a core value.

Practical example from Amsterdam

A young family in Amsterdam-Zuid had found an English-speaking nanny through an online platform. The introductory meetings went superbly and the references sounded positive. Nevertheless, the parents decided to commission a nanny screening before the nanny would be left alone with the children. The investigation revealed that two of the three stated references could not be traced to existing families. The work experience the candidate claimed with a family in London could not be confirmed. With this information in hand, the parents were able to make an informed decision and continue their search with a candidate whose background was fully verifiable.

Prevent doubt — choose certainty

Screening a nanny is not a sign of distrust; it is responsible parenting. You take out insurance without hoping for damage. A professional background check gives you the facts you need to entrust your children to someone else with genuine peace of mind.

Want to know whether your nanny or childminder is who they claim to be? Get in touch with SAJ Recherche for a confidential consultation.