The Kensington Flat Fee Philosophy

When families compare nanny agencies, they are usually looking at two things: the quality of the service and the structure of the fee.

Both matter.

Hiring a professional nanny is a meaningful investment, and families deserve to understand not only what an agency provides, but also how the agency fee is calculated. A higher fee does not always mean a better process. A lower fee does not always mean better value. What matters is whether the pricing is clear, predictable, and aligned with the family’s goal of making a strong, lasting hire.

At Kensington, we charge a flat placement fee rather than a percentage of the nanny’s annual compensation. This reflects our belief that agency fees should be separate from the nanny’s pay.

A family should be able to offer a strong, competitive position without being penalized by a higher agency fee. If a family needs more hours, wants to offer a higher hourly rate, or chooses to make the role more attractive to stronger candidates, the agency fee should not keep increasing for the same placement service.

Percentage-Based Fees Can Add Up Quickly

Many traditional nanny agencies charge a percentage of the nanny’s annual compensation, often around 15% to 18%.

That means the agency fee rises when:

• The nanny’s hourly rate increases
• The family needs more weekly hours
• Overtime is included
• The family strengthens the offer to attract better candidates

For example, under a percentage-based model:

40 hours per week at $30/hour
Annual nanny compensation: $62,400
15% agency fee: $9,360
18% agency fee: $11,232

40 hours per week at $35/hour
Annual nanny compensation: $72,800
15% agency fee: $10,920
18% agency fee: $13,104

45 hours per week at $35/hour, including overtime
Annual nanny compensation: $86,450
15% agency fee: $12,968
18% agency fee: $15,561

50 hours per week at $35/hour, including overtime
Annual nanny compensation: $100,100
15% agency fee: $15,015
18% agency fee: $18,018

For a family offering $30 to $35 per hour for a 40 to 50 hour schedule, the agency fee alone can move well into five figures under a percentage model.

That increase is not always tied to more service from the agency. It is tied to the nanny’s compensation.

A Stronger Offer Should Benefit the Nanny

Many families are willing to make their position more attractive when it helps them reach stronger candidates.

That may include:

• A higher hourly rate
• Guaranteed hours
• Paid time off
• A more competitive schedule
• A compensation package that reflects the level of responsibility

Those decisions can be smart. They can help attract experienced, professional nannies and improve the likelihood of a long-term match.

But under a percentage-based fee model, every improvement to the nanny’s compensation can also increase the agency fee.

That means part of the family’s added investment goes to the agency instead of going directly toward the role, the nanny, or the long-term success of the household.

With a flat fee, families can direct more of their budget toward the actual position.

Families Should Not Pay More for the Same Placement Service

A flat fee gives families clarity from the beginning.

The agency fee is not recalculated if the family:

• Offers a stronger hourly rate
• Needs more weekly hours
• Includes overtime
• Builds a more competitive compensation package
• Chooses to hire a more experienced nanny

At Kensington, our fee is based on the service plan the family chooses, not on the nanny’s salary.

Our current placement plans are simple. The agency’s work is the placement process: understanding the family’s needs, helping define the role, screening candidates, guiding interviews, supporting compensation discussions, and helping the family move toward a successful hire.

A family should not pay more for the same placement service simply because they choose to offer stronger nanny compensation.

Flat Does Not Mean Basic

A flat fee does not mean families receive less support. It means the fee is not tied to the nanny’s salary.

At Kensington, the service plan determines the level of support and protection provided. Families receive a defined service structure and meaningful protections without the agency fee rising simply because the nanny’s annual compensation is higher.

Our Flat Fee Supports a More Thoughtful Match

Kensington’s flat fee philosophy is connected to how we approach the search itself. We are not simply filling a position or sending resumes.

A nanny placement should be based on the qualities that will define success in the specific role.

Through our developmentally focused interview process, we look beyond resume wording to understand each nanny’s natural abilities, working style, and strengths.

Our proprietary CareStyle™ Model helps us identify whether a nanny is best suited for a fully child-focused developmental role, a balanced role with childcare and light household support, or a role that requires stronger household structure and support.

This allows us to match families and nannies with more intention.

The Day One Work Schedule

Kensington also creates a Day One Work Schedule to help the family and nanny begin with clarity.

This gives the nanny a structured starting point for:

• Daily routines
• Child-related responsibilities
• Developmental activities
• Meals and transitions
• Household expectations
• Communication preferences

Starting with structure helps reduce confusion and gives the nanny a clear understanding of how the family wants the day to flow.

This level of preparation gives families more than a candidate introduction. It gives them a more intentional foundation for the placement.

No Fees on the Nanny Side

Kensington also does not collect placement fees from nannies.

This matters.

Candidates should be evaluated based on:

• Experience
• Professionalism
• References
• Skills
• Fit for the family’s role

They should not be prioritized because they paid to participate in the process.

Nannies should also not feel pressured to accept a position simply because they have invested money in being placed. Families should feel confident that the candidates they meet are being presented because they are genuinely aligned with the role.

Keeping fees off the nanny side helps keep the process cleaner for everyone.

The Match Comes First

The purpose of a nanny placement is not simply to fill a position. The goal is to create a strong, lasting match between the family and the nanny.

That requires:

• Clear expectations
• Fair compensation
• Thoughtful screening
• A realistic understanding of the role
• A structure that keeps everyone focused on the right outcome

Our flat fee philosophy helps protect that process.

Families can compare agency pricing with confidence, understand exactly what they are paying, and offer a stronger, more competitive role without increasing the agency fee.

At Kensington, we believe flat fees are better for families because they are clear, predictable, and aligned with the way professional nanny hiring should work.

→ Schedule a Call to discuss nanny rates in your area.