Where to find an English-speaking nanny in Cascais

By Alma Circle

Updated 2026-10-11

For a regular nanny, begin with a placement agency if you need help defining the role, checking references and replacing a poor fit. For occasional cover, a local platform or babysitting service may be faster.

Use the cards below to choose the route that fits your hours, child’s age and need for English. Confirm language fluency, availability, employment terms and references directly before you commit.

Nanny and childcare options in Cascais

These are distinct ways to start a search: agency-led matching for an ongoing role, local platforms for a direct hire, and short-notice services for occasional care. Availability, fees and individual caregiver credentials should always be confirmed before booking.

How to choose for your family

A strong English-speaking nanny search is less about finding a profile that says “English” and more about agreeing what that means in daily life. If you want English to be the child’s main care language, ask how the nanny uses it during meals, play, outings and handovers—not simply whether they can communicate with you.

For a permanent or substantial weekly role, ask about the agency’s screening, placement terms and replacement process. For a direct hire through a platform, independently call references, verify first-aid training where relevant, and arrange a paid trial while you are at home.

Write down the non-negotiables first: days, hours, start date, location, driving or school-run needs, and whether care is sole charge.
Ask each candidate which languages they use with children, rather than assuming English-speaking means native-level or English-only care.
Speak to two recent references yourself and ask about punctuality, communication, boundaries, sickness and changes to routine.
Use a paid trial to see the handover, play, meals and settling—not just whether your child warms up quickly.
Put the practical agreement in writing: pay, hours, overtime, holidays, illness, duties, notice and who covers an emergency.

The Alma angle

A directory can give you starting points; nearby mothers often provide the local context that makes a decision easier: who is taking new families, which arrangement works around a particular school run, and what questions they wish they had asked first.

Alma membership is €29 per month. Circle interaction happens in the app, and a Circle opens once enough compatible local mothers have secured seats. It is not a nanny agency or a substitute for your own checks.

Should I use an agency or hire directly in Cascais?

Choose an agency when you need a longer-term nanny, want support with matching and screening, or need a clearer route if the placement does not work out. A direct platform can be useful for occasional care or when you are comfortable running your own reference checks, trial and agreement.

How do I check that a nanny’s English is right for my child?

Have part of the interview in English and ask the candidate to describe a normal afternoon, a difficult tantrum and an emergency scenario. Be specific about whether you want English used with the child all day, or simply an English-speaking adult for family communication.

What should I ask references?

Ask when the person worked for the family, the children’s ages, the weekly hours, why the role ended, whether they would rehire them, and how they handled lateness, illness, routines, boundaries and communication. Speak to references by phone or video where possible.

Is a trial shift appropriate before hiring a nanny?

Yes. A paid trial is a practical way to observe the nanny’s interaction with your child and to test the routine you actually need—such as breakfast, a park outing, nap time, school collection or dinner. Agree the pay, length and responsibilities in advance.

What is Alma Circle?

Alma Circle matches mothers locally around area, motherhood stage and practical preferences. Once a compatible Circle has enough secured seats, it opens with a private in-app space for conversation and meetup details.