Last updated: 08.02.2026

1. About SteadySteps

SteadySteps by Daria (“SteadySteps”, “we”, “us”) provides a selective childcare vetting and structured decision-support service for families of neurodivergent children.

These Terms & Conditions apply to:

• Families applying for or engaging in placement services
• Childcare providers (including nannies) applying to join the SteadySteps network

SteadySteps is not:

• A job board
• A marketplace
• An automated matching service
• An employer of nannies

SteadySteps operates as a standards-led placement and structured decision framework designed to reduce the risk of unsuitable childcare placements.

2. Nature of the Service

SteadySteps provides a structured process that may include:

• Application review and suitability assessment
• Structured intake
• Candidate filtering and vetting
• Structured interviews
• Reference checks
• Controlled placement trials
• Application of the SEN Fit Standard

SteadySteps does not guarantee:

• Placement within a fixed timeframe
• A permanent outcome
• A specific number of introductions
• Specific behavioural, developmental, or household outcomes

Suitability and child stability take precedence over speed or availability.

3. Applications and Acceptance

All families and childcare providers must submit an application to be considered.

Submission of an application:

• Does not guarantee acceptance
• Does not create a contractual relationship
• Does not guarantee placement or introduction

SteadySteps reserves the right to:

• Accept or decline any application at its sole discretion
• Pause or discontinue a process where suitability is not met
• Determine whether the service is appropriate for a family or childcare provider

Acceptance into the SteadySteps process occurs only upon explicit written confirmation.

4. The SEN Fit Standard

All placement decisions are guided by the SEN Fit Standard, SteadySteps’ internal decision framework.

The SEN Fit Standard assesses suitability across factors including (but not limited to):

• Routines and structure
• Communication and boundaries
• Emotional regulation
• Adaptability to neurodivergent needs
• Alignment with family expectations
• Professional conduct and reliability

The SEN Fit Standard may be applied:

• Prior to placement
• During any trial period
• When determining whether a placement continues

If the SEN Fit Standard is not met, a placement or introduction may be discontinued.

5. Structured Placement Period and Completion of Service

Where families engage in paid placement services, the process operates within a defined structured placement period of up to eight (8) weeks from intake activation.

Intake activation occurs upon:

• Written confirmation of acceptance, and
• Receipt of payment, and
• Commencement of structured intake or candidate filtering (whichever occurs first).

This structured placement period reflects the time allocated for:

• Structured intake
• Candidate filtering and vetting
• Interviews and introductions
• Controlled placement trial (where applicable)

This timeframe:

• Is not a guarantee of placement
• Is not a delivery deadline
• May vary depending on complexity and market conditions

At the conclusion of the structured placement period, the SteadySteps service shall be deemed fulfilled, regardless of whether a permanent placement has been secured.

SteadySteps’ obligation is to deliver the structured and standards-led placement process within the defined timeframe. It is not an obligation to secure a specific hiring outcome.

Any continuation beyond the defined placement period is at SteadySteps’ sole discretion and may require a new agreement and/or additional fee.

For childcare providers, acceptance into the network does not guarantee introduction within any timeframe.

6. Availability and Market Conditions

Placement outcomes depend on:

• Candidate availability
• Alignment with disclosed needs
• Prevailing market conditions
• Geographic constraints

SteadySteps is not responsible for delays or unsuccessful outcomes arising from:

• Limited candidate availability
• Changes to requirements after intake
• Inaccurate or incomplete disclosure
• Unrealistic expectations regarding speed or flexibility

7. Accurate Disclosure Requirement

Both families and childcare providers must provide honest, accurate, and complete information during application and throughout the process.

Failure to provide accurate disclosure may result in:

• Delays
• Unsuccessful placement
• Removal from the network
• Termination of the process without refund (where applicable)

This requirement exists to protect the child, the family, and the integrity of the service.

8. Placement Trials and Replacements

Where applicable, placements may include a controlled trial period.

If a placement does not meet the SEN Fit Standard:

• The placement may be discontinued
• The process may continue in accordance with the replacement terms of the selected service

Replacement availability:

• Applies only within the timeframe defined in the relevant Placement Agreement
• Is conditional upon full and accurate disclosure
• Does not apply where requirements materially change after intake
• Is subject to market availability

Replacement terms vary by service tier and are defined in the relevant Placement Agreement.

9. Fees, Payments and Consumer Rights (Families)

Fees apply to families engaging in paid services and are communicated prior to activation.

Payment activates the SteadySteps process following written acceptance.

Fees reflect:

• Professional time and expertise
• Structured vetting and decision responsibility
• Application of the SEN Fit Standard

Fees are not based on placement speed or outcome.

Once the service has commenced, fees are generally non-refundable except where required by law.

Where applicable under UK consumer law, families may have statutory cooling-off rights. If a family requests that services begin within the statutory cooling-off period, they acknowledge that the right to cancel may be reduced proportionately once the service has commenced.

Childcare providers do not pay fees to apply or be considered for introduction.

10. Employment and Legal Responsibility

SteadySteps acts as an introduction and structured decision-support service only.

SteadySteps does not:

• Employ nannies
• Enter into employment contracts on behalf of families
• Manage payroll, tax, pensions, or employment compliance

Families are solely responsible for:

• Employment contracts
• Payroll, tax, and legal obligations
• Right-to-work verification
• Day-to-day supervision
• Ongoing management of the nanny

SteadySteps is not responsible for supervision, safeguarding management, or conduct once employment commences. Any safeguarding concerns must be addressed directly through appropriate statutory or legal channels.

Childcare providers remain responsible for compliance with employment law and fulfilling contractual obligations agreed directly with families.

11. Network Participation (Childcare Providers)

Acceptance into the SteadySteps network:

• Does not guarantee placement
• Does not create employment
• May be withdrawn at any time at SteadySteps’ discretion

SteadySteps reserves the right to remove a childcare provider where:

• Professional standards are not upheld
• Safeguarding concerns arise
• The SEN Fit Standard is not met

12. Discretionary Support

In exceptional circumstances, SteadySteps may choose to provide additional support on a case-by-case basis.

Such support:

• Is discretionary
• Does not create entitlement
• Does not alter agreed pricing or terms

13. Limitation of Liability

SteadySteps provides services with reasonable skill, care, and professional judgment.

However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, SteadySteps makes no warranties regarding:

• Compatibility between families and childcare providers
• Longevity of placements
• Behavioural or developmental outcomes
• Uninterrupted availability of candidates

SteadySteps shall not be liable for:

• Indirect or consequential loss
• Employment disputes between families and childcare providers
• Decisions made independently by either party
• Outcomes beyond the scope of the structured vetting process

Nothing in these Terms limits liability where it cannot legally be excluded.

14. Introductions and Non-Circumvention

Families agree not to engage, employ, or contract directly or indirectly with any childcare provider introduced by SteadySteps outside of the agreed service terms without written consent.

Any engagement within twelve (12) months of introduction may be treated as a placement arising from SteadySteps’ introduction and subject to the applicable fee structure.

15. Indemnity

Families agree to indemnify and hold SteadySteps harmless against any claims, liabilities, or losses arising from:

• Employment arrangements entered into directly between families and childcare providers
• Breach of employment law or regulatory obligations
• Inaccurate or misleading information provided during the placement process

16. Confidentiality

Information shared during the placement process, including candidate details and family disclosures, is confidential. Parties agree not to share such information with third parties without consent, except where legally required.

17. Events Beyond Reasonable Control

SteadySteps shall not be liable for delay or failure to perform services due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to illness, regulatory change, market disruption, system failure, or other unforeseen circumstances.

18. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Any complaint must be submitted in writing within fourteen (14) days of the issue arising.

SteadySteps will review and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Parties agree to attempt informal resolution before initiating formal legal proceedings.

19. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

20. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting an application or engaging with SteadySteps, you confirm that you:

• Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions
• Agree to be bound by them
• Accept the structured and standards-led nature of the service