Postby Running mum » Sun Mar 16, 2014 8:02 pm
Hi, I went through the nanny search and thought I would share my experience with you. Firstly, I am from Australia so like you had to look into websites etc.
My first attempt I advertised on gumtree a very general add and I had over 50 replies. I narrowed them down to applicants who lived close to me and interviewed two. Looking back I was very naive. I let the applicants set the scene and didn't enter formal agreements etc. This meant that a fortnight before my first choice was suppose to start she pulled out as she got onto the university course she wanted - again something I had not checked out was her future plans. I had to quickly go for my second choice who could only commit for 3 months as she was pregnant. It did all work well for the three months,but it gave me the necessary experience I needed in search of my second nanny and learning from my mistakes.
The second time round in my search I advertised on childcare UK website. My add had everything I wanted and needed and was more specific so I would set the scene. I specified that at interview I wanted to see references and that I would contact them, I wanted to see recipe/meal plans etc. I listed all the activities I expected a nanny to do with my children and how I wanted them to communicate with me, hours of work, possible flexibility and contracts. I contacted nanny payee as well who helped me out with pay slips, tax, national insurance etc and contracts and job descriptions. While some people are quite specific about having their nanny ofsted registered I have found this bit of paper to be quite meaningless and only helpful if your work place gives you vouchers.
The replies I had were more professional and I was able to find the perfect nanny. She has been with us a while now and parents from the school and my neighbours have complemented her on what they have seen her doing with our children. We also know that some parents have tried to poach her or tried to get her in a nanny share agreement which means she is great.
Basically be sure you know what you want and list your plans so you set the scene. I was way too laid back in the first round. Check references and speak to previous employers and try and get someone who lives relatively local to you so they know the area, parks, play groups etc. The two websites I used, childcare UK and Nanny payee I do strongly recommend. I have not used agencies so can't comment on that.
Goodluck!
