Babysitting lodger

11 posts
Tulip2018
Posts: 13
Joined: Aug 2018
Options:
Share this post on:

Babysitting lodger

Postby Tulip2018 » Wed Nov 06, 2019 7:19 pm

Hello,

We are looking for a lodger who would be able to help with two hours a day of house work a day (hanging up washing, helping with dishwasher and helping at the bath time rush). In addition we’d like a bit of babysitting. All this can be factored into the rent (we wouldn’t charge that much).

Does such a thing exist? It’s not an Au Pair position but I don’t really know what to classify it as? I can imagine it could work really well for the right person to wanting to have a room in London at a very low rate.

Interested to know peoples opinion and if anyone is interested in this?

Based in Wandsworth.

Thank you.
Last edited by Tulip2018 on Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:59 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Post Reply
muddyboots
Posts: 312
Joined: Aug 2015
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby muddyboots » Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:27 pm

Might just be me, but the idea to invite a complete stranger to live in your home and then let this person babysit your children as quite a bad one....
Unless you find a nanny who is looking for a place to live...
I hope you find a lovely trustworthy person, but how can you be sure??
Post Reply
nannyandchild
Posts: 84
Joined: May 2016
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby nannyandchild » Thu Nov 07, 2019 1:26 pm

Hello,

 I would try the local colleges or universities. You just never know, there could be a person just waiting for something like this to come up.

If you do find somebody suitable, I run a nanny agency called, Nanny and child.  We offer a screening service which may put your mind at rest in terms of their background.

http://nannyandchild.co.uk/screening-services/  do take a look, and if I can help in anyway please don't hesitate to contact me.

Goodluck with your search!

Carly Hudson
 
Post Reply
Greens
Posts: 6
Joined: Feb 2019
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby Greens » Thu Nov 07, 2019 5:24 pm

How many hrs. on average are you looking for?

2hrs per day housework = how many days per week ? = £8-12ph = ____________

additional bit of babysitting = is this weekly/monthly ? = £8-12ph = ____________

Then you require a top up for the person to pay you as  '' a room in London at a very low rate '' = _________

On average a room in family home or shared accommodation in London cost £60-100/pw without out any chores or babysitting commitments. Plus I agree with
muddyboots and nannyandchild, anyone coming into your home and even more importantly with your children should have local, checkable references and DBS. 

So I am not clear on your post ?

Many thanks in advance, if you can expand on what you expect/need from the lodger ? 
 

 
Post Reply
suzannenoble
Posts: 2
Joined: Oct 2019
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby suzannenoble » Mon Nov 11, 2019 6:06 am

I run a site called silversharers of older homeowners seeking lodgers if that’s of interest. There may be someone older interested in such a position for a low rent.
Suzanne
Post Reply
http://www.ayrtonbespoke.com/
https://nappyvalleynet.com/wellbeing-guide
https://theluxurytravelboutique.com/offers/
https://maroconstruction.co.uk/
https://www.jesseshouse.co.uk/
https://edwardjameslondon.com
https://www.hurlinghamdevelopments.co.uk/
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/womens-enterprise-day-and-awards-2024-tickets-797829438327?aff=oddtdtcreator
https://www.edwardjameslondon.com/
https://paintthetowngreen.biz
https://www.thecrooshhub.com/
https://visitclaphamjunction.com/
https://www.thesmartclinics.co.uk/
Hannah102
Posts: 20
Joined: Nov 2012
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby Hannah102 » Mon Nov 11, 2019 6:39 am

I used this arrangement for a number of years and it was hugely successful. I was really successful in advertising on Spare Room. I had overseas uni students usually but had one lovely English girl. It is a win win as they want very low rent and you need help. The average room in London is well over £100 so anyone who can save substantially on that is grateful. You have to do things on trust and be fair about the exchange. I think we only charged a max of £100 a month or with some cases made no charge depending on how much help we needed.
Good luck. Make sure you interview twice and have them meet the children. If it doesn’t feel like it is working act fast to get rid of them. I have done Skype interviews successfully too. Get references and speak to them as well
Post Reply
hjm
Posts: 441
Joined: Apr 2010
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby hjm » Mon Nov 11, 2019 8:32 am

We have a very similar arrangement with a lovely girl who is a local teacher. I don’t require any help around the house, just babysitting and she also does tutoring with my daughter to prepare her for the 11+. I don’t charge her any money as the tutoring is worth a lot. It has worked brilliantly for us as I always have a trustworthy babysitter on hand and my children adore her. I found her via an advert on a local Facebook page. Obviously I vetted her very carefully before going ahead.
Post Reply
Janet14
Posts: 134
Joined: Sep 2014
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby Janet14 » Mon Nov 11, 2019 8:51 am

Hi
That’s exactly what our au pair does so interested to know why you wouldn’t classify it as an au pair position?
Post Reply
Tulip2018
Posts: 13
Joined: Aug 2018
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby Tulip2018 » Tue Nov 12, 2019 7:39 pm

Thank you everyone. That is super helpful. Noted Re DBS etc.

I wouldn’t class it as an Au Pair because I don’t need heaps of help with the children. It’s just about one hour of house work a day or a tiny bit more and being on hand for a little evening babysitting. I think an Au Pair would want more interaction with the children would she not? Also due to our set up downstairs (small living area where my husband works at night) I couldn’t offer to welcome the person into the family space in the evenings and join for meals etc which I why I think we need more of a “lodger” who can of course use the kitchen but we wouldn’t feel we are “hosting”.

Really appreciate your feedback.
Post Reply
https://theluxurytravelboutique.com/offers/
https://www.edwardjameslondon.com/
https://nappyvalleynet.com/wellbeing-guide
https://maroconstruction.co.uk/
https://www.thesmartclinics.co.uk/
Janet14
Posts: 134
Joined: Sep 2014
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby Janet14 » Tue Nov 12, 2019 8:31 pm

It sounds like there are lots of solutions which is great but just so you know our au pairs eat with the children and then very much keep to themselves in the evenings so very similar to what you are describing. They do pick up the kids after school and cook their tea though!
Post Reply
Greens
Posts: 6
Joined: Feb 2019
Options:
Share this post on:

Re: Babysitting lodger

Postby Greens » Tue Nov 12, 2019 9:00 pm

The idea of a teacher or even a classroom assistant sounds good as already DBS checked.

You could also try the Lambeth College: https://www.lambethcollege.ac.uk/courses/early-years

Clapham Centre
45 Clapham Common South SIde
London
SW4 9BL

They have courses for early years, so you may find a student who would appreciate a low rate room and who enjoys being around children. 
Not sure if there is a news letter or even a notice board in the college where you could post. Maybe give them a call. 
Post Reply

Start a conversation
To create a new post and start a new conversation, please click on the button.