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Now I have to find a new one to start on 2nd Jan. What timeing! This is going to be very difficult I fear.
And the new visas, on jeez, someone remind where to begin with that bearocratic mountain. Maybe I'll have to go with an EU candidate. So much for English as a first language. Bugger.
And everyone please come give me loads of sympathy.
Okay, must calm myself and go reactive ads on the usual nanny hunting sites.
Yeah, no kidding. She was our last nanny. (next one will be an au pair). Bugger. But oh well, that's how it goes. Just have to get on with finding her replacement.
can you find an Aussie with an ancestral visa? When I needed to find a jan start nanny with only 3 weeks to do it this worked for me. I know you have a strong aversion to agencies but this might be one of the occasions when it's worth it.
The girl I found might be the sort you look for - she wasn't a qualified nanny (so not outrageously expensive) but had various child related experience (she ran children's dance classes etc). She was also boundlessly enthusiastic which more than made up for her lack of experience. if you're interested I can try and find the agency name we got her through although it was 6 years ago so they may have changed.
Thanks, Mrs Wobble. But an agency fee is out of the question.
An aussie is an interesting idea. But I worry the a London winter might be a terrible shock to her. My job invovlves getting on a bus to do the school run. So I usually look for cold weather countries.
I've not had a glance at greataupair.com and there seems actually to be a fairly good supply of candidates on the market.
You are right that I am prepared to swap experience for the right personality and reduced pay.
Hey AN, I feel your pain - if you remember, a year ago my nanny resigned on 6 December, leaving me two weeks of effective search time. Are you looking for an AP to replace her now, or a nanny for a while longer?
For me, it's mostly down to the hours. She needs to start at 6:30 and clocks of at 7:00. She also does two nights bsitting (if she wants to). And that is way too many hours for an au pair.
Generally speaking, au pairs also do more house work and less childcare than nannies. You would also expect a nanny to show knowing how to look after children and an au pair might need a lot of training.
I don't think two au pairs would really work out for a few reasons: 1. The au pair / nanny room has one single bed and one sofa (which I wouldn't care to sleep on night after night). 2. One of them needs to have some real childcare experience as my two can sometimes try the patience of a sain, especially the 5 year old. 3. I am buying only one membership to the gym for this bosition. Ditto for the bus pass. 4. I can barely get the likes and dislikes of three adults in to my fridge. I dred to think of stocking it for a fourth. 5. DH says house is too crowded as it is.
So, I think the two au pairs is out... maybe when we drop to an au pair I might consider it. That's only a year away so worh keeping in mind. But I think this time I need one live in nanny.
athene sorry- that is crap news. DO you know... I've only twigged from this thread (because you put your email) that your user name is noctua not nocturna! I was obviously thinking of owls coming out at night etc
sorry for your loss AtheneNoctua. Will keep an eye out for anyone looking for a job in your area. At least Canadians can apply to come to the UK under the new Tier5 rules, but not sure you want your new nanny to be the guinea-pig trying out the new immigration system. So on this occasion you may need to look closer to home.
Oh AN, NOOOOO! "Twas always my nightmare in nanny days to come home to a resignation. Thankfully only happened once! Fingers crossed for a good outcome.
You are exactly right Nannynick. I am looking to the EU because I don't want to be the first to embark on the new visa rules. Although I am secretly wanting anice Japanese nanny who could make me fab sushi and and yummy low fat noodle soups. Ah.... my mouth is watering as I type. Maybe when I'm ready for my first au pair in a year and they have worked out this visa process.
One thing I know about this new visa is that the employer has to sponser them, and I'm not sure I'm willing to take on the responsibility.
Anyway... all eyes on EU candidates fnd full speed ahead on the nanny recruit.
She was going to go home because she felt she needed to be there for some family "issues" (and out of respect for her that is all I will say on what the issues are). But, she talked wo her grandparents who said the situations wasn't that and there wasn't a need for her to rush home.
But, I learned one interesting tid bit. When nanny was a child these same grandparents won the lottery and bought each of their five kids a house. How cool is that?!
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