clueless - how do I go about finding a nanny?

[poppy34]

right I'm not going back to work for a whle (ie in the spring)but want to start thinking about getting nanny sorted

• what are drawbacks (aside from fees)/beneftis of using an agency v. finding yourself?
• are there any standard contracts?
• how long should I allow for run in period before I go to work?

-what is usual deal with notice?
-anything else you want to tell a complete novice (esp things you wish you'd known)

-how long roughly does it take to find a nanny?

The only thing I know is that as I get vouchers from work need to ahve accredited nanny (and will use pay roll company) and there is paperwork involved here - again is this a nightmare?

sorry so many questions but I really do appreciate those who have been there/done it..am now getting quite nervous about it all

[Ebb]

An agency will be able to provide a contract or if you go your own route nannyjob has a sample contract you can adapt to suit. Even if you go via an agency always check references yourself.

Most nannies have to give 4 weeks notice so you need to factor that in your search. I think it pays to start looking 2 -3 months in advance. I would suggest a months probation period and maybe do a weeks handover but guess it depends on your children.

It'd be worth posting on the childminders/nannies board as there are lots of very helpful people there and my brain seems to have gone to mush since having Ds!

Good luck!

[Martha200]

Agree with Ebb.
I used to be a nanny but never went the agency route because I felt in general the type of families agencies often attracted were not the type I wanted to work for e.g thought a nanny was there to cook for parents everyday as well as the children!

I found my jobs through the job centre!

My employers always took a sample contract and adapted it, I even had some input because one family had missed out the idea of basic holiday pay

[poppy34]

thanks thats helpful - and she/he defo won't be there to cook for anyone except herself and dd (nor clean)... will look into nannyjob etc as its a good point that may be restricting myself on applicants (I guess you get a certain kind of nanny too)