Hello, first time posting here as I'm looking for some advice as we're thinking about switching to a live in nanny.
Currently, our almost 3yo is a private nursery part time. I also have a 9mo and back at work in a few months, so considering switching to a live in nanny due to the extortionate cost of nursery for 2 as well as the stress of having to do drop off/pick up on my own. My OH's hours don't offer any flexibility for him to help with this. My job is high pressured with long hours, so I don't want to start each working day already stressed from having to get two ready for nursery and then be at my desk logged-in by 8:30am. So we're thinking of a live in nanny as a live-out nanny would be too much of a financial strain. We need to keep my oldest in nursery at least 1 day a week to keep our place in case she doesn't get into a state school nursery next Sep (heavily oversubscribed where we are) so we have that cost as well. My OH freelances in the arts industry (so not well paid anyway), work is unpredictable and he never knows when he's going to hit a quiet patch (with no pay). OH would if he had to but doesn't really want to be a SAHD.
So a live-in nanny seems the best compromise. We live in a nice part of London (not central but easy access to central London) with lots of English language schools nearby. She'd have her own double room with wi-fi and share a large, family bathroom with the kids. We'd be on the floor above so she'd have a sense of increased privacy. The proposed hours would be Mon-Thur 7:30am - 6pm (42 hrs a week) although in reality I'd be back by 5:30pm everyday (I then work again once the kids are in bed). I just don't want to say 5:30pm and then be late because of delays on the tube/train. I will also WFH once a week and OH would also be at home to help on days he doesn't have work.
I have some questions that I'm hoping parents/nannies would be able to help me out with:
- What would be a reasonable rate of pay say for someone with less experience?
- Would it be normal to offer a subsidy towards travel even if everything here that she would need to do with the kids is within walking distance?
- In practice, do you think it would be hard to find "career" nannies wanting a live-in position?
- What's the difference b/w a live-in nanny and AP? We need someone Spanish speaking so I think the days we are offering would attract someone wanting to attend English school in the evenings and on their day off?
- Would you use an AP for a 12 month old or are they usually for older children? (Sorry, very new to the whole nanny/AP thing....)
- Finally, how far in advance do i need to start looking?
Thank you for making it this far!
Any advice/tips/insights gratefully received :-)