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Original poster

how to find a nanny?

33 replies

CCH181 · 13/02/2011 17:03

I've been searching for months and have yet to find the perfect nanny! Help! Where do I go next? I've been on nannyjob.co.uk and childcare.co.uk as well as gumtree.co.uk. I've seen dozens of CVs, but only a few that have actually been of any interest. I'd like to advoid the agencies if possible (trying to avoid the fee as I've already paid a big fee for my maternity nurse!!). Any suggestions on websites or other places to try? We're in SW London. Thanks!

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SlightlyTubbyHali · 13/02/2011 19:09

For each Gumtree ad I have placed I've had a couple of hundred responses. Of those, 120 can go straight in the bin because of lack of appropriate experience/sending me a waffley email with no cv. Another 40 can go in the bin because of immigration issues or other problems, another 20 will go in the bin because they sound like loons.

The remaining 10-20 I review carefully and "rank" in terms of what I am looking for, so things like Ofsted registration, having jobs for more than a year at a time, having experience of children of both my dcs ages, living near me, driving. Then I speak to maybe the top 5 by phone and of those 3 (max) will be invited to interview. Odds are one of those will not turn up or will turn out to be a flake and I'll have 2 to choose from.

RamonaFlowers · 13/02/2011 18:53

That's really interesting re gumtree. When I advertised I just got a hundred CV's from nannies who in no way answered the job description. In fact, many of the CV's so gave me the heebie jeebies that I just couldn't imagine finding a legit nanny off that site.

I must have been unlucky.

Karoleann · 13/02/2011 18:08

I've found both my excellent nannies through gumtree - my last search (although 3 years ago) and had 5 candidates that were great.
They have a featured ad section now which is a bit more expensive - but your ad is at the top for a week so you'll get more views.
Most nannies love just looking after one easy 6 month old!
Can I suggest you sell yourself a bit too - put in paid holiday, salary negotiable, NI and tax paid.

euracantha · 13/02/2011 18:00

As a nanny I have to say that when I `m first looking for a job I look in the local newspaper and on childcare .co and on Netmums before I do look at the agencies .

Original poster
CCH181 · 13/02/2011 17:56

I was fairly specific about our needs, ie I have a 6 month old and want someone with experience with infants of this age. I did not indicate a salary range as at the time of posting the ad, I was considering both live-in as well as live-out arrangements. I received dozens of CVs but very few with actual experience and/or relevant educational qualifications. I get the sense that some of these nannies were sending out their CVs to everyone they come across - I did sense a bit of desperation to find a job with some nannies. So, it was a combination of many not meeting with my requirements and with many others, I had a "gut feel". I am being very particular (but I don't think you can be too particular when it comes to your children! After all, it's not like I'm looking for someone to come in a few times a week to feed a cat!)

OP posts:
RamonaFlowers · 13/02/2011 17:33

I know it's not what you want to hear, but I have NEVER successfully found a nanny any other way than through and agency Sad. I have found ones that would have been fine, but never one I have thought "you are the one".

If you want to PM me I can give you the name of some agencies that are a little cheaper. Don't want to post them as too identifying in terms of area!

Good luck.

SlightlyTubbyHali · 13/02/2011 17:30

Tbh I always used Gumtree, with varying results.

What is it you are looking for? do the applicants not meet your requirements that you can list or is it more of a "feel" thing?

nannynick · 13/02/2011 17:26

Netmums perhaps.

You say you have seen a lot of CVs, so there are candidates out there. However I wonder if you are getting the wong candidates due to how your job advert is written.

What sort of thing was in the job ad? Were you specific about your requirements? Did you specify a salary, or give a salary range indication?