How to interview nannies

£325 gross? Am astonished you could get anyone for that. Gross we pay something over £500 and we are really not paying top rate as I undertand it.

First, I would offer a gross salary, not net. Then, I'd cut the agency out of the equation and post ads on nannyjob.co.uk and gumtree.com. I'd also scope out any local nursery employees who might be interested in earning more than minimum wage.

I think I'd offer more like £325 gross (you each obviously pay £175 plus employer's taxes).

I take it live-in is not an option?

Also, remember that agencies have a vested interest in inflating the nanny's salary (as their commission is based on it).

What do they get on your planet uwila? Am talking a 50 hour per week live out nanny in London.

£375-£450 net.
Not on my planet.

When they giveyou answer to a question probe a little further.
i.e. if they say they cook so and so meals......ask them to give you a rough run down how they prepare them.
My advice would be to always dig a little deeper even if it seems silly or pointless....it's not (speaking from experience)

The advantage of an agency is that at least they do the primary sift for you. It can be difficult to shortlist yourself from 100+ calls from eg a Lady advert but you do need to take up the references yourself. don't know about nanny share rates, but they will be higher than the net rates for a single family nanny which are around £375 - 450 net pw

"What was the best thing about your last job?" I often find quite revealing. The number of nannies who say "the car" or "the holidays"... I also always have children there for part of the interview - very revealing. References are the most crucial thing - a really good nanny will ahve glowing references

Further to this, I would never use an agency. Simply not worth the money. But if money is no object for you and it makes life easier, then go for it. BUT, please please please check references yourself. I've heard a lot of bad agency stories (and some good ones too).

Questions for you:

1. Describe a typical day’s activities for you and toddler/baby?

2. Describe a typical weekly meal plan for toddler/baby (include breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks you may offer them)?

3. How would you describe your approach to discipline (as appropriate to a toddler/baby)?

4. Do you have any degrees or diplomas in childhood education? Any degrees or diplomas in other subjects? If so, what subjects?

5. Do you speak any languages besides English? Would you teach it to toddler/baby?

6. What is the longest time you would be willing to stay?

7. How many hours of television do you think a toddler/baby should watch each day?

8. What kinds of television programs do you believe are acceptable for a toddler/baby?

9. Why do you want to work in England?

10. If we travel as a family within the UK, would you want to join us? What about Europe? The United States?

11. Do you smoke? If so, how much?

12. Do you have any requests in terms of the accommodation we offer you?

13. Are you an au pair / nanny now? If not, why have you decided to become one?

14. What kinds of foods do you like to eat? (Please be specific and use as much space as you need.)

15. Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much?

16. How many hours do you want to work each week?

17. Describe your experience with babies/toddlers.

18. Would you be willing to provide overnight care of toddler/baby (in the unlikely event that both parents are required to travel for work during the week)?

19. Do you have a driver’s license? From what country? How long have you had it?

20. Do you own a car in the UK?

21. What do you like to do in your spare time?

22. Describe your personality?

23. What qualities make you well suited to be a nanny?

24. What is your worst habit?

25. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? fiancé/fiancée? spouse? If so, where does he live?

26. Do you know anyone in England? Friends? Family?

27. Would you take care of toddler/baby if he/she was sick? (They do not get sick a lot, I only ask as a precaution)

28. Do you have a credit card? A UK bank account?

29. Do you play any sports? Which ones? How often?

30. Can you provide a reference from a previous au pair/nanny/nursery job? If so, please attach to this questionnaire and/or provide contact information of previous employer(s).

31. How many times have you been sick in the last year? What was the illness?

32. Do you have any children? If so, what ages? Where do they live?

33. What sorts of things would you include in each entry of the nanny diary? (If it is easier to attach a sample rather than descries it here, feel free to do so)

34. What is your view on discipline? Should a toddler/baby have a rigid set routine for meals, naps, play etc. which is strictly followed each day? Or should he/she be allowed to eat, sleep, play whenever and whatever he/she wants?

35. Do you wish to obtain any additional employment besides being our nanny?

36. For how long to you plan to pursue a career as a live-in nanny? What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time? In ten years time?

37. Are you available for a face-to-face interview in the United Kingdom? If so, when?

38. What is your salary expectation?

39. Are you in possession of a work visa for the United Kingdom? If so, what are the restrictions?

Hi Have a look on nannyjob.co.uk should give you an idea.

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If you do a search on Google, you'll find loads of great questions. I thought I'd kept a copy of the questions I asked, but 'fraid not!!

I've just started a nanny (my first) on Tuesday, and I seem to have been incredibly lucky!! Maybe shouldn't tempt fate

It all seems so complicated, in the begginning , I didn't hire thorugh an agency.I was more worried about getting refs.

No idea what the rates are in London, but do a search on the archives here, there areloads of threads.

Don't think I've been much help...sorry