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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Would like a position as an after school nanny. Am I too old?

65 replies

ladydayblues · 10/10/2012 16:58

I am 53 yrs. Have 4 four grown up children, last just off to Uni. Although I havent had a real job for 16 years, I am a graduate with an enhanced CRB and clean driving licence, can cook, clean and have a first aid qualification. I have supervised playdates, supervised music practice, supervised homework etc. What else do I need to be considered for this position as I am not getting any replies to my applications. I wonder if I am too old. Any suggestions would be really welcomed.

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Original poster
ladydayblues · 10/10/2012 17:32

So shall I bite the bullet and approach an Agency? Two of my children are dyslexic so I am v experience there and one has ADHD, so I can handle that. Is that worth mentioning? I just dont have a piece of paper saying I am qualified in childcare!

OP posts:
dikkertjedap · 10/10/2012 17:27

Not too old, could it be that people are worried you are too expensive????

Ladymuck · 10/10/2012 17:25

Is there definitely no previous experience? Childcare for friends, helping at school, cubs, brownies etc?

Surrealistrhinoceros · 10/10/2012 17:18

I have a DS with ?ASD and a few other issues and a kind experienced older lady would be well up my list of preferences if looking for an after school nanny (sorry, we aren't right now!)

I agree I would put your actual age as if your prospective employer was used to a model of women having babies in late twenties or thirties they might put you at 60 plus. Not that this should be a problem either but they might think you are close to wanting to retire or a bit less physically active for running round after young ones?

Good luck

BackforGood · 10/10/2012 17:17

I'd have thought that it would be considered a + point, not a disadvantage - all that experience. Smile

Original poster
ladydayblues · 10/10/2012 17:17

OH thinks it could be that I have "no previous experience". I have been looking through Gumtree as I wasnt keen on going to an Agency, as they seem to require a great deal of nanny qualifications. Am based in London

OP posts:
cheaperthantherapy · 10/10/2012 17:14

No!! Definitely not too old :)

Maybe try word of mouth - through friends children / your own children etc?

Good luck.

CelineMcBean · 10/10/2012 17:14

Yes take out the ages of children. Stick to the relevant facts.

Where do you live? Round here parents would be desperate to snap you up

Ladymuck · 10/10/2012 17:13

Where are you advertising? Or are you applying for roles?

IME people like you are snapped up immediately!

wadadlis · 10/10/2012 17:12

Never, YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD. Experience counts for everything IMO.
Good luck - don't give up, you seriously sound perfect.

Bonsoir · 10/10/2012 17:11

I would say that you have brought up four children of your own and not state ages. Having a 30 year old makes you sound 60+ to many ears.

Original poster
ladydayblues · 10/10/2012 17:10

No I havent put my age on applications but with my "own children ranging from 30 to 20" its easy to work out that I am not a spring chicken! I just wondered if parents think I am too old to run around after their kids!

OP posts:
Bonsoir · 10/10/2012 17:08

Agree with wadadlis!

Where are you advertising/applying?

wadadlis · 10/10/2012 17:06

Oh my god I really really hope you live near me, you sound wonderful!

CelineMcBean · 10/10/2012 17:03

Are you putting your age on applications? Because I don't see how your age is relevant. If you were 82yo I might but 53yo is years off state retirement age.