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Original poster

URGENT - we have 2 weeks to find and employ a new nanny

39 replies

PacificDogwood · 11/08/2014 11:34

Aaaaaargh!

Our nanny/housekeeper of almost 3 years has sent her resignation while we were on holiday.
We have posted some online ads and have had some responses, but I am really only today picking up the baton properly as we have had no reliable internet access while away.

Anyway, I cannot remember how to do this and would be grateful if I could have my hand held a bit:

  • What is an acceptable pay for a live-out nanny in a suburban location in the Central Belt of Scotland? I know of course what we are currently paying, but I am not sure that I am up to date with developments.
  • The job is for 35 hrs/week, 2 long and 2 short days. We have 4 boys, aged between 11 and 4. The older 3 are at school, the wee one in nursery for 3 hrs/day. We have no other help from family etc for childcare so this needs to be ironclad/belts+braces. If either my DH or I have to stay at home at short notice dozens of people are at best inconveniences, at worst have their health care compromised.
  • Any additional babysitting etc we of course pay extra.

I am still quite shocked that our nanny is leaving us (I have not spoken to her yet - will do tomorrow) and quite sad as I did not see this coming.

Sigh.

Any help much appreciated x.

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Original poster
PacificDogwood · 12/08/2014 20:52

Short-listed 3 candidates with interviews this week.
Wish us luck!

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 12/08/2014 08:53

Hope goes well

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 11/08/2014 22:44

Yes, I agree, 4 weeks is never enough to sort everything out and I will know better with next contract.

I am withholding judgement re how/when she gave her notice until I've seen her - I would really hate for this to end with a sour fast tbh and am kind of hoping that she has a good reason IYSWIM.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 11/08/2014 22:39

Personally I think it's cowardly and horrible to give notice when you are away :(

She obv has a time limit and though says 4 weeks in contract couldn't she waited a week till you are back

Have always had 8 weeks notice in contract. 4 weeks isn't enough by the time you

Get over shock
Contact agencies /place ads
See a few nannies
Check refs and see 2nd interview
Offer job

3/4 weeks can go by

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 11/08/2014 22:07

Thanks, Blondes - I am having a depressed evening over it.
And am dreading the conversation tomorrow - it would help if she were a little flexible and could stay on until 1.10.14 but as I know nothing about what job/position she is moving on to I cannot really bank on this yet and tomorrow's chat will clarify a lot of thing.
I feel I cannot really short-list and start interviewing people until I have spoken to her.

I will have a stipulation in the new nanny's contract that she cannot resign while we or she are on holiday. Sniff. Just too bloody inconvenient. (I know IABU, no need to point it out).

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 11/08/2014 21:55

laundry, inform your nanny you are changing to gross and thats it

good luck dog in finding a new nanny

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 11/08/2014 17:44

Claire, I've PMed you back Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
PacificDogwood · 11/08/2014 17:40

We are currently paying £9/hr with bonuses for Christmas/birthday/summer. I am relieved to see we are not far off the mark with that.
I will not embark on a contract with anybody that does not stipulate gross pay.

nannynick, we looked at agencies the last time and I was seriously appalled at their fees. Highway robbery IMVHO.
We live in a small town, so word of mouth is doing its thang too Wink…

Childcare.co.uk has been v disappointing wrt to responses and, like last time, Gumtree gave a lot of replies (some respondents had clearly not read the ad, but never mind that… Grin. Some v well qualified people replied and will be contacted in the next few days).

We are spoilt as our previous childminder stayed with us for 8 years and I was hoping to grow old and grey with this one. Unrealistic, I know...

OP posts:
nannynick · 11/08/2014 15:47

Scotland salaries are lower than London. Aberdeen area (so North East) seems to be around £9 gross an hour.

I would expect other places to not be that different, so £8-10 gross may be a reasonable range. Have a look at agency ads in your area, plus call an agency.

Given short time involved will you be using an agency, even if you are not using childcare vouchers?

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 11/08/2014 13:53

We advertised using an annual salary like a normal job advert. Didn't get a single reply that didn't quote required hourly rate. It's a whole other world out there in nanny land.

www.childcare.co.uk was good especially as you can update it yourself if you need to.

I wouldn't be surprised if your current nanny has been offered another job. Can you counter offer or request an extended notice period with additional pay? Especially as your youngest will presumably be quite attached to him/her?

alwaysdoinglaundry · 11/08/2014 13:33

£10ph net works out for me as £12.08 per hour gross, can change depending on hours/tax code. always better to talk in gross but my (otherwise excellent) nanny flatly refuses to....sigh.....

Clairey53 · 11/08/2014 13:04

Hi pacificdogwood

I am a nanny looking for a job in the central belt of scotland !

My friend just sent me your link so I have joined up however I don't see how to send you a private message.

Would like to hear more about the hours you need?

Thanks!

Original poster
PacificDogwood · 11/08/2014 12:23

Oh, yes, there'll be longer notice for sure!
Big mistake to have one month's notice in the contract.
Thanks for your reply.

We've always paid gross - this whole thing is confusing me greatly. Again.

OP posts:
alwaysdoinglaundry · 11/08/2014 12:21

If it is helpful, the going rate in N London is £10 per hour net, but with mix of long/short days and 4 kids might be a bit more than that. No idea about Scotland. Good luck with the search, we are also healthcare professionals and I put in my nanny's contract 6 weeks notice for exactly this reason - I think next time I would put 8 weeks. something to think about for the next one?

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