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Original poster

Getting a part-time nanny. IT CAN'T BE THIS HARD CAN IT?!?

30 replies

honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 11:44

I live in SW London with a two year old son. I need a nanny from January on a Wednesday and a Thursday 8am - 6:30pm.

I didn't honestly think it would be THIS hard to find one :(

Initially i paid the odd £30 and put an ad on Nannyjob stating the usual - non smoker, current DBS, experience of this age range etc. Had a few replies - maybe 7 or 8 and all were unsuitable for one reason or another - for example, living over an hour away, not having experience etc. There was one that looked hopeful but she wanted three days not two. I didn't end up meeting any of them in person.

I emailed around other friends to see if anyone had heard of a nanny available on the grapevine. Nothing.

I then thought, okay fine.. I might have to stump up some agency fees and contacted three. Not really very impressed by any of them to be honest but that's a separate thread. Two have come back to say there is no one available.

Third I just haven't heard from but as they want £2000 I am rather hoping I don't

So then I succumb to Gumtree. And then I get the bombardment of unsuitable replies. I don't mind sifting, if there is something to sift through for! But if all I am getting is an email saying, 'I like job plz' (and then not even a CV attached) then really... What is the world coming to?!

It is making me go a little bit crazy to be honest and now having tried all the normal routes I don't know what on earth to do.

Surely, surely, SURELY there is someone (and believe me I am not horrendously picky) who would like to come and play with my son a couple of days a week?!

Sorry for massive rant..

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Yerazig · 19/12/2014 22:45

I think you add doesn't seem like there isn't anything wrong with it. I think one problem would be the days you need and the other would be the time of the year. Everything Is starting to slow down now. Schools closing agencies closing down, people going home for Xmas etc.

HyperThread · 19/12/2014 21:56

I am in a similar situation. Also looking for a nanny in East London and to be honest, it's been really difficult even getting interviews.

OutragedFromLeeds · 19/12/2014 21:33

The ad looks great, so I don't think it's that. Are you including the salary in the ad?

jen's idea about the DBS check is good.

It isn't the best time of year to be looking because there is usually a big change over around September, so lots of nannies will be in new jobs/have recently found jobs. Plus with Christmas coming up most people are not job hunting right now. You might find it's worth re-advertising in January.

The only other off-putting thing is the days, but if they are fixed, not much you can do about that.

jendot2 · 19/12/2014 17:41

Your job sounds very desirable. I'm surprised you haven't had more interest.
The only thing I would change Is the 'must have a current DBS check' I would change to 'must be prepared to have a DBS check carried out'.
Just as this will rule out anyone who has an older crb check ( these do not expire) or nannies who have been on maternity leave or who are fairly new to the country. Those who have been in a current job for a long time etc.

Blondeshavemorefun · 19/12/2014 16:49

or could you add another day tue or fri and you have a 'me' day or even 2.5days?

Blondeshavemorefun · 19/12/2014 16:48

would agree ad sounds nice, tho make sure you discuss gross esp as a 2 day job or you will be stung major-ally on tax and decide on £10/12 as also make a diff to you as higher is £40nett more so tax code depending another £60 a week more

not sure what your sons condition involves, but assume if want him out and about/at soft pay etc and will meet other children/bugs etc then not sure how much, so would you totally rule out nowc/nursery or cm?

think the days are hard, as most nannies cant survive on 2 days and most jobs are mon tue wed and thur fr if wanted to find another one to go along side yours

callaid, the grass is always greener lol

Original poster
honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 16:08

Must be the days then...or the time of year?

OP posts:
FlorenceMattell · 19/12/2014 16:05

Agree it sounds an attractive job.

Original poster
honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 15:17

Well that's what I had hoped. Funnily enough, my Mum mentioned The Lady. Will google now.

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Purplepumpkins · 19/12/2014 14:57

Sounds a very attractive job, I'm sure someone will snap it up. Have you tried "the lady" Its worth a try.

Original poster
honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 14:20

I am offering what I suspect is the usual - £10-12 net per hour. Not in a position to go any higher as I am a single Mother struggling at the best of times.

Here is the Gumtree ad - tell me if there is anything off putting?

A loving, patient and upbeat nanny required to care for my vibrant & curious 2.3 year old boy in Putney. Days spent in the park, exploring museums,soft play, library etc.

This is a sole charge role on a Wednesday and Thursday 8am - 6:30pm (these days are fixed)

Duties will include cooking healthy meals, keeping things neat and tidy, as well as general nursery duties (though these will be light as we have a cleaner) Most importantly - lots of playing!

Please ONLY apply if you meet the following criteria:

  • Non smoker
  • Fluent English
  • Legally allowed to work in the UK
  • Excellent, checkable references
  • Current DBS
  • 3+ years experience with children in this age range
  • Scope for babysitting and extra hours an advantage.
OP posts:
Quangle · 19/12/2014 14:00

yes I'm in central London. It's never really been a problem. Nanny has been late occasionally because of her commute but even if she lived a twenty minute journey away she could still be caught up in traffic.

Also wonder if it's the salary? Might you need to up the salary to make the unusual hours more attractive?

OutragedFromLeeds · 19/12/2014 13:53

What are the job details/how much are you paying etc.? Maybe there is something there that is putting people off. It could just be a case of too much/too little info in the ad. If you want to post it here we can take a look at it for you.

Childcare.co.uk is a definite one to try before you go to agencies. And If you can bear it, carry on with Gumtree because there are good nannies on there as well.

Original poster
honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 12:47

Nanny Share is not an option is this instance. My son has an auto inflammatory condition so really needs the one to one care.

Thanks for all your suggestions - I will keep plodding on!

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Purplepumpkins · 19/12/2014 12:41

Ahh cool, thanks :)

nearlyreadyforstatelyhomes · 19/12/2014 12:40

I'd suggest going to toddler groups and chatting to the child minders and nannies who go there. Word of mouth might be your best shot. Good luck.

Original poster
honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 12:40

Purple - seriously, there is nooooo way i underestimate what you do. I couldn't do it. Much respect to you! :)

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nannynoss · 19/12/2014 12:37

If you are on Facebook, try and join the SW18 mums and SW18 nannies groups. Lots of people look on there for jobs before going on to other sites ime.
Would you consider a share? I'm in SW London and know a few nannies who have parents who would be happy to share their nanny for 2 days. Do you go to any toddler groups with your child where there are other nannies?

Purplepumpkins · 19/12/2014 12:36

Let me know how you get on I know the owner she's lovely

Messygirl · 19/12/2014 12:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Purplepumpkins · 19/12/2014 12:35

not really lol sorry I'm not being over sensitive I promise but I guess I work bloody hard and I do a lot more then playing :)

Original poster
honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 12:32

Oh Purple - you know what I mean!!!

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Original poster
honeyistoosweet · 19/12/2014 12:31

Thanks Purple - will look it up now!

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GermanGirlinLondon · 19/12/2014 12:31

Would you consider a nanny with her own child? Or a nanny share?

Purplepumpkins · 19/12/2014 12:30

Also in sorry but Nannying is not just about "playing" with your child!