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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

Sadly I am going to have to get a new nanny for after-school care. Any ideas? Should I ask at the school or something??

40 replies

CountessDracula · 07/11/2007 14:57

We have had the same nanny since dd was 6 months old and have known her longer. She is fantastic with dd but has been gradually getting more and more unreliable to the stage where we just cannot rely on her. She must have had 6 weeks off sick this year She does have health issues but she also is a moaner and takes the piss I think.

Now I would rather do anything than upset the status quo but it is really starting to stress us badly that we can't rely on her.

What is the best way to find a replacement? I need to sort something out before I get rid of her as I just know she will skive off during her notice period so I am just going to pay her off. Hence I can't advertise in local windows etc.

It will only be for 2/3 days a week 3.30 to 6.30, I was wondering if I should approach the school and see if they can recommend anyone. Any other ideas?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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Original poster
CountessDracula · 07/11/2007 17:15

yes you should!
Only prob is what about her after school stuff like ballet?

OP posts:
GloriaInEleusis · 07/11/2007 17:05

I'll take my commission in the form of a drink at the Christmas meet-up.

Original poster
CountessDracula · 07/11/2007 17:02

Just spoke to a lovely sounding childminder who has three children at dd's school! She is going to see if she can fit us in and if so we can go and check her out at the weekend

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Original poster
CountessDracula · 07/11/2007 15:45

yes it is
thanks

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nailpolish · 07/11/2007 15:35

the website Gloria linked is excellent

nailpolish · 07/11/2007 15:34

ideas such as childcare students from local college are good, but they are 99.9% of the time a very short term solution, as they qualify and get ft jobs, etc.

long term reliable care is best with childminders IMO. the council should have a list of registered childminders in your area.

dont the school have an afterschool club?

do any of dd's friends go to childminders or have aupairs?

southeastastra · 07/11/2007 15:32

don't you have any after school clubs?

GloriaInEleusis · 07/11/2007 15:31

Have you tried a childminder search?

www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp

GloriaInEleusis · 07/11/2007 15:29

Does DD have any friends at school who have nannies?

Original poster
CountessDracula · 07/11/2007 15:20

I have looked at gumtree
I realise is short hours, I am not really sure what to do. I ought to get an au pair but can't face anyone living in

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GloriaInEleusis · 07/11/2007 15:17

Oh no, CD. But, then for one nanny to last 6 years you have done really well. Have you had a browse through Gumtree? Are there other kids in DD's class who have a nanny and might like to organise a share? Or, you could try contacting people through nannyjob? But, of course, any of these things risk the nanny finding out through the grapevine.

Those are really short hours. Why not look for a childminder who can pick up at the gate? You could even use a childminder as temp cover between nannies. I did this once and it worked out fine. It took away the stress while I looked for a nanny I wanted rather than being in a panic to find one ASAP.

Original poster
CountessDracula · 07/11/2007 15:13

Will ask around neighbours too

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Original poster
CountessDracula · 07/11/2007 15:12

Yes you may be right about that

I am in SW14

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WanderingTrolley · 07/11/2007 15:04

Contact local FE college - you might find a childcare student looking for work.

Lots of nursery school/playgroup/Montessori teachers have school children in the afternoons.

Asking around at the school is a bit risky - you don't want the word to get back to the nanny.

Lots of part time jobs on gumtree.com, lots of nannies look there, ditto nannyjob.

It sounds like a good job for a nanny with her own child/ren, if that's something you'd consider.

Anyone local with an au pair, who isn't busy in the afternoons?

local authority websites usually have links to childminder lists, ditto Ofsted.

My guess is that your nanny is staying in the job because she loves your dd, but the job itself doesn't suit her any more, iyswim.

kkey21 · 07/11/2007 15:03

Where abouts are you-lets see if anyone here can help..... Thats if you want to disclose that? Understand if not and would recommend asking at the school as they could possibly have a list of local childminders/or would there be a Mum interested in your dd's class??

Sorry to hear you are having these problems. In 10 years as a nanny i was off for just 5 days total in the whole 10yrs!

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