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Paid childcare

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

Nannies: market rates (bit controversial)

878 replies

Tanzie · 10/04/2005 19:35

Having read on another thread ("Paying Nannies when sick") gripes from UK nannies about jobs going to girls from accession countries who will work for less, (and do more in the way of housework), is this not just pushing the market rate down for qualified/experienced nannies?

I am not in UK, but I would look at it as providing more affordable childcare, provided you can find someone trustworthy and reliable. I lived in UK briefly about 4 years ago and a nanny friend of mine was earning GBP 25,000 and got a flat thrown in with it. This is more than I was earning at the time and could never have afforded this sort of money for someone to look after my children.

I am not suggesting slave labour from Central European girls, or paying them an au pair's "pocket money" for what is essentially a nanny job, but paying them a reasonable wage and providing free accommodation means that a lot of people, who could not afford a nanny or nursery fees, will probably be able to get back to work.

Of course, there will always be those who want a Norland nanny and can afford one, but it seems to me that your average Mum would welcome these Central Europeans with open arms...

I'll run and hide now...

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NannyJo · 10/04/2005 20:08

i also didn't go to college and do two course in the space that most nannys do one to empty dishwashers and clean the house.

NannyJo · 10/04/2005 20:07

You get what you pay for. I trained in the very prestigeous Chitern College and worked my guts off for it. I know i am a good nanny and only ask for my wage becuase i deserve it. I do appreciate that it is a lot to pay but that is why the right nanny needs to be fitted to the right family for them ie those who can afford and do appreciate the best quality of care for their children.

MrsBigD · 10/04/2005 19:59

Hey Tanzie, don't hide... I'm with you on that one as I'm looking for affordable childcare for my 2 kids and cm's and 'official' nannies just are way too expensive.

Also when I interviewed some nannies after dd (babe 1) was born all the British once categorically declined to help around the house, except for things directly related to the kids. I didn't ask for much, just unloading the dishwasher and emptying out the tumble dryer (no ironing) which she/he could have done when dd slept and it would only take 10 mins or so. No offence to any British nanny who does help around the house Then I got a German help and she even did things I hadn't asked her to do as she didn't want to sit around doing nothing when dd slept! Unfortunately she's gone back home