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Original poster

Advice on nanny position please

31 replies

koalabear · 04/07/2005 12:51

We have a 14 month old very active little boy, who to date has been looked after by his dad. However, his dad, hopefully, will be going back to work soon. So, we are looking for a nanny. The only problem is, we've never had a nanny before, so I don't know if what I am looking for is reasonable. Therefore, I am asking collective mumsnet people, thoughts on the following job description and any suggesetions. Also, what pay would be reasonable for this position?

  1. hours of work 7 am to 7 pm (12 hours), 5 days a week until November (3 month contract)

  2. need to have own car (we only have one, which my husband will use to get to work)

  3. need to walk very lovely 2 yr old dog twice a day for one hour each (DS loves going in the buggy or in the backpack) - we live near open fields and safe footpaths

  4. DS has swimming lessons and goes to tumbletots, which he loves

  5. cooking for DS, healthy meals

  6. vacuum/sweep floor inside where DS plays (not whole house, just play area)

  7. we live west of london, in semi-rural area

Thanks for thoughts - oh, and where do you find a live out nanny with own car prepared to look after a toddler and dog in semi-rural england, who doesn't mind swimming?

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Original poster
koalabear · 04/07/2005 13:32

oh, i hadn't considered live-in - i guess live in would be cheaper and then we could afford to hire a car for her - thanks

OP posts:
GhostofNatt · 04/07/2005 13:24

ah, failed to notice short contract bit - the end of Visa Aussie sounds like a good idea...

binkie · 04/07/2005 13:21

Have you spoken to any agencies, even if you're planning to do your own recruiting? They can be very helpful about job scope and pay guidelines. Bestbear.co.uk will tell you which agencies specialise in your area.

Off top of head:

  • 12 hours/day is unusual for live out - long hours are more usual with a live in position. But I do know some live out nannies who work those sorts of hours, so not impossible;

  • short contract: that could be tricky, esp. live out. Again, if you could manage a live-in it could be ideal for eg an Aussie just finishing off her visa - though I realise car might be an issue. Is renting one an option?

  • walking dog: shouldn't be a problem for someone outdoorsy & fond of animals. But I'd be upfront about it as part of the job;

  • 4/5/6, all fine.

I think, unless you are lucky and find someone who's looking for exactly what you're offering, the hours and the short contract will mean a bit of a premium on pay.

Original poster
koalabear · 04/07/2005 13:19

thanks - yes, i thought i might have to pay premium for the longer day - it was the dog aspect i was really worried about, and whether people would think it was inappropriate to ask for that

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GhostofNatt · 04/07/2005 13:16

That's longer hours than I have ever required but imagine it is do-able. In London net rates are £7 - £8 per hour but tax and NI are about half again! Duties sound reasonable to me but have never required dogwalking and never had a nanny with a car. I reckon there will be nanny agencies which cover your area but fees can be steep - can advertise in Lady or Simply Childcare...

Original poster
koalabear · 04/07/2005 13:12

bump

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