Where can I find a nanny?

[whereareallthenannies]

I know there are agencies and I am registered with a few but they will charge me an arm and a leg to find me someone. Is there a better way? I was thinking of FB or Gumtree. Is there anything I haven't thought of?

Childcare.co.uk

Nannyjob,

No harm in advertising on local relevant Facebook groups, childcare.co.uk and gumtree. However I would suggest you spell out very clearly what you are looking for. And what is important to you. My experience though is that you get loads of replies but most will be unsuitable, some with almost nothing you’re looking for.

I would also notnidacount word of mouth - tell local friends you’re looking and if they hear of anyone. Sometimes when families are making their nanny redundant (eg kids now all at school) they will help out feelers out if anyone is looking.

It doesn’t have to be either or though, you can advertise independently as well as getting an agency unless you have the luxury of being flexible on time.

Goats r us

Thanks. Hadn't thought of childcare.co.uk

We tried the DIY way (childcare.co.uk and the like). But to be honest we got so many time wasters and speculative applications and it took forever chasing up references and organising interviews. We went to an agency and were sent three brilliant candidates all in the same afternoon, all references and training checked out, sorted. And when our previous nanny was off for a while they sorted a cover nanny too. The amount they charged was worth every penny in the end in terms of it simplifying our lives.

Gumtree. Worked perfectly for me 3 times. Got amazing candidates.

I hate ti say that you get what you pay for.

I found my first nanny job via gumtree - nannied for them for 4 years and still in touch now, and regularly babysit! They’d found all their nannies that way.

Recruitment agencies will charge you 20% of the annual salary and for that you have a paper trail and accountability. Worth every penny and if the nanny leaves or is sacked in the first three months they replace him/her free of charge. What’s not to like

Hi. I'm a Nanny, and got my last three jobs, through childcare. So easy to navigate , just one thing, if someone sends you a message, please take the time to reply. So many people don't and it's very annoying. Good luck with your search