Tips for hiring a nanny privately

[PDR]

I have adversited a daily part-time nanny/housekeeper position and I was wondering if anyone had any tips for the interview process?

I will obviously be checking references thoroughly but is there anything else I can do? I don't think I can get CRB checks done as I am not an "organisation" but the candidates so far have previously worked in childcare settings/the council so presumably have had CRBs done for these - can I ask to see them?

The nanny will be primarily to look after my DS in the afternoons as I have a baby due in Feb and am currently crippled with SPD. I want the nanny to come before the baby arrives so my DS can get to know her and feel comfortable with her. I have a maternity nurse booked already for 3 weeks after the baby is born and was wondering if this will be a bit awkward (having two of them in the house at once I mean to say) although the MN will obviously be there to help with the newborn and the nanny will be there to help with DS for a few hours in the afternoon.

Have a look at the thread about hiring a nanny from Gumtree - there might be sone helpful things for you on there.

Be clear what you want and are offering from the ad. Make sure they understand the exact nature of the job before you arrange a face-to-face interview - shared charge, some housekeeping, PT etc.

If they've worked in childcare before they should have a CRB but many nanny agencies are happy to act as a go-between and do one without formally taking the candidate on their books.

Check identity, right to work, certificates etc thoroughly.

Make sure you discuss wages in gross and that they understand what that means to them.

It shouldn't be a problem having the 2 of them - does the MN know there will be someone else? As long as you keep things compartmentalised it will definitely be fine and nanny can always be on-call while the MN has a bit of downtime/if the day off is during the week.

Above all don't stress to much, come on here if you have any specific questions and be as thorough as you want to be.

When I have been interviewed for nanny jobs before, the parents have always expected I've done a bit of homework about the area first, ie asking what activivies locally i know of i could take child to etc.

I wouldnt worry about the CRB too much tbh, as soon as it is printed it is out of date. I've currently got 15 as each organisation i insists on a new one. Yes it can help you see if there is anything in the past but an honest nanny should be up front about things like cautions anyway.

Hi, when you get CV's through you want to check experience (you'll probably get a few who have only babysitted in the past!), check for any big gaps in the CV and check that current refs are recent previous employers.
I did our CRB through a nanny agency and paid about £10, it was 3 years ago though and I can't remember which one it was.
Whittle it down to 10 or so and give them a call to check they can speak english to an acceptable level for you.
Ask the ones who seem nice to come for an interview and see if you like them, if its going to be a shared care arrangement it needs to be someone you can get on with in the house.
Make sure they understand its a housekeeping position too and explain the level of cleaning required.
Ask to clarify any time gaps in their C.V's.
Ask why they like being a nanny?
Its worth having your son at the interview to see how the nanny interacts with him.
You'll probably know when you mee the right person