Which nanny would you go for?

[Chattanoonoo]

Currently interviewing nannies and down to a shortlist of 2 who are quite different. One has 4 years experience and seems quite fun and outgoing - the other has about 8 years experience, much more mature but also more reserved and not as much fun. The first candidate has only recently moved to London and doesn't know the local area and has never worked as a full time nanny in London before so she would need time to settle in. The other has worked locally so knows the parks, playgroups etc and what is expected of her. Both have good references - the only negative was that the more mature nanny could be a bit stroppy and bossy (!) but all the refs said she was reliable, punctual and had formed great relationships with the children. My gut instinct says either would be ok but I want someone great for my kids rather than just ok! Which would you go for??

I too travel one and half hours to get to work and am rarely late or ill. I consider it my responsibility to get to and from work. I am also a mature nanny who takes getting to work on time seriously.

As to the stroppy have you asked other referees how they found your older nanny. Some employers are a nightmare! Allthough I've been lucky with most of my employers I have had the odd one that I've found difficult to say the least. I worked in one job looking after 3 year old twins where I'd often arrive on Monday morning and find the children had no shoes to wear because mum and dad had taken them out at the weekend and left all their shoes in the car. things the children needed for every day use often were no where to be found and it drove me mad.

Most of all I would go with my gut instinct and watch how the children interact with both candidates. Trial days or second interviews are a good idea.

you can ofcourse ask them both to come and spend an afternoon together and ull deff feel whos ok and who isnt. aft as opposed to the morn its more chilled and also both will as it is end of the day actually show their tru faces
stroppy and bossy sounds bad

travel time for the fun one would put me off more than the stroppy comment. I would prob give the stroppy one a trial, or could you phone referee who made the comment and ask for more details?