Help for someone who hasnt a clue about how to find a nanny please!

[checky]

I have a 6 month old and have to go back to work n 2 months time. I have a pressurised job and there will be 3 days when neither my partner or I can be with him. I want a nanny for these 3 days but dont know how to go about it. Also, what may be available. For example...
Would a nanny travel to take the baby to see grandparents, go on visits etc?
Would they cook for the baby? Would they clear up and hoover his room etc? Would they cook dinner for us or is that more of a home help?

Finally and this worries me more, does anyone have any experience of nannies? I could let the grandparents look after him but feel altho this is better for him it would make us very reliant on them and they are getting on a bit bless them.

ANy advice for someone quite worried?

to find a nanny go to an agency (will cost but may give you some piece of mijnd if you are new to this thing). if yo uare confident you know what/who you want and can spot a good 'un amongst the dross, go on the gumtree.com and see what is available or post your own ad and be prepared to sift ruthlessly.

nanny should do everything relating to baby - look after her, take her to little classes (eg tumbletots), park, etc; do all her washing and ironing, cook her nutritious meals/continue with weaning etc, clear up after herself but NOT do all the housework. She should also take her to see grandparents assuming they live close (don't assume she will get on a train to birmingham with her).

a nanny MAY also, if lovely and proactive and probably australian and kiwi, do a bit of extra around the house - put on the odd wash for you, do a supermarket shop, even make a meal or cake for you if she loves cooking and feels like it.

a good nanny is a great thing and as good as/better than a granny, because it is their job and they have the energy and training to do real childcare development and entertainment in your own home, which is really nice for the child. Mine have always been great.

Key thing is to pick someone you like and feel really enjoys children and who shows good flexibility and humour over someone with maybe more experience who you don't "click" with. Having said that at least 3 good childcare references that you speak to and check are crucial, and I wouldn't employ anyone under about 23 to look after a baby.

Good luck

There's a book called "the good nanny guide" which you can get on amazon. I found it very useful when recruiting a nanny.

I tried advertising in The Lady magazine but didn't have any success, although a friend did.

one word of warning with agencies - I found plenty would send me any old cv (like estate agents). When I found an agent who was more discriminating and made an effort to find out what we wanted, I stuck with her. ask around for recommendations for agencies.

It took me more than 2 months to find someone so it might be worth getting started.

I'm holding my 10-week old, hence the lack of caps!

Agree with the fabulously nicknamed MrsDarcy about the agencies - I am in W London and there are dozens but I only found one agency that I felt listened to my requirements - others all bombarded me with CVs of girls I wouldn't consider. (It was Park nannies or Queens Park nannies if you happen to be local tho this is 3 years ago now so no idea if still going) They are useful tho for explaining the what's what, what nannies expect, pay scales etc. i was hiring part time and tho some agencies won't handle it those that do have experience so can help you work out the logistics of that too (ideally match you up with someone who wants the other 2 days or a share)

What I found useful was interviewing a bunch of candidates tho - to get into the swing of it. I had done a lot of hiring and firing in my job but didn't feel confident at all - altho you really do 'know' as soon as you open the door sometimes (good or bad I mean)

I actually found our nanny via park noticeboard/personal recommendation, so keep all options open. good luck with your search!

Definitely buy "The Good Nanny Guide". It's a great book for anyone new to childcare/nannies. Also check out www.nannytax.co.uk. They have loads of great information. Altough when you go to hire a payroll company you can find cheaper, such as www.nannypaye.co.uk and I think there are some others as well.

Good luck!

I am a nanny-where abouts are you based? x

Our nanny has been great and does all the things you mention except cook for us! She's been with us for 3.5 years now and is like one of the family. There are lots of great things about having a nanny. It's convenient for you as you can hand over your kid/s at whatever stage you're at in the morning. It's super for them as they have a special relationhsip with their nanny and can go out and do fun things just right for their age group. not like a nursery where you have no control over what they do or who their carer is. And it's reliable child care as they can even look after your baby when s/he's sick - when a nursery or childminder wont take them. Just make sure you get a nanny with a good sick record. Our's has only been off twice in 3.5y and then only for short time. they do need holiday though, but you can plan for that.
good luck!

we found our nanny through www.nannyjob.co.uk - i was specific in the advert about what i was looking for, so saved me being bombarded with hundreds of useless emails.

Thank you all for such good advice. Sorry I didnt thank you before but I have been in London all day negotiating work..yuk.
Thanks I will try all your ideas and get started.
I am based in Hove nr Brighton just in case any nannies out there looking for 3 days a week!

The only thing I want to say is don't discount younger nannies because of their age. I am a young nanny(under 23), but am much better suited to babies and toddlers.
Buy the book mentioned, have a look on gumtree and nannyjob and contact some agencies in your area. Make sure you check references.

If you are a nanny novice, I agree an agency is the best way to go. I second what SANnanny says - check those references. Don't just go by written references - phone up and bombard ex-employers with all sorts of questions. People will usually prepared to be much more honest on the phone than they are in a reference that they have to actually hand over to the nanny. Also ask about any gaps in CVs.

Like princesspeahead, I have had Kiwi and Aussie nannies, and they are fab.

There is a website called www.bestbear.co.uk or.com and they recommend the best local agencies, so it is worth logging on there and seeing which agencies they list in Sussex.

Good luck!

Great advice thanks Belledejour

[1]Ask if the old families would employ the nanny again?

[2]Be ruthless in getting answers to cv gaps.

[3]Be very precise in what you want the nanny to do all things in relation to your child-laundry,feeding,activities,health checks,making peer friends,be clear as to your terms of pay and payrises.

[4]Holidays are 2 weeks your date choice and 2 her choice.

[5]Would you consider a male nanny?

[6]Have a list of things it would be nice of her to do for you, ie an evening meal to be heated up, dry cleaning pick up/drop off, walk the dog!

[7]Who would shop for the child's food, supplies.

[8]Car useage: your car or 40p/mile in her car, business car insurance, car seat.

[9]First aid, enhanced police check[recently completed].

[10]Do you all have a similar view on feeding, sleep/naps, disapline, daily routine.

would you like my copy of the good nanny guide? postage cost only.

Speaking to referees is priceless advice, you must do it, even if the whole process took so long and you think you have found The One and in fact have to have found her because you are about to go back to work and you don't want to hear from a previous employer that The One is in fact no good

Major stress what a lovely offer I really appreciate it and yes I would love to take you up on that.. Many many thanks for being so kind.

i was a nanny for many years before i had my own kids and now a childminder so still have both view points to consider , i found a lot of my jobs through the lady and found a lot of agencies a pain as they would send me to the wrong jobs ie i wanted fulltime and they would arrange an interview with someone that wanted 3 days a week termtime only!! or jobs that had more kids than id said i would work with and they said , go and see you might get on with them really well!!! advertise on netmums site, they also have different areas and may have a parent who they can recommend. what about families online as well ,maybe they cover your area as they have lots of adverts for and seeking work, if you want any more advice from the nannies point of view you can cat me and we can chat about it , good luck and trust your instinct...i did this also when i was looking for work as not everyone gets on, also ask specific questions to how they would deal with a situation, ie sick child, feeding issues, where would they take a child ? what activites would they do with your child specific to their age range, are they first aid trained, do they drive and for how long, would you feel o.k with letting them take your child out in your car as how would you arrange for her to drive your car or use her own? discipline issues/ its best to have a trial period so that if it doesnt feel right either side can leave the set up. have them come fro a morning /afternoon a couple of times to see her interact with your child at good and bad times of the day to see how she copes.remeber the wage you agree is usually based on take home pay so you will ahve to do the nannys tax on top of that ..there are lots of company`s that will do the payroll part for you and provide payslips etc . hope this helps..

Hi there,
I have been a nanny and now am a mummy. I have used agencies and the lady to find positions, although I would say the lady magazine is for someone who has had a nanny before and is able to give them proper checks to make sure they are ok.
I have used agencies too and some are awful! They send you to any old job, same as sending you any old cv! Some agencies do not even meet the nannies on their books so be warned!!! They give out your address and anyone could turn up! It depends where you are as to what choice you have really. All I can say is good luck and trust your instincts, after all they are going to be looking after your most prized possesion-your baby!
P.S. I used to cook for parents as long as they didn't expect a banquet- just a home cooked meal.
P.P.S I used to visit grandparents too.