Would this constitute a nanny share or would it be a two nanny situation?

[ginger2000]

Hi - a friend and myself need f-t childcare for our (combined) 4 children, 2 school aged (6), one pre-schooler (nearly 3) and a baby (6 months). We are considering advertising for a nanny to share between us, based in one of our houses. The nanny would have to do school and pre-school runs and look after the baby all day - hours of work would probably be 7am-6pmish.

Does this sound like a decent propostion as a nanny share or would nannies see this as basically 2 jobs rolled into one? We thought it made a lot of financial sense for us to combine our needs but it has just dawned on me that it might not be a very attractive job if you could get the same salary looking after just 2 children in a single family.

any thoughts? Thanks!

I think it sounds reasonable - but 4 kids is quite a lot - and there's quite a lot of ferrying etc - so I think the pay would have to be a bit more than a isngle family would offer - but you could still do that and it be cheaper than you hiring a nanny each.

It's a nanny share as it two families children being cared for at one location.

A nanny share can cost more in salary terms, so the nanny may be getting a higher rate of pay than they would if only working for one family.

Logistics can be an issue - is the school very local, walkable? If not, then how would they get there - 4 children, 4 car seats = Big Car!

Thanks for replies. sch is a car journey so car issue is valid.
So, money would have to be attractive but must be cheaper than both paying different cm's/after sch clubs etc i would think.
Lots to think about, would love it to work!

I think you'd def have to offer a higher salary than if it were a single family. Shares are harder on the nanny, not only because of the extra children, but also because of the extra parents! Think through all the issues there could possibly be and make sure you have everything sorted with the other family before you start looking; if it seems you will work easily together it will make the job more appealing.

I think term-time would be ok, but school holidays may be tough. It might be worth thinking about putting the older two into some sort of club for part of the time in the holidays to make the nanny's day slightly easier.

Based on the nannies I know the biggest problem you would have is finding someone to start at 7am. I know a few nannies looking for work at the moment but 7am start is always a def no regardless of the other details of the job!

For those ages i see no problem at all. It wouldnt put me off at all!

A nanny share salary is typicaly 125% -150% of a nanny salary, so will still save you both lots of money.

So long as a car that fits 4 car seats safely is avaliable for nanny to use (if she doesnt want to use her own, or if her own wont fit the car seats)

I assume the 6 year olds are friends?

Are any of the children fussy eaters? They may very soon have to not be as IMO nanny cant be expected to cook 4 meal. They should all be eating the same (unless allergies prevent) for most meals.

You need to think about holidays. In a nanny share (where she works 5 days) its normal for bank hols to be off, nanny to choose 2 weeks, and each family to choose 1 week each.

I dont see the 7am start as a huge issue. Ok most nannies dont want to start quite so early, but i used to start at 7.30 (live out) and occasionaly 15 mins earlier. Just allow nanny to eat breakfast when she gets to work, with the children.

125%-150% is too high. I agree a share is worth a bit more than a single family with 4 kids. But 110% - 120% is reasonable.

I have nanneid for four children (not a share) ages were 5,3,2,1 and it was fine. The seats all went into a car the family had (Skoda Octavia) and also into my car (Rover 416) so it is possible without a people carrier.

Yes it is hectic in the morning so the nanny would need to be super organised in getting everyone out in time for school. I actually didn't find holidays much harder as without the stress you could have a more relaxing morning, with activities/outings planned mid morning then later in the afternoon after naps. It also gave the elder children some one on one time once youngest were asleep.

115%-120% would be what I would think is reasonable as you can easily have one family with four children.

Whereabouts are you located? Would also agree that 7am may put some people off.

Thanks for all responses - really helpful!

I'm quite surprised that a 7am start would be a problem - this is one of the reasons we were considering it as nurseries/cm's just don't start this early and we both need to be on our way by 7.30 at the latest. Would an earlier finish be a sweetener in this case?

ok - so, theoretically, it could work and will not be seen as 'too much work'. Better get my head round the finance of it all.

thanks again all

earlier finish time will sweeten it i think...

it could definitely work for you all

good luck