Questions to ask when interviewing a nanny

[CruCru]

I am interviewing a part time (live out) nanny later on this afternoon and wondered if there are any questions I should definitely ask her? At the moment it is for two days a week but we would want her to go up to three days when I go back to work. Our DS is 4 mo.

I have spoken with her on the phone and she is bringing references, first aid cert, criminal checks record etc with her.

Thanks!

Hi Cru Cru,

As all these things are very personal / specific to the job it's hard to say exactly what you should be asking ? but I have cut and pasted a series of questions that I keep as a template for email interviews ? HTH .. and please make sure you check references and know how to read a CRB ?

Good luck!

Why do you want to be / like being a nanny?
Which was your best nannying job and why?
Have you ever had to deal with an emergency and is your 1st Aid up to date?
Do you know anyone in the area?
Do you find it easy to make friends and how will you ensure that the children have an active social life?

Why are you interested in our job? 

What kind of activities do you like to do with children? 

Do you have any health issues?
Do you hold a valid drivers? licence and have you driven children in a car before? Do you have the correct insurance for your car and do you have nanny insurance?
Do you have experience of the usual nursery duties including:

• Cooking
• Ironing
• Cleaning
• Looking after children overnight Are you OK with our house rules regarding the children (please give her an example of how you deal with the children if they are being naughty)? What would you do if one of the children was sick in your care? How do you help children to cross the road and be safe outdoors? Do you have any health issues? How would you describe your approach to discipline? Do you have any other skills such as a musical instrument? What is your favourite meal to cook for children?

Why did she leave her previous job(s)?

If you want her to cook for your children ask her what she can cook but also what the last meal that she cooked was? Might give you more of an idea of her cooking ability.

how much time they took off in their previous job?
Have they ever had a car accident?
what are their strengths and weaknesses?
How do they keep up to date with current legislation?
How do they develop themselves professionally?

Hi all

It is much too late to reply but thank you very much for your responses. We hired the lady I interviewed that day and she is fab.

CruCru