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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Don't know where to start - help Girls!

10 replies

copey · 26/01/2006 13:35

Live in remote North Devon, have 2 boys under age of 3 currently in excellent but expensive Nursery. Will be working full time as of September and think I want to go down the nanny route as family live along way away. Sickness etc with children is a real issue at Nursery and am always feeling compromised with work, home & nursery. Don't knnow really how to begin finding Nanny. Have been looking at Best Bear. My area is a problem. Some agencies want you to pay to register first when you don't know if they even have girls in area. Where should I start. Boys care is paramount as is my sanity!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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babydales · 26/01/2006 14:19

Good luck and thanks for the Mutsy.

Original poster
copey · 26/01/2006 14:22

How is it all going? Have you had a baby in it yet?

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ladymuck · 26/01/2006 14:50

Must admit that I've never trusted agencies who ask for cash from clients up front.

The dreaded "word of mouth" is always the best route, so I hope that someone from the area sees this. It is probably also worth looking at gumtree.com and "The Lady" magazine (that I would only ever buy for this purpose!).

If an agency wants you to pay before they give you any indication of availability then don't do it! Never a good sign in my experience. If they had the nannies they would tell you!

HellyBelly · 26/01/2006 15:05

Have you checked the childcare jobs board? There's a link on there to something that may help.

babydales · 26/01/2006 15:49

Not due the baby until July so have had the 2 year old out for walks. I have bought loads of accessories as well. Its really great and now we can fold it up too.

surreynanny · 30/01/2006 16:59

Why not put an ad in th North Devon Journal or the Western Morning News. You could also contact North Devon Collage and see if they have any students that are suitable.
Good luck I used to live and nanny in N Devon

www.surreynanny.com

SqueakyCat · 30/01/2006 18:21

In a different area but with a similar situation I got good results from both the methods surreynanny suggests - advertising in local papers (cost about £50 each) and calling the local college (cost about 10p, which found me my nanny).

Wouldn't pay agency anything apart from if they actually find someone I take - at least half the agencies I registered with (for free) didn't come up with a single candidate of any description.

Original poster
copey · 31/01/2006 12:36

Thanks for all your tips Girls!!

OP posts:
beachyhead · 31/01/2006 13:10

See if Tinies has got a branch in your area, they seem to get results for me.....

uwila · 31/01/2006 13:20

Also try an ad on www.nannyjob.co.uk. If you are looking for a live-in I think the prospects are better, especially if you are willing to consider a non-UK citizen. I hear good things about australian and canadian nannies. I have a canadian one and really like her. I think Princess Peahead speaks highly of her experience with Aussies. (though she may be a bit preoccupied with a new born these days so don't know if she'll be on to offer advice)

Personally, I think youngish nannies are good for yound children. Youngish meaning early or mid twenties -- not a teenager.

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