Best way to find an after school / holiday nanny

[WindyAnna]

Hi everyone

Gutted that my lovely nanny and friend is going to be leaving us after 6 years :( Need to find someone to work with us for after school and holidays. I've advertised on nannyjob and childcare.co.uk but not getting a mass of interest. I've spoken to a couple of agencies but their fees are just a tad crazy and they have only sent me CVs that I've had anyway from nannyjob.

Is it too early to start advertising as current nanny doesn't leave until the end of the summer holidays? Is that why I'm not getting much interest?

All help gratefully received!

Thanks
Wind

What about asking parents at school if they know anyone. Does your nanny have any contacts she could pass to you? I replied to an ad in Lady magazine and no I don't think it is too early to be looking as you are les likely to make a rash decision if you have time on your side.

I don't think it's too early to start advertising, I am a nanny and am thinking of moving cities to start a degree in another town, I would be delighted if I saw an after school and holiday position advertised now because it's one less thing to organise for September.
Perhaps you could advertise on Gumtree or outside child care departments at colleges or universities, it would be perfect because your needs for child care would match their needs for work.
Good luck

Thanks both. No recommendations from other parents at school - think I am the only one still using a nanny and I no help from nanny either as she isn;t really in the local nanny circle any more (my daughter has her own friends now and nanny has her own 2 and so nanny knows mums not nannies!!)

Will advertise on gumtree now. Thanks again!

Hello WindyAnna,

Try other sites like www.findababysitter.com and the local search on mumsnet! You might get better personalised results. Also are you based in a more remote location? Rather than sticking to one place to advertise, I would recommend to use all channels :)

Use your personal network of friends. Your nanny may know another nanny, a friend might have a cousin who is a nanny etc etc. Much cheaper than using an agency. Otherwise, try gumtree.

CR xx

I had the same thing- after more than 5 years our nanny left as there was not really enough for her to do, and I was gutted.

But I ended up finding a great nanny who works in a creche in our local health club- but it's only open in the mornings. I would try local pre-schools and creches which have short hours.

Thanks everyone, will keep trying x

Hi Windyanna,
I just went through the same thing. My nanny just left after Two years, she went back to her country I was gutted to the say the least, it had only taken me six months to find her! I had found her by advertising on Gumtree and Nannyjob.

This time I went the agency route, I tried quite a few astronomical prices, eventually found one through thedomesticguru.co.uk. Just hope this one stays Hope you find someone soon hun :)