Am I being realistic - would a nanny do this and how do I find one please.

[shinybaubles]

We are returning to the uk after a few years abroad with two children 6 and 2, as of September they will both be in school. What we have been dreaming about is a nanny who is available for all the school holidays and one of the weekend days every week and available for babysitting when needed - now I know this sounds like a partime post - but we are happy to get a full time nanny who will have a lot of free days for herself. I just want to be able to offer some continuity for my boys. Also one who is happy to travel with us when we go on holiday.
Do you think a nanny would do this, what should I be aware of and how do I find one, anything else I may have overlooked please feel free to point out.
Thankyou.

Would you be needing the nanny for before and after school care?
If so and you were paying a full time wage I wouldn't see any problems getting someone.
A five day week with the days off together, eg, fri/sat off work sun or work sat sun/mon off wouldn't be a problem. Practically all full time nannies work in the school holidays as part of their normal hours.

Hi nannyr generally no we probably wouldn't need before or after school care maybe once a week - if we had other commitments. Would this be a problem and we would probably want a nanny who could work on saturday 10 till 5.

The kind of hours you describe would suit a student very well I'd have thought. Maybe worth asking at local colleges/universities (especially those studying childcare of course )

Miniepie sensible point but I think dh would insist on a proper nanny. Do you think apart from the holidays it is too little work as such for a nanny .

You might find that a difficult post to fill. The nanny would be pretty bored throughout the week, but couldn't really commit to another job or even voluntary work because of needing to work in the holidays or being on call for babysitting/after school pick up.
It also seems a very expensive way of getting seven hours child care a week (term time).

You are right nannyr but this is the reality of what we need. Do you think it's worth advertising and if so where?

If I was you I would go to one of the London agencies. I used to get my jobs through Greycoat Placements who are used to working with people who require something a little different to the Monday - Friday positions.

Do you think that this maybe a job for a nanny housekeeper - do they exist as we were going to get a cleaner part time. Obviously we would want the person employed to do more nannying and less cleaning during the holidays, and we would do the extra cleaning during this time. Would this be a better idea?

Thanks jaminmywelies but we ate not in London- does this matter - as we would want live out.

A nanny housekeeper is very feasible.

Can you give the general area in which you are looking I may be able to recommend an agency?

Then that may be the answer - we will be in Kent between Canterbury and margate.

Hmm dont know any in that area but am sure that the decent agencies in London will either cover Kent or be able to recommend an agency.

I think someone would bit your hand off!

Full time nanny pay (ish), with lots of hours off during the week? Fabulous!

Would you consider a nanny with her own baby? This may be ideal if she has a partner who would look after her baby for the Saturday and for the evening occasions.

You could try putting an ad on www.childcare.co.uk, and seeing what sort of response you get.

I have in the past done before and after school and during the day worked in a nursery 9 - 1 . I would go in and do some ironing during the day as well ,Though I know lots of nannies don`t iron.I was then available for all the holidays and also worked occasional weekends .Maybe this is what you need someone who is in a nursery during the day and can do holidays when her or his nursery is shut.

Hi shinybaubles, as indicated earlier, post on gumtree and interview some people. I know some nannies who would actually love having that many hours off! meanwhile you can register on sites like Nanny in Canterbury and Childcare and get an idea of the type of candidates you can potentially have!

Yes this would be a great job for somebody with a baby/toddler like me just shame we are moving to Crowborough in east Sussex which is quite far for me. Good luck finding someone! Won't be difficult.

Oh hello there. I remember you from your earlier posts about the schools - did you go for the school with the less user-friendly head in the end? Well done on getting in if you did - I think they have just closed their books on new intake because they are completely full now.

Lots of people have combined nanny/housekeepers round here, but very few have live-out ones. You should be able to find something though. One option is that lots of the TAs in the two schools you were looking at work privately for families over the holidays - but they work on Saturdays so wouldn't suit you for weekend stuff. It is hit and miss if you can find one though - once they find a family they tend to stay with them for a number of years. If you ask the school I am sure they will check for you. you can also post in ad in the school newsletter that goes out to all parents, asking if they know someone.

I know of one lovely nanny who will be starting a midwifery course in September and won't be nannying any more, but this may suit her down to the ground. She's a good driver, takes her charges 'crabbing' and stuff like that, and is a really 'good egg' (she worked for friends of mine). She's a live-out. She may have no interest in working while she studies, of course. I've no idea. Do you want me to find out for you?

You could try asking a nannyshare agency: it might suit someone who can't share in termtime due to eg long/whacky school run, but would like to share costs & have some "on tap" friends for their DCs in the holidays.

I think putting up notices in or near pre-schools, schools, nurseries etc might attract a candidate who wants the hours you are looking for.

Also, I think that Canterbury University offers education studies, so you might get someone who is part way through a teaching course who already has a lot of experience with children.

Canterbury Christ Church is the uni that does lots of teaching/childcare courses

Wow thanks for all the tips and replies - sorry I have vanished both kids have colds and dh - may well run off to the Bahamas soon .
Will check out those websites and it is a great idea about the universities but that' a bit difficult from Belgium , but will do if I fail with the long distance planning.
Stillsquiffy - hi yes the boys got offers at both schools and they are going to the one with the less smiley head in September really happy about that, thankyou for asking. Also found a house to rent although not in an area wanted but it's the right size and an ok drive to the school.
Please do ask the nanny you know, we really need someone from end of June beginning of July until the end of Summer at least, we are flexible with days and hours etc.

ok - will let you know what she says

Thanyou

lots of nannies would love this job!!!!
advertise on the net, just google nanny needed and it will come up loads of agencies and sites that you won't need to visit, you will be able to do it thru email, telephone and the wonders of Skype if needed... good luck