Best way to find a nanny ?

[MGrigo]

can anyone recommend the best way to find a nanny locally ? Agency or the internet ?

Start with internet and local ad. If you do not find you get suitable candidates, then consider using an agency. An agency may be able to find you someone quite quickly, if they already have suitable candidates on their books.

Unless you have money to burn I'd start with a) the internet, b) local ads, c) word of mouth.

Mumsnet has its own local search, try posting there, otherwise register on sites like Findababysitter and Childcare. ALso post an ad on gumtree! these are the cheapest ways, if all fails go to an agency :)

Nannyjob.co.uk if you are willing to check references yourself otherwise I found the agencies (including top end London agencies) sent nannies for interview who hadn't been briefed properly or weren't really interested/suitable and I wanted to check references myself anyhow.
Avoid gumtree - too many "I like little children and I want to look after yours" type responses.

gumtree - place an add

Childcare.co.uk and findababysitter websites were v useful for us (the 'babysitter' site has heaps of nannies / childminders registered, some with reviews from previous families). As well as placing your own ad on these sites it's worth searching through the ads the nannies themselves have placed. The sites seems to be well used so keep searching as new listings crop up pretty frequently.

Gumtree was a bit of a mixed bag, with some good responses but a lot of people with v little experience so best to only list there if you've time to wade through the chaff!

We also tried agencies and I was so surprised at how poor their response was, so def a last resort.

What hasn't been mentioned so far is putting small ads up at local playgroups / cafes, this came up with some surprisingly good candidates; also asking around - put the word out amongst friends / friends of friends.

Use the nanny network - when you speak to a potential nanny, if things don't work out with them ask them if they know anyone else who is available.

Also, ask your local family (children's?) information service. They provide a list of childminders with vacancies but also provide details of Ofsted registered nannies with vacancies.

Best of luck with your search

Childcare.co.uk and findababysitter websites were v useful for us (the 'babysitter' site has heaps of nannies / childminders registered, some with reviews from previous families). As well as placing your own ad on these sites it's worth searching through the ads the nannies themselves have placed. The sites seems to be well used so keep searching as new listings crop up pretty frequently.

Gumtree was a bit of a mixed bag, with some good responses but a lot of people with v little experience so best to only list there if you've time to wade through the chaff!

We also tried agencies and I was so surprised at how poor their response was, so def a last resort.

What hasn't been mentioned so far is putting small ads up at local playgroups / cafes, this came up with some surprisingly good candidates; also asking around - put the word out amongst friends / friends of friends.

Use the nanny network - when you speak to a potential nanny, if things don't work out with them ask them if they know anyone else who is available.

Also, ask your local family (children's?) information service. They provide a list of childminders with vacancies but also provide details of Ofsted registered nannies with vacancies.

Best of luck with your search

childcare.co.uk

Gumtree used to be good, but it's had its day - sadly.

IMO most agencies are shite & are expensive and with the job situation being what it is, the same nannies will apply through the agencies as childcare.co.uk as no nannies will be relying on getting a job through the agencies alone.

You need to check refs personally anyway - so what is there to gain by using an agency? Nothing in my opinion.

Make your ad clear - what you need, what you are looking for and what you are all like as a family. Don't make it war & peace, but at the same time, give them an idea of what your family is like :)