What should I be asking a potential nanny any advice for a newbie

[shinybaubles]

I have been looking for a nanny for my two boys, and may have two potential nannies, one is a nanny and the other is a teaching assistant - on paper and from email I prefer the teaching assistant. And will be inviting them to come and meet me to discuss further etc.
What should I be asking?
Also should they meet the boys at this meeting?
Is this when I would mention the kind of activities that I would like them do to with the kids?
What about things like tv watching etc?
I will only have time to meet them once before hiring as we live out of the uk at the moment and will only be back once before we relocate back.
Any advice would be welcome

Ask them scenario based questions that might occur e.g. what would you do if it was raining outside, the boys were restless and misbehaving?

Explain what your discipline routine is, if she agrees with that, does she have any experience of doing that etc
Ask her general experience if you aren't sure from her CV - has she looked after boys, what was their routine, what sort of things did she do?
Give her the opportunity to ask you questions - she should have loads! What your routine is, what the boys/family's interests are, do they do extra clubs/sports etc?

Thanks carolynR,
You make some good points. I would not have thought of a few of them. We are meeting next week and I really hope she is as competent as she sounds. And gets on with the boys.

If you only have the chance to see her once before making a hiring a decision, you should have her meet the boys. You will want to see how she interacts with them and whether they seem to get along. Ideally, you would want time alone with her for part of the interview so you can ask all your questions, then time with the kids (as it will be harder to have an adult conversation with the two boys around!).
Does she have experience with your boys' age group (does she need experience in potty training, weaning, etc.?), what types of activities will she do (indoors/outdoors), views on dealing with bad behaviour, views on routine, do you need her to cook (does she cook well? views on nutrition?). What is she looking for in her next nanny job? Why did she leave last job? And let her ask questions (will help you see how motivated/serious she is about the position too).

Pink peony good advice you sound like you know my boys . We will be meeting in an empty house so I hope she gets a good sense of our personalities etc. Very good point about potty training as that is beginning next month. Thankyou.