What am I after?

[Emmiedarling]

I'm a soon to be single Mum and would like someone to come and help me perhaps three afternoons a week.

I'd like them to be able to sometimes have sole charge of my baby and perhaps do a bit of cleaning/take dog for a pee.

What is the difference between a nanny, CM and a mother's help?

And what, roughly, are their hourly rates (London) ?

Many thanks - I haven't a clue!

Hi

If you are looking for someone to come to your house, you def dont want a CM. They work for themselves in their homes, and do childcare only.

I would say you are looking for a mothers help, the job would entail working alongside you, in a shared care role. I dont know the rates of pay at all, but MH roles are often ideal for younger iniexperienced nannies looking for their first nannying role.

As a single parent, have you considered an aupair? they would live in your house, and would do those duties, but am not sure about the sole charge of a baby bit/

im sure someone much more knowledgeable will be along in a mo!!

I would say your looking for a mothers help. The person would do everything you are asking.

Not sure on London rates but I'm in Bucks and if I was a mothers help I'd charge £6/£7per hour

Thank you so much for your help.

It looks as though it needs to be a nanny or mothers help!

Emmie I have a mothers help in SW London and pay £9 per hour (I have baby twins though). I know several people who have mothers helps and don't know anyone paying less than £9-£10 hour gross rate in London.

Ceeveebee - thanks thats really helpful. Do you mind me asking where you found them?

How often do you get them to come and is it a huge help?

Thanks!

I found her on gum tree, there is a section where nannies list themselves as available. She called herself nanny/housekeeper. She is very very helpful - a mature lady with grown up kids. She helps me with feeding, (bottles and solids), bath and bedtime as DH never home on tim. She is also happy to muck in and do a bit of cleaning, ironing etc as well as sole care for a couple of hours a week, also will come swimming (can't go alone with two) and to playgroups if I ask her to.

She sounds fantastic! I dont suppose she has a friend that is just like her?! ;)

Have you tried you local college?? The childcare department may be able to send someone whose looking for experience.

Also, you might wish to try homestart as they might send you a volunteer for one of the afternoons - saving you some money!

You'll want a Nanny or a Mother's Help.
From my experience mother's helps are cheaper but you could easily get involved in a Nanny Share which will probably be the best for you!
Have a look at the current ads in Gumtree and also ads in agencies to get an idea of what other people are offering.
I wouldn't recommend an Au-pair (the cheapest option) for sole charge of a baby as they tend to be gap year students or the like without much experience.

Good luck!

xxx