What's the going rate for an experienced nanny with own child - West London?

[Ktay]

Am just trying to decide between two great nannies, both of whom have good solid CVs and good references. I can only afford to offer my preferred candidate the bottom of her desired salary range, which works out at just under £10ph gross. I just wondered how likely she is to find a placement offering much more than this as I don't want to risk losing her to a more lucrative opportunity if one comes along. She has a baby of her own and we are in a leafy West London suburb. I think in all other respects our role is probably quite an attractive option (convenience; age of our DCs; holidays; lovely employers etc).

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give.

Presume she wants to bring the baby? If so then a lot less roles will be open to her. Plus stability and attractiveness of role is likely to be important to her. And in any event nannies bringing babies to new roles can generally command less money than those without.

I think £10 ph is too much for nanny bringing own child. How old are your children? Is having a toddler in tow in a year or two going to impact the quality of their care significantly?

Thanks - my older DC is 3.6 and we both have babies of a similar age, so I'm not too worried about compatibility on that front. I know she is waiting to hear back on a couple of other applications so sounds like there are suitable jobs out there (not sure what salary they're offering, should have asked in retrospect...)

Another thing to consider is that she may take your job, but then leave when she gets a better offer in a year or two. I wouldn't hire someone who wasn't sure she wanted the job. But, if you do hire her, I think you need some incentive in the contract for her to stay. A long notice period? A bonus for staying two years?

Also consider that if she leaves, your children will not only lose their nanny but also your little one witll lose a little friend.

And for £10 gross, I'd rather have a less experienced nanny who is more likely to stick around.

That's true, but then realistically either candidate (they both have a young DS) might spring a maternity leave on me in a year or two so I am prepared for the prospect that I might need to investigate alternatives - whether short- or long-term - at some point. DD1 will be at school by then so a childminder might be an option. I'm more worried about the immediate risk of having to go back to square one sorting good, affordable childcare for my imminent return to work if this candidate bins me at the last minute in favour of a more lucrative offer! And burning bridges with the more affordable runner-up candidate in the meantime.

Bumping for anyone already in a similar set-up...

When I nannied with my own child in tow I chose my position carefully as I wanted a long term job. I wouldn't have wanted to chop and change jobs as that would have been disruptive to my own dd. So you may find a NWOC more likely to stay long term.

I was in my position for 3 years and my boss and I went on maternity leave at the same time with our 2nd babies and they were born a day apart