Nanny/babysitter for children with special needs

[Hannyt03]

Hi, I am a special needs nanny and currently working with a lovely little boy. I have had a idea and wanted to get some feedback from you guys.

I am thinking about starting up a special needs nanny agency, it would provide all different levels of care for as many or as little hours as parents need. The parents wouldn't have to pay any start up or finders fee like other agencies. I would also have a physiotherapist and a special needs teacher that parents could book through me.

All nannies/babysitters would be CRB checked and have over 2 years special needs experience.

Would this be a service that's useful? Any ideas on how to make it better?

Really appreciate people taking the time out to read this and give some feedback!!

That sounds like a good idea. Lots of families get Direct Payments from children's services, which they use to buy in support like this. Might be worth finding out if this is available in your area, and what the hourly rate they pay is.

Yes yes yes.

We really struggle with childcare. Also you are planning to have a Physio on your books a Physio assistant would also be excellent ie someone who isn't a qualified Physio but is happy to carry out Physio program's or exercises.

yes,yes,yes,yes please. also struggling with childcare for special needs in croydon area and it will be a great idea to have a central place to look for available resources

sounds like a fab idea

how will u cover your overheads without charging parents or will u charge parents for example £12/hr but nanny gets £7.50/hr

It's a nice idea, there is one agency out there already who does it a d I imagine you would also be competing with any local clubs/schemes. I would look at payment structure, I know I myself have gained work through direct payments and the rate seems to be very similar whoever you work for- you may find people unwilling to work for less if they know they could cut out the middle man :) pm me if you would like more info on pay etc :)

Sounds good but a lot of hard work goes into running an agency and reconmending nannies - you will need to do all checks on them

If no fees then how do you expect to pay

Surely not taking a cut of the hourly rate?

Where would you be offering your services?

Yes please.

Our older child has additional needs and we can't just hire a babysitter if we want to go out

Yes please.

Our older child has additional needs and we can't just hire a babysitter if we want to go out

Always a good idea... though bare in mind that SNAP already offer this service :-) They don't ever seem to have many jobs on file though (I'm always on the lookout for work) so maybe if you can find out why you could be onto something!