help with some basic questions about employing a nanny

[PinkFondantFancy]

I am new to employing a nanny and wondered if I could ask a few questions, sorry if they are obvious...

• I'll be needing care from around 6:30 to 6:30 2 days a week - am I likely to run into difficulties finding people willing to do these hours?

• is it reasonable to 'first round' interview while babies are in bed and then do a follow up interview with kids in tow? I'd like to see how they interact with my kids

• where can I get contracts from? Can payroll companies help?

• is it OK to ask what nanny is currently getting paid?

• what duties in addition to looking after the children are usually asked?

I'm sure I'll think of more Q's but help with these would be great.

I always interview without kids first then 2nd interview with..

for two days a week I think hours are fine.

contracts are readily available. . nannypayroll etc.

Think carefully now about what duties you expect and outline them very clearly. Consider the practicality of what you ask for.. will the child sleep in order to allow her to do ironing for ex. so far I've only ever worked for families that outlined changing child's bed.. washing clothes. . light hoover. That's it. Its common sense to keep tidy and clean up after ones self. Tbf I do extra to help anyway.

I think its ok to ask. .since most interview forms ask these days though id probably phrase it as 'what wage were you looking for? ' Then you can discuss what you are willing to offer at next interview based on what you learn in first interview.

• I'll be needing care from around 6:30 to 6:30 2 days a week - am I likely to run into difficulties finding people willing to do these hours?

I think you may struggle to get people to start at 6.30am. If it were 7am it's a nicer time, though not much nicer. With early start times it is vital to check how far someone is travelling to your home, they will need to be quite local.

• is it reasonable to 'first round' interview while babies are in bed and then do a follow up interview with kids in tow? I'd like to see how they interact with my kids

Yes, not unusual for an initial interview to be in the evening, as many nannies work till quite late and would be coming to an interview after work. Then if that goes fine, you can then arrange a daytime meetup on a day that suits you both.

• where can I get contracts from? Can payroll companies help?

Yes, nanny payroll companies can help. This thread has some links and info about creating a contract/written statement.

• is it OK to ask what nanny is currently getting paid?

Why do you need to know that? Advertise the job with the salary specified. Do not say it is negotiable as it probably is not very negotiable - you will have a set plan for how much you will pay. State in the advert the minimum training requirements, minimum experience you expect, along with the Gross on offer and then see who applies.

• what duties in addition to looking after the children are usually asked?

It varies. Children's laundry and bedding, stacking/unloading the dishwasher, cooking meals for the children, general tidy on occasion. Some nannies will do ironing, others will not. Specify expected duties in the advert. Keep in mind how much time the nanny will have, especially as children get older. You say "babies" so does that mean you have twins, triplets, quads?

Thanks very much for your help, it's much appreciated. I'm starting to interview next week so hopefully we'll find the right person soon.