Central London part-time nanny/ childminder advice needed for 2 yo PFB!

[Mummyteachmummy]

Moving for husband's work.

So far I've been able to work a day a week, leaving DD (22 months) with DH using his flexitime. From Sept, when we move, I have to work two days a week so will need somebody else to help out, maybe two mornings, two afternoons, maybe even the full two days if I could find somebody great enough...

Any advice much appreciated. DD quite a shy little thing so I'm not at all convinced any sort of group care would be right. Maybe a childminder? My dream would be a nanny, but is it possible to employ a nanny on such a part-time basis?!

Any advice on where to look (or even personal recommendations!) much appreciated!

TIA

it's totally possible (common even) to employ a nanny for two days or one day only. Many nannies work for different families on different days of the week. 2 mornings or two afternoons would be trickier, as it makes it hard for the nanny to find work the other half if the day. you might be best to try to find a nanny share with someone who is happy to share care for half a day?

Whereabouts in central London will you be, op?

I agree it may be difficult to find someone for mornings or afternoons. During school hours (say 9-3) would work for a lot of nannies with their own older children, or for childminders who have children before and after school.

Thanks ladies, the full day and school-run thing v useful to know as it hadn't occurred to me at all!

malovitt I'll be working in Westminster. Not sure where we'll be living yet, but hoping for somewhere nearish...

Oh, another idea. If DD will be 2 years old by September then she could go to pre school. This usually runs 9-12 ish. You could start her doing that 2 mornings a week? (usually kids start off doing 2 mornings and then work up to more but no reason she'd have to)

However they only run during school term time so suspect that may not work for you.

Ooh, I should have said it is actually term time only I need as I'm a teacher. Not sure she's ready for nursery though - as I say she's a bit shy and entirely used to 1-1 with an adult; I think she'd absolutely hate being left in a big, noisy nursery!

Ah ok! Well in that case you could be an ideal candidate for a childminder or nanny who has school age kids, or someone with school age kids who wants to share their nanny.

Ok, sorry for the ridiculous levels of cluelessness, but... how do I find somebody?! Should I find an agency? Or is it better just to advertise privately? If so any ideas on best ways places to do so? I'm going to be living in a different part of the country til September, so it's basically impossible to do anything through 'real life' word of mouth...

Childminder: ask your local council for a list. Then find someone whose location/hours suit you. They also have Ofsted reports

Nanny: you could use an agency but will pay an extortionate amount handsomely for it. I found my fab nanny through an advert on a local internet forum. Nannyshares are often found the same way, though there are a couple of nannyshare specific websites (nannyshare.co.uk and thenannysharers). Mumsnet local sections have a childcare and nannyshare forum.

However you really need to know where you're living first! Obviously, areas with a high number of young families will probably give you more local childcare options. Especially if you want a nannyshare.

Thank you so much minipie - really, really helpful! x