would these nanny arrangements be silly?

[dustyspringfield]

1. There seem to be more part-time than full-time nannies available in my area. I need full-time childcare. Is it a silly plan to look for two nannies to effectively 'jobshare'? I can foresee problems if one leaves and I have to find another on the same days to fill the role, maybe a bad plan.

1. Nannies with own children. Can this work? I absolutely need someone reliable as I don't have a back up.

1. Nannies who don't drive. We live 20 minutes walk from local shops, park and some playgroups, a drive away from other stuff. I'm thinking its going to be chilly in the winter. Public transport is OK, but not great. Does anyone else make it work with a non-driver?

I know there will be compromises, just not sure how many to make!

It may have the benefit of one being able to cover the other for an occasional day of absence. Depends what else they do during their week.

How do you know no one would want fulltime? Many nannies do like part time but they may bs tempted to do fulltime.

I feel driving is an essential skill for a nanny to have.

I've never known anyone to employ two part time nannies. I think it could be very confusing/unsettling for your children. I'd hold out for part time if you can.

NWOC can work really well and save you money so I wouldn't rule that out. Meet some NWOC and see what they have to offer/whether you think it could work.

I'm a nanny and I don't drive and I know many nannies in the area who either don't or can't drive so it's definitely not essential. That said, I'm im London so public transport is excellent and pretty much everything is within waking distance (I consider 20 mins walking distance btw!).

i think having 2 nannies sharing could work well, esp if they cover each other if other was ill, but depends what they do on the other days, you would ideally need a 2 day nanny and a3 day nanny

nwoc could work and as long as you make clear you are happy for nwoc to bring ill child with you shouldnt be a problem

driving for your location i think is essential, there is one nanny i know who doesnt drive and has always found jobs but she is learning and keeps failing

london and other major cities not a prob

Nanny with own child can work well - depends on the age of your child & theirs... If either is too young there can be difficulties with nanny having to choose priorities and I'm not comfortable with either decision in that scenario. So, preschoolers rather than toddlers or babies.

Two part time nannies can also work, but probably easier to find one full time one. I say this having had experience of two part time nannies, though I have to have seven days covered rather than five (I'm physically disabled and husband walked out), so I couldn't have just one.

• Pros: can cover each others holidays, if one is ill you only have to find cover for half the week. You can find they complement each others skills, eg one very tidy and great at art, one very sporty and spends all day in the park/ pool. They can work really nicely alongside each other and support each other, become really close. They can also swap shifts occasionally so they can have an evening out without worrying about either going home early or being tired/ hungover in the morning.

• Cons: coordinating both requires time and effort! They need to talk/ message to each other to hand over / say what needs doing or how the children are. You have to actively manage them and it can be tricky as there are more complications eg one up man ship between them / whining about job splits, work load or even wages etc. or gossiping or playing favourites. So you need to recruit for ability to work in a team/ with others which isnt necessarily a nanny skill/ experience, especially if youre going If you can't get them to coordinate holidays it can be twice the trouble in coping with them being away.

Driving depends on area, in London/ big cities it's not an issue.

Hope any of that helps!

Oh and my son hasn't had an issue being confused / torn between two nannys, it's just not been an issue, in the same way as going to preschool and having a nanny isn't confusing for them. As long as its not too fragmented, and you ensure the ways of doing things are united ie discipline and treats, it's fine.

But it is more work, so don't think of it as the easy option!

One if my nanny friends doesn't drive & works in a village with ok but not great bus links into town (hourly service). She manages to get out & about no problems but I know it has list her jobs in the past. I wouldn't dismiss a great nanny for this reason alone but if I had to choose,I'd go with a driver.

Our nanny doesn't have a car and neither do any of our friends' nannies. School is a 15 min. bus ride away and she and the children have bus passes. Until last month my daughter went to a nursery at the end of our street. We have a park 5 mins. walk away.

Nanny with own children sounds fine but do consider what might happen in the future e.g. their kid starting school, etc.

Jobshare seems like a minefield. If there's no other option at least make sure they have distinct days.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your perspectives and ideas

I'm surprised you're finding it hard to find someone full time tbh - where I am, it's the other way round, loads of nannies who want full time jobs and not many employers offering that.

I don't know where you are though. Maybe try advertising more widely - you might even find someone who is willing to move to your area if you can offer a full time job?

I'd hold out for a driver too tbh in your shoes. Our nanny doesn't drive and I'm happy with that, but we are in London and have loads of stuff within 5-10 minute walk plus easy public transport.

NWOC - I decided not to, mainly as my DD is a handful enough on her own ! It brings complications and if you can afford not to have to consider it then I wouldn't.