Finding nanny/au-pair work

[flyingpig7]

I'm from the UK and am currently an au-pair in Germany. I've been thinking about what do after I finish here and was wondering how to go about looking for nanny-type jobs in the UK and whether I would be likely to find anything.

I'm 25, have a BA and an MA, but no qualifications related to childcare. I will have more than 18 months au-pair experience in three families (one summer job, one for 6 months and the current one for at least year) with kids from 2 months to 10 years, plus a lot of babysitting and Brownies, as well as work experience in schools and a forest kindergarten. My current au-pair job involves quite a lot of responsibility - overnights once or twice a week, cooking, I take the little boy on trips etc. The final thing to consider would be that I would probably be only looking for something short term (Either January - September or Easter - September) and might want to have enough free time to do some work experience/observation in a British school (I am considering starting a PGCE in September). I could do live-in anywhere but would prefer live-out in Surrey.

Where do those living in the UK find nannies? I've only used aupairworld before.

Would it be likely that I could find something? How far in advance do people start looking?

Thanks!

You might struggle to find something that short term. You could try and join an agency that provides short-term nannies, but they'd normally want more experience/qualifications.

You might be better looking for an au pair or mothers help role in the UK.

If you could commit long term and were willing to become Ofsted registered you'd find something no problem.

Thanks.

I'm a little reluctant to go for mother's help roles because I imagine in those kinds of jobs there is often a parent around and I know from experience that I don't really enjoy that, however lovely the mum is. But it might be worth looking into, what websites etc are helpful for that? Do you think I'd be considered for au-pair positions even though I'm British? I would feel a bit awkward about applying and I'm not sure what the legal take would be.

Have a look on Gumtree ( m.gumtree.com/live-out-nanny-babysitting-jobs/surrey) if you're looking after older children being Ofsted registered isn't a requirement (you can join the voluntary register)

can you drive? I found most parents were more interested in driving than ofsted (!) as you're over 25 people will be happier to insure you as it will be cheaper!

Yes, I can drive. Thanks, I'll have a look on gumtree.

I do find it a little bit scary that the families I've au-paired for are happy for me to come and look after their kids with no references/checks etc, but it worked in my favour.

Being Ofsted registered isn't a requirement for nannies no matter what age the children are. However, if you're looking for nanny roles where the pay is significantly higher than an au pair or mother's help, many families need to use tax credits/childcare vouchers and for that you need to be Ofsted registered.