Exeter: nanny agencies & nanny pay rates

[badgermrs]

Hi there mumsnetters. I'm a mumsnet virgin who has just moved to the South West from London. Does anyone know any good nanny agencies who cover the Exeter area? Also, what are live out nannies paid around here? Any help greatly appreciated!

No idea. But thought I'd give you a nice friendly bump.

Very good of you.

bump! let's help the mumsnet virgin girls!!

I can't believe no one has been here. So I'll say a few words on agencies... Well, I personally avoid them like the plague. I've never actually used one, but I've heard a tons of nightmare stories about them. And they do cost an arm and a leg...

Anyway, if I was looking for a nanny in Exeter I would hit the train on www.gumtree.com, www.nannyjob.co.uk, and possibly www.greataupair.com (although the site is much more au pair focussed you might find a suitable nanny). Greataupair is primarily for people looking for live-in but you do see some nannies there looking for live-out positions.

Also, there is a Mumsnetter who is a childminder in Exeter. She looked after my kids last summer and I can confirm that she is indeed lovely. Her sceeenname is goosegg (or goosey?). She also has a daughter who I think works in childcare. You might try sending her a CAT and she might be able to give better advice regarding childcare in Exeter.

I would start by posting an ad on nannyjob and one on gumtree that gives a brief job description (hours, duties, location, childrens ages, etc.). I would post my e-mail address and ask for interested candidates to e-mail me with a picture of themselves and a current CV. Then, for the CVs you like, I'd e-mail a standard (but thorough) questionnaire. I'd then contact say 3 to 5 of them for a chat and go from there.

ALWAYS take up references. Don't hire anyone who doesn't have good contactable references.

I don't know about nanny agencies but there are several of us on mumsnet who have recently moved to Exeter - so Hello welcome! You can find us if you look in the Meet-up threads. Some of the others on those threads might know about nannies.

Thanks uwila (great advice) and fennel (will check out the meet up threads). balancingact, thanks for introdcuing me to MN. Am gradually getting the hang of it. Very friendly people!

Hi badgermrs, I used to work in a nursery in Exeter, mind you, that was a few years ago now so I'm a bit out of the child care circuit. not very much help to you I'm afraid but just wanted to say hello!

uwila, could you tell me what a CAT is. Sorry if this is a dim question. Thanks

"Contact a Mumsnetter" in the blue bar across the top of the page.

Ah - quite dim - yes! Thanks.

You are not dim -- I just know my way around because I spend far too much time here!