Jura, how's the nanny hunt?

[Eleusis]

So, Jura, you haven't really kept us informed very well. Do you have a new nanny or what? And did youpay an extortionate agency rip of fee????? Enquiring minds want to know!

Well, I obviously can't keep up with all the threads.

You might want to try Great Au Pair. As I think I said on another thread, I have joined that one. So if you have a browse and see someone you want to talk to, I would gladly pass you their e-mail address.

I think I'm likely to end up with another Canadian. I actually set out seeking a New Zealander because I had heard good things about them, but I seem to keep talking to Canadians so perhaps that is my fate.

Okay, I've talked to potential Canadian nanny and she seems positively lovely... why do I have this nagging "Are you sure Eleusis????" feeling. I can't think of anything else to ask. The only thing that isn't great is that her reference commented that tidiness was not her strong point... and I'm so tired of a house that is an utter and complete tip (which admittedly is my and DH's fault). And, really, there are more important things than tidiness... right??

I told her I'd make a decision by Friday....

Ele: you could always stump up £30 a week for a cleaner. Better a happy nanny than a tidy house

Oh, what a lovely idea, we should should have a nanny swap thread. A bit like when football teams sell of their player to other clubs, but I want a staight swap.

Oxo, it's not about cleaning, it's about tidiness. I want things put away in their proper place. I'm not bothered about a dirty kitchen floor and a bthroom sink covered with soapscum... well it would be nice if those were clean. But, what I don't like is piles of shoes at the foot of the stairs, and puzzles which only have half of their pieces.

But, I might just grin and bear it because she did seem fantastic in so many other ways. Definately scored very high on the click factor...

Say Oxo, how is your nanny arrangement going?

Jura, the Slovakian is out because one of the things I want this time is someone who speaks English as a first language and will fit in a socialise with the mums/carers at the school gate at our COE school in Twickenham. Hence, the Canadain / New Zealand approach. Also, this potential nanny is very keen to get involved with an Anglican church.... which gives her huge bonus points in my book.

Well, I have only just this morning sent off an e-mail offering her the job. I think she is going to accept. But, of course, nothing is official until she does. I hope she accepts. But, even if she doesn't, I still have plenty of time to find another.

I am a bit jealous that you get to interview in person. But, oh well, fingers crossed she'll be lovely.

Oh, and I think that your DS is old enough that only 20 wouldn't be a big concern for me. You are definately at a stage where I would regard the click factor much higher than things like formal qualifications and baby experience.

Yippee. Congratulations. When does she start?

Current nanny finishes work 22 June. Then we have two weeks of hols to cover the time until new one arrives on the 6th or 7th and then she starts work on the 9th. So, we onley have a weekend to get to know her. It's not really the ideal handover. But, the new can come earlier and the old one can't stay longer. So, it is what it is.

Maybe let my new nanny get settled in and we can introduce them around mid or enf July.