a question for all you nannies...

[Tutter]

hope you don't mind me picking your brains...

am a sahm looking for a nanny for around 6 months when ds2 arrives later in the summer

have been told that most nannies prefer sole charge work

what does this mean for me, do you think? should i be looking for someone newly qualified or with little experience? what might make one nanny happy to work alongside mum, and another not?

any thoughts/advice would be gratefully received

(also - nannynick - ds1 would love a male nanny - was wondering if specialist agencies cover this...?)

Tutter, you might get a better response if you post this on www.nannyjob.co.uk.

Some nannies don't have a problem with shared charge - my last job was shared charge and it was great because I got on really well with the mum so it was actually nice (for both of us) to have another adult around to chat too! However with my current job if the mum was around all day I'd hate it... I think being happy with shared charge really comes down to the personality of the nanny and the mum, but probably newly qualifieds or people looking to build up their experience would be happier with it.

Maybe advertising for a mother's help rather than a nanny would be a good idea?

Agree with Rachel - the job title "Nanny" tends to imply sole charge.

A mother's help is usually an younger person with little in the way of experience and training. This can work to your advantage, as you can mould the person to the job, IYSWIM. He/she should be capable of handling some sole charge - ie a few hours at a time, trips to park etc. You can also reasonably ask your MH to do some light household chores - ironing, putting shopping away etc., but not cleaning the bathroom, hoovering the entire house or cleaning the oven, for instance. In terms of nursery duties, he/she should be happy to do the children's laundry, sort through toys, cook for your ds1 etc. Mother's helps are also cheaper than nannies.

Some nannies don't mind shared care at all, but the term "Mother's help" sends a very definite message to prospective employees: it's not sole charge, it's a position in which to gain experience.

HTH

thanks all - this is helpful

have registered for nannyjob.co.uk and will post a smiliar question there...

There are no specialist agencies for male nannies to my knowledge. In London there is a new agency called My Big Buddy, but they don't actually seem to supply nannies - more like someone to entertain a boy during part of the day, taking them out to play football for example.

With regard to sole charge - if in advertising you are clear with regard to the care being shared, i.e. parent at home... then it should not be an issue. I am just about to start doing shared care... for a term, so will be interesting to see what it is like. Been working for the family for 5 terms so far as a sole charge nanny, but with new baby on the way, the mother is on maternity leave for Summer Term.

How old will DS1 be when DS2 arrives? The job could be ideal for a new nanny, as it is short (so not a long commitment) but long enough to gain some experience, plus could involve some occasional care of a newborn.

nick - ds1 will be 2.2 when ds2 arrives (july)

(am finding nannyjob useful in giving pointers - thanks for the tip eleusis...)

As DS1 is an active toddler, having someone who can take him out to the park, beach, swimming pool, that sort of thing, will be very handy for you. Would suit a male nanny like myself, and equally suite a female nanny. If you plan care for DS2 mostly yourself, then having an unqualified / inexperienced nanny should not prove too much of a problem, as you will be around most of the time. Based on the timing, you may find that you get college leavers, including people who have just completed some kind of childcare training who are looking for their first job.

Good luck with your hunt for a nanny.

as a nanny i have no problem with a parent (who fully backs you up, doesnt over rule etc) being around!
(equally i would never over rule anything that mummy and dadddy have said either)

It has to be quite clear to the child who is in charge, and once something has been said, thats it, the otehr wotn over rule!

Im sure you will have no problem finding someone..

personally i would have a problem with a job only being for 6 months though.

On the otehr hand it may really suit a nanny whose boss is on maternity leave at the same time!

Good Luck!

I think the key to it is you and the nanny getting on with each other!