Nanny to Nursery... AIBU!?

[NannyClaire]

OK, has ayone else had such bad experiences with jobhunting that they have moved back into a nursery setting just to have job security?

I am an inexperienced nanny, but not inexperienced professionally. I've been working since I was 19 - in the film industry, and while I was getting my CACHE Level 2 I worked for such a variety of companies, all kinds of rubbish jobs to pay the rent!! I have been absolutely amazed at people's behaviour when hiring a nanny, and it's gotten to the point where I am now accepting a job in a nursery because I'm finding most of the Gumtree people I've replied to mess me about.

Maybe I have high standards because of the wonderful Mumsnetters I have spoken to, who always seem to be honest, reliable, direct in their communication - you have given me what seems to be an unrealistic idea of nanny employers!

I didn't assume that it's par for the course to be told, "We're definitely interested in you, let's chat about arranging something" (quote) and then chase for three days before being told actually, they've given the position to someone else (you can't have been THAT interested in me, then!?) or to be interviewed by someone quite thoroughly for a couple of hours, think it went well and expect them, when they tell you they will arrange a second interview where their partner is present, to contact you with a date and time...... rather than ignore all emails and calls thenceforth!

I feel these people aren't dealing with the situation as a real Employer/Employee set up. Over my years working as a Programmer I have worked abroad, for a couple of huge multinational companies as well as smaller firms and had many interviews, some of which were successful and some of which weren't. Goodness knows, I don't expect everyone to think I am wonderful and offer me a job on the spot!! All I am asking for is a little bit of open communication, if we can't manage it at the initial stage how on earth do these people manage to share the care of their children with another adult? If you are considering more than one person, don't tell me that you'd like to arrange things further (could I have misinterpreted what she said? I don't think so...). If you're not sure whether you would like to proceed, at least have the courtesy to say you don't think I'm the right person.

Oh, I am going to go back to nursery work and find a little clan that I can encourage and observe, nurture and look after...... it's all good experience and I might find that a few more years in a nursery will count as decent childcare experience so I can deal with agencies in the future.......

Am I Being Unreasonable!?

hi nanny claire,

unfortunatly in the nanny world this is how it is.

Ive been fortunate enough that all of the nannying positions ive applied for ive gained, but this is because I'm qualified, experienced and am well known in my area.

Some of my nanny friends have been messed around terribly. One friend who is a qualified nanny, was offered a position, given a starting date, then they decided that they had found someone who lived a bit closer to them and would take ten pounds a week less! Its outragous!

Without a contract signed though, theres nothing you can do.

Have you tried simply childcare? I find it very useful when finding a position or advertising myself as a nanny.

Good luck!

hang in there!

where are you based? maybe i could help?

I'm in West London, fifilou. I think at the moment going back into a nursery will put my mind at rest - I'm inexperienced, as I said, and maybe having a good few years under my belt where I'm working directly with children will allow me to ... I don't know - target a different market next time I look for a nanny job! I think I will stick with agencies, someone who is not afraid to chase someone and ask them direct questions and expect a response - just the lack of communication has been really hard to deal with, because I never know which cards I have in my hand, as it were....

Plus, in the next 10 years I'd like to start a family, so long term I'm looking to move into CM, which would mean I'M the one drawing up the contracts!

nany claire- working in a nursery will give you lots of experience across the age ranges, its probably a good idea. I worked as a nursery supervisor for 7 ears, and when employers see that on my CV they like it (if you can supervise 36 3yr olds and the staff, 2 must be a doddle!)

Good luck!

..............and i didnt supervise ears!!!!

(years!)

NannyClaire, I'm suprised you couldn't find a job in West London. Were you asking for a high salary? Were you willing to live in?

Anyway, good luck with the nursery.

Oh, and regarding "qualifications" I am one nanny employer who doesn't care at all about pieces of paper, but I do care about experience.

I think since the nanny register cmae into force lots of employers are insisting on qualifications because they know they can get a nanny for the same price that has them to one who doesnt.

Its all about personal choice. I know some parents who prefer more experience, some prefer both experience and qualification, and some neither qualifiaction and experience.

I think youre doing the right thing gaining more expereince, also, you could do some courses while your their, always looks good on the CV, and it keeps your mind up to date with childcare issues.

I'm doing a ba hons degree in childhood and youth studies at the minute, not to further my career (im happy doing what i do) but to keep up to top on new childcare research and issues.

For the record- im on the same wage as a non qualified who has less experience than me. It doesnt bother me, I think shes a fantastic nanny.

I also know a brilliant Aupair, no experience but has a fab way with children who is on soooooooooooooo much less than another qualified nanny who is totally rubbish at her job!

Swings and roundabouts!

The nanny register was camapigned for by CRY and PANN over the past 6 years, and finally came into place 18 months ago.

There haven't been many suitable positions advertised lately - they seem to come in school hols.

I'm looking for full time (ie enough to pay the rent) which means school age children are out of the question, and I'm in my late twenties and I live with my partner, so live in is also not on the cards!

As I said I'm inexperienced - people are looking for a good few years as a nanny - discounting any nursery work - but I know that a lot of nursery nurses leave to work for families they've met through daycare....

At the mo, yes I am quite keen to get the variety of experience working with lots of different children will give me at the moment, especially toddlers. But I was just amazed, as I've never in my "other" career had so many people just vanish or change their minds or say one thing and do another.........

Its the Ofsted childcare register (came into force this April, yes used to be the childcasre ap scheme.

PANN (proffesional association of nursery nurses) camapigned for years to get nannies registered. They also do awards every year to try to highlight that nannying is a proffesinoal career that demands qualifications, registration and respect.

check out the pann website www.pann.org.uk

Is this separate from the Surestart Approval Scheme? I meet all the requirements for that one but the employers I recently left were very... not overtly discouraging, but very "Oh....... what's the point?" about the whole thing.

Mind you, they were very "what's the point" about paying tax and getting any kind of written agreement drawn up.

So, best of out of it.

Nanny claire- its childcare approval scheme updated to ofsted registration.

you have to have level 3 qualification
crb check
first aid cert.

And what is the advantage to getting on this register?

Nannyclaire if you are interested in any courses, I have done several with mnttraining which are well known with nanny agencies. Have you registered with any agencies? I have used a couple for many years and now they know me well always send me for the best jobs. MNT offer courses which are approved for the childcare approval scheme.

NannyClaire, can I ask you what town you are in - or the general area you are looking for work. I might know someone who is within your commutable area. Depends on where you are.

NannyClaire, you could put an ad in every nursery/pre-school in West London - I'm sure you'd be in-undated with offers!

Luckily I've never experienced the treatment you have as I've been offered every position I've gone for.

Thanks, I think I've just been a bit unlucky, from starting with a family who didn't really know what they wanted (they wanted a lot of housekeeping, but told me in the interview they didn't expect me to do ANY...)

I'm just really wary now. I think I'll concentrate on the nursery to build up a good few years solid childcare experience, so I can deal with an agency rather than risk more Gumtree ads.

I am really keen on getting more qualifications, did plenty of Surestart courses in Norfolk and I really want a level 3 - though I think I will do a Childcare and Education one instead of the Homebased Childcare Diploma CACHE do.

I'm gutted to be honest, I feel like I've done something wrong, but I'm just getting depressed as first time round everyone DID offer me the job on the spot!!