Nanny interview/appointing process

[Strugglingonagain]

Hi everyone
In process of considering hiring a nanny. I have one potential I was recommended by someone I know on Facebook. So far we've met her once, seen certificates of nvq etc and had references.

So what now? Should we do a for.al interview (not sure what we'd ask as we asked a lot at the informal meet), should we observe with children (isn't that very awkward?!).. what else?

Never been in this position so advice appreciated!

Hopeful bump..

Do you like them? Do you feel you can get along with each other?

Have they met your children? Seeing how they interact with your children is useful. Have a general chit chat, get to know them. In one interview I had we discussed playing musical instruments, whilst I was sat on the floor building a brio train track with the children. Go to the kitchen and make some coffee but take your time... leave them with your children and see how the interaction goes.

Interviews are hard for everyone. You have one candidate who has come recommended, who you have met, so subject to checking references is there anything stopping you proceeding with this candidate? Have you discussed pay? I like knowing that before going for interview as otherwise interviewing is a waste of time. Discuss the timings of the job - when would it start, what times would they be working, all that sort of stuff.

Later on you will need to see things like Passport, Driving Licence to fulfil the right to work check. You will also need to setup payroll so will need other information from them and documents (such as a P45 part 2&3 if they have left a job this tax year). For now though it sounds as though you have seen enough documents to be happy so it's more about getting to know them and them getting to know you and your children.

Thanks so much for your response.
I do like the candidate we met, we've discussed pay, conditions, practicalities. She did meet my kids, but the baby was feeding and sleeping (she's only a few months and will be 9 months when nanny starts) and my 5yo (after school care only) kept out the way, but she had a little chat with her and seemed fine.
I just don't know if I should be doing any more before proceeding with drafting a contract etc?

She does have her own children, which I'm fine with. Should I meet them at all? The baby is a year older than mine. The older child a year older than mine, again just after school care.

Will she be bringing her children to your house?

Yes. Why? Any advice?

If she is bringing her children then I would advise her coming to your house with her two so you can see how she handles the four children together.

Do what feels right for you. You don't need to do a formal interview if you've already met, discussed relevant stuff and had references. But, if you want to do a formal interview, you can.

I would speak to the references thoroughly, particularly as she's bringing her children. Ask about how it worked, how it went, did the children get along etc.

I wouldn't try and observe her working with all four children because it will be too high pressure and not how it would be if you actually employed her. Four children who have never met, is not the same as four children who spend time together everyday. I would try and meet up for a playdate or two though so everyone can get to know each other. You can make sure there are no major personality clashes.

Read the other NWOC threads on here. 4 children at the same time is quite a lot to manage.

Things to think about...

Are the older two at the same school? Is this walking distance from your home?

What about after school activities? Will the two younger ones come along?
Is there a requirement for any driving? Do you have a big enough car? Are you happy to let her drive it?

Will the younger two share a double buggy for the school run?
How will naps happen at home?
When the nanny is at home with the younger two, how will the activities be chosen for a walking and a non walking child?

Do you expect the nanny to prepare food for all 4 children? Who pays for food for her children?
Nannies will always say their charges come first but you need to think about what it means to have two children who are her own and two charges.
What happens when one child is unwell? With 4, the likelihood of illness increases!!

Are you happy to share your house and your children's toys with other children?

Will you expect her to do laundry and meal prep as well as look after the children.

After school will be hectic, making dinner, listening to two children read while keeping the others occupied will be quite a challenge!

We had a nanny with own child and it was difficult for DS to have a playmate who came in, played with his toys but had her Mummy there all the time. Discipline can be tricky for both sides too.

Yes you definately need a contract.

www.bapn.org.uk/for-parents

Yes definitely doing contract and using a company to help with all paye things, was just wondering what else others would recommend before we get to the contract stage (if anything).

Thanks for all your advice, much appreciated x