Nanny Agency or childcare.co.uk

[RegularTourist]

We are looking to hire a part time nanny. We used childcare.co.uk before and were really happy with the nanny we found.

Was this luck? Should I investigate agencies or would I be wasting time and money? Are there any agencies people recommend (London)

I’ve always found jobs on Childcare.co.uk. I believe agency fees are extortionate. Also try looking for local Facebook childcare groups, we have one in my area.

We got our two nannies on childcare.co.uk. My understanding is that all the nannies on agency books are on there anyway, plus the agency fees are extortionate.

Thanks. Useful to have both perspectives

Yes as an ex nanny and now mn I am on both agencies and childcare

I do find that not all parents read let alone reply to messages which is annoying as I’m a good member so they can read and reply for free

I prefer working via agencies as means less messing around

I've found all my jobs on childcare.co.uk. I like to have a relaxed relationship with my families and dont do contracts etc so wouldn't use an agency.

@Diverseduvethat do you mean yoh don’t have contracts? They’re to protect you! I’d never take a job without one.

No contract 🙀🙀🙀🙀

One illegal. Need one after think 8w in job

Two. Doesn’t leave you with a leg to stand on if something happens

Three. Do they pay you legally ?

I'm self employed so everything is above board and legal. All tax and N.I paid by me. I've always had an informal agreement built on trust. If there was any problems I'd just leave and get another job.

I wouldn't employ a nanny without a contract, it is there to protect both parties.

In this case relaxed = tax fraud as even if you are paying your taxes and NI your employers clearly aren't paying the employers NI.

Going against the grain here...having used both agencies and childcare.co.uk, I prefer agencies. They have at least vetted to some degree whereas there is a huge variety of people on childcare.co.uk and you spend time trying to sort through...