Gumtree

[HarrietTheSpy]

I've just put an ad in Gumtree and am frankly floored by the large number of responses we've received.

The only other time we've had a nanny - or come close to hiring one (had a recent fall through) - it was through a personal recommendation.

The reality of figuring out how to wade through numerous applications from total strangers is just hitting me. I know I'm being stupid but I'm feeling nervous about emails from people who know we obviously work and are asking for my full address w/o even speaking to me first. I probably need a good shake.

Is this general path okay, do you think:

1. Telephone interview first
2. Meet the family
3. Check references

If you are hiring someone who isn't from the UK - when do you ask to see the visa, if they need one?

Can anyone remind me also of what nurseries are allowed to say about former staff? Is it the dates of employment only stuff, which is common in other companies? DH is a teacher and i htink they can still give 'real' references but not sure about nurseries. A lot of former nursery nurses seem to have replied.

Wish us luck please.

I would be cautious at first with regard to providing too much personal information.

Limit it to essential info at first, while you create your shortlist. For example, if they want your full address, then provide details of the rough area, such as village name, local transport links (so in London you could say you are within 1 mile of x tube station), that sort of thing. Once you know they are serious and you know more about them, then you can provide full address for interview purposes.

I would communicate via e-mail to start with. Perhaps have the same series of questions you send to each applicant. Then you can compare answers. Ask them to provide details of appropriate training, send a CV that sort of thing. Could ask for any references they have in a digital format (such as a scanned written reference).

Ask all applicants about their work status. You can use www.ukvisas.gov.uk to find out which nationalities require a work permit. When using the ukvisas website, Purpose of Visit would be: Domestic Worker

I think with nurseries it will vary... large chains may not provide much other than dates employed. Small establishments may well provide something more detailed. You may also find that say a reference is provided by a nursery Head Office, but that the applicant also has a letter of recommendation from their manager/room senior.

Do post the URL of your advert - would love to have a nose

Nick
You'll love it - "Party-time Nanny" - have a look. Maybe that's the reason for all the responses!

Great title
Those who asked for your full address, must be thick - as you provided your postcode in the job title.

I know - I guess I can change this can't I? I must be thick myself to have been so specific.

We are getting all and sundry (however that expression goes). Much quicker response than Simply Childcare - it was almost like there were girls all over London with their mouse poised to hit "SEND!" when the adverts come out.

Harriet If I've got the right ad I expect because it's so accommodating IYSWIM. It doesn't rule most people out.

We're trying to be flexible in a way, although when it comes down to aspects of the contract we are going to be well firm (no smoking, no visitors, follow through on the nursery duties) esp in comparison to last experience.

I know everyone asserts this is only a problem for nannies, but we continue to struggle to find people willing to go on the books. The romanians and bulgarians keep saying something about their visa enables them to be self-employed. The upshot is, I think it is the case that people are genuinely very confused about the laws re childminders and their employment status vis a vis families and perhaps less or (or willfully so) - who needs what visa etc. I was told by someone who should be an authoritative source I could be invoiced by a nanny, if they qualify to be self-employed. I guess this is ONLY if they are working for more than 3 families, but I only know that from MN - may not even be true.

You'll be fine Harriet. The course of action that you've suggested is just fine. There is a list of questions somewhere - useful to have. If employing someone from the UK you might think about CRB checks but haven't been through that personally.

The big discovery I had about having someone live-in is how much our (now indispensible)treasure sleeps. Around 10-11 hours a night. Not that this is a problem, you understand. Just slightly surprising.