How much for a really decent after school / nanny

[absolutelyknackeredcow]

And how to recruit. ...I need after school care for 2-3 days a week and I'm really struggling to get an after school nanny.

I have had a series of people from Koru and frankly, they have been poor. My current one was found today reading a book while my kids were on screens earlier and keeps leaving dirty pans in the sink rather than sticking them in the dishwasher.

I'm really clear when they start I'm happy to buy stuff for them to do, baking bits etc and the house is full of toys but no screens while they are here. We have had full time nannies when they are small and treat people really well. Pay fairly, buy gifts for birthdays (as well as end of term / Christmas ). We have one day a week covered with an actress who stayed with us during lockdown when there was no work. She still works for us that one day because we love her and she adores the kids. She plays with the children, makes them practice instruments, all meals cooked and tidied up.

I'm really wondering whether I push the boat out and get a housekeeper that will do some childcare as the kids are older now (9 and 11) and the current system of young under experienced students ain't working. But even then I'm not going to be offering that many hours. I feel I'm completely stuck at odd ages when I need a pick up but also some supervision but would love someone who would stack a dishwasher : put a load on and not add to my workload. Help please - are there agencies in London who would help?

After school nannies are like hen's teeth. You've got to find someone who has a job and yours fits round it or they only want a little part-time job.

I have an after school nanny and she does days in the holidays. She's a nursery nurse in a school so she comes in early takes kids to school. Picks them up after and stays till 7.30. In holidays she does the hours over 2 days. She was a friend of a friend.

I would put register with agencies, they may have someone who it just fits with another job. They also may have people who they can say "well if you increased the hours to x etc would be able to do this".

What about an au pair?

Thanks @Rosemaryandlemon - the actress was a friend of friend and that worked out well.
Maybe you are right - agencies are the way to go perhaps ?
What hourly rate do you pay out of interest

@ThisIsStartingToBoreMe - not keen as it's only 8 hours a week max
I'd rather pay a whopping hourly rate

Are your children just too old for a nanny who plays and does craft? Mine eldest two are a bit younger and the nanny is really just there to supervise and make sure the house doesn’t burn down while they watch TV. The youngest will play and read books but only till the older brothers get home.

We’ve now got a nanny/ housekeeper who tidies up a bit and can cook them some tea and just be present, but they do lots of after school clubs so do do something constructive most days and I don’t feel I need to worry about a bit of screen time.

I would advertise locally and then interview. Be really specific about what you want. I’d be hoping for an older retired type who would enjoy spending time with the children rather than screens. Not sure about the reference issue though.

You are being unrealistic. If you were home, would you have the same screen time ban and be doing craft and baking etc?

Most kids need to chill out and relax when they get home. That aside you will not find someone to do this for such a small number of hours. Maybe if you were more realistic with your expectations, you will find someone.

OP £12 an hour. There is also ni and pension on contributions on top.

What sort of school are they at? I take it they couldn't just stay there for tea?

@karmakameleon

Are your children just too old for a nanny who plays and does craft? Mine eldest two are a bit younger and the nanny is really just there to supervise and make sure the house doesn’t burn down while they watch TV. The youngest will play and read books but only till the older brothers get home.

We’ve now got a nanny/ housekeeper who tidies up a bit and can cook them some tea and just be present, but they do lots of after school clubs so do do something constructive most days and I don’t feel I need to worry about a bit of screen time.

I mean they do crafts, games and sewing with the actress one day a week but they have loads of clubs on other days so maybe I should chill out. Maybe I should just go for a housekeeper nanny who just keeps an eye but does things to help me. Because at the moment they are on screens and the after school nanny doesn't pitch in so it's the worst of all worlds

@Rosemaryandlemon

OP £12 an hour. There is also ni and pension on contributions on top.

Ok - I'm paying £14 for actress (and then more for Koru although they don't get all of that )

Local primary. Absolute zero space at the after school club - been on the waiting list for over a year. It's quite a trek so makes it harder to do the pick up when we wfh

I’m Home Counties OP so probably slightly lower then London rates. It is 16 hours per week in total.

I advertised at the local university for students who were studying either childcare or to be primary school teachers to look after my girls after school. You would need to fit around their timetables and might need to use a couple of different students but you get loads of applications so can pick and choose and they are really enthusiastic about kids. I paid a decent amount and also gave them references when they later applied for jobs.

Jobs like this are almost impossible to fill. You could try one of the big agencies but it’ll cost you closer to £20 an hour plus their fees.

I do this type of job as a Mothers help/babysitter. I live outside of London and charge between £12.50 and £15.00 an hour. I find jobs on Childcare.co.uk but also through word of mouth. You could ask at your school if they know of anybody or even advertise locally. I often see people on FB looking for childcare.

In London I'd say £15-20 per hour if you're not offering many hours.

Totally.depends.if.you want a qualified nanny or just a random that likes.kids

If your children have full time school, loads of after school clubs and 1 evening a week a friend who does craft and makes them practice instruments wouldn't it be good for then to have some time to themselves unguided by an adult thinking for them and telling them what to do?

I think you're being unrealistic in terms of the activities you want the nanny to do given their ages and other activities.

I would switch to a housekeeper and let them chill out after school. I think you can insist that homework is done first, but then just let them chill out a bit!

To find someone you have to put yourself in their position....what good nanny is looking for an 8 hour, split over three days job looking after two older kids? No-one. Not unless the hourly rate is off the charts! So look for students or an older person, maybe someone with their own children etc.

I'll be honest here - they are too old really for a nanny - they don't want to do crafts or baking like they are 4 any more. The 11 year old is almost old enough to be home alone. I had a housekeeper at that age to ensure they were safe but she got on with cleaning and other household tasks, the kids did whatever they wanted, homework, music practice and yes screens. They were pretty good at managing the time too

You should be able to get a dbs housekeeper for around £15 an hour

Yes - you all right. Will move to a housekeeper that's prepared to keep an eye and do the school run.
Any idea good sites to use

I’d try nextdoor

Try looking online