What's the best way to go about finding a good nanny then?

[flowerybeanbag]

I am guessing an agency, but how do I know which agencies are any good?

I want someone part time, with a bit of flexibility but I don't know where to start, any pointers v welcome!

where are you based?

Hawthorne in Hertfordshire are fantastic if you're looking for an agency.

Nannyjob has lots of nannies - you just need to make sure that refs are checked and that the person has the same ideas and attitude as you do

I'm in Cambridgeshire, might check Hawthorne and see if they come up this far..

thanks

wouldnt necessarily recoomend agencies (nor would my bosses)

basically all they do is check references for you (and charge you £1000+ for the privalidge ) im sure you could make a few phone calls for far less than £1000!

all of my nanny friends look online for jobs... places we cheack the most include

www.nannyjob.co.uk or google 'nanny select' 'best bear' and 'gum tree' so if you put an advert on those sights you will almost certainly reach most nannies currently job hunting...

you will probably get a LOT of replies from unqualified inexperianced teenagers / people from abroad wanting to come and stay here, as well (all my bosses certainly have) but amoungst the many who you "wouldnt leave your dog with" (in the words of my exboss ) you will hopefully come across a few real nannies.

so long as you are prepared to filter your applicants and check references thoroughly you could save yourself a LOT of money

that's really helpful nannyL, I'm perfectly happy to filter lots of dross out so might try that...