Would you use a flexi nanny daytime service?

[Dorset2]

Hi, looking for some input please!

I’m currently on maternity leave and looking into returning to work later this year (I’m a nanny) There’s lots of options with childcare so in demand, however I’ve been considering offering a flexible daytime nanny service for parents that require it as and when. I say nanny service as I would treat it very much like I do currently with organised activities, trips to the park, craft etc It wouldn’t simply be having the child come in and sit in front of the tv etc

I’d offer probably 2-3 hour slots for one child per session (alongside my own DS) meaning parents could utilise their time for things like gym workouts/appointments/work catch ups/ even just a few hours own time! I feel that this could do very well where we live (South East) as a lot of new families don’t have relatives near by to help out etc but are always looking for that spare couple of hours to get things done.

As a nanny I’m not ofsted registered and to care for a child in my home for more than 2 hours I would need to be which is no problem.

So, cost aside, in theory, would you use a service like this? Thank you!

I would have used a service like this when mine were younger - but I have 2 DC which wouldn't work if you're only offering slots for one child at a time?

Yes, definitely. I also know people who work freelance who would have used this too.

If it was reasonably priced, yes I'd definitely use this service and I'd say its what's missing generally on the market. I use nursery care for when Im at work but it'd be nice to have an option for occasional childcare for a few hours here or there to run errands or have some 'me' time. Great idea.

Although actually I would expect a nanny service to come to my home rather than me taking my child to them...

The flexibility sounds great. What's the difference between what you are offering, and a babysitter though?

If you're using your home then you need to register as a childminder not nanny.

How much? For one child minimum would be 10.50 so 3hrs would be £31.50. I pay £4.50 for my childminder so could send my kid to her for 7hrs.
I think you'd be better off offering weekend or evening sessions for parents who work shifts.

I believe siblings are an exception to the 2 under 18 months rule (factoring in my own) and I would definitely have siblings if the ratios allowed.

I think it sets it apart from usual babysitting due to my experience/how hands on I would be for that time they would be with me but if this was a general feeling I’d have no issue with being classed as a flexible babysitter as opposed to nanny..

Yes if more than two hours which, more than likely, would be the case

Evening would be tricky with my own..weekends less so..but lots to consider thank you

Thank you for all the input- it’s really really helpful

Only if you had space available when I needed it. The moment you say sorry I'm full for that day your service won't be useful for me. But that won't really work for you as you'll need to be full to make a profit of any sort.

If you are going to have more than one child/family as you have your own , plus in your own home you will need to register as a cm

If you worked as a temp nanny in the child's home you would be self employed

Would you actually make enough to live off a few hours here and there

I’d much rather have a babysitter come to my home. But I wouldn’t expect a babysitter to plonk them in front of the tv unless they were sick or tired after a busy day.

There are services out there which are similar like bubble childcare and sitters.
Maybe if you are outside of the big cities this would be a good idea though.

So you're effectively a drop off baby sorting service, like doggy daycare? I can definitely see a market for this for some people. Go for it

Yeah, I agree so it would probably only work if you did a regular thing. If someone tried to use you twice and you're busy, i don't they'll call again

If they dropped off at hers she would only be able to have 3 under 5 as a cm

And unlikely to have spaces as and when needed if hadn't booked

Our local childminders are all qualified early years teachers. I wouldn’t assume you’re more qualified than a childminder.

I can't see this being a very easy way to make money once you take in to account your expenses and the ratios (which include your own baby).

I wonder how much practical research you've actually done?

I don’t think many people would use a drop off service if you weren’t registered. I don’t think you’d be able to get insurance either?

I would be very concerned about using a nanny with her own baby, as I’d feel my own kids would always come second.

I get what you're trying to offer but you really need to register as a childminder and do things properly and legally. Get insured and have first aid training etc (if you haven't already)
A few hours a day is unlikely to make you a decent income. If you only need a small top up then you can still register and then set your own working hours and advertise spaces that parents can book regularly and have the appropriate paperwork in place.