Edinburgh Nanny Agencies or find Nanny on own?

[RB1]

Is it worth paying these big nanny agency placement fees or should i try to find a nanny myself? Thoughts please! Any good nannys in the Edinburgh area out there?

How much time do you have to find a nanny? If a month then prob worth using an agency as quicker.

It is def worth advertising on netmums,gumtree,social care and nj - see if you get any response and then you could always try agencies afterwards if no luck

I have got all my jobs but one through an agency.

You are more likely to get a better/more qualified/experienced nanny through an agency but not always iykwim

Happy hunting

No, it is not worth using an agency -- unless a couple grand is pocket change to you.

I do not agree that agencies produce "better/more qualified/experienced" nannies. Rubbish!

You will get far better advice here on the nanny employer spiritual home that is Mumsnet, and it costs nothing.

How old are your kids?
Are you looking for live-in or live-out?
When do you need her/him to start?
What are the hours?
What are the duties?
Do you need a driver?

Your first task is to write the ad. Give us some info and we'll give you some suggestions.

I did say advertise first on gumtree etc and then if no response/suitable nanny to then use agencies

I agree that agencies charge a FORTUNE - most prob work out a few weeks salary of nanny and tbh they rarely do anything you as a mum couldnt, and if I was employing a nanny I would still ring refernces.

In any job you would normally go through a recuitment agency to find someone as as employee.

Maybe i should rephrase what I said about better nannies in agencies - if you put an ad up on the internet, you hopefully will get lots of replies, and some more than likely wont be what you want - often people repy to an ad when they are not suitable -which is a waste of time, if they dont fit your needs.

Generally an agency will send you nannies who do fill your needs - thought if you like each other/get on is another matter

Lots of advice! Thanks for that. i think i will try to find a nanny by myself first and go from there.