CRAP CRAP CRAP... Fab nanny just resigned...

[AtheneNoctua]

Now I have to find a new one to start on 2nd Jan. What timeing! This is going to be very difficult I fear.

And the new visas, on jeez, someone remind where to begin with that bearocratic mountain. Maybe I'll have to go with an EU candidate. So much for English as a first language. Bugger.

And everyone please come give me loads of sympathy.

Okay, must calm myself and go reactive ads on the usual nanny hunting sites.

Awww Im soooo sorry to here that. Just when you thought you life was sorted .

Good luck in your search.

Yeah, no kidding. She was our last nanny. (next one will be an au pair). Bugger. But oh well, that's how it goes. Just have to get on with finding her replacement.

How are you?

Oh bugger arse and bum.

Why on Earth did she resign the loon?

(Hope not some dreadful incident in her personal life! [guilt])

Family problems back home. She was going home for Christmas anyway. But, now is not coming back. Ho hum... I guess that's how it goes.

Iamnothere, are you new to the nanny threads or do I know you by another name? [nosey]

Yes you do - have CATed you.

I don't have a CAT.

e mal is athene noctua at live co uk (without spaces obviously)

can you find an Aussie with an ancestral visa? When I needed to find a jan start nanny with only 3 weeks to do it this worked for me. I know you have a strong aversion to agencies but this might be one of the occasions when it's worth it.

The girl I found might be the sort you look for - she wasn't a qualified nanny (so not outrageously expensive) but had various child related experience (she ran children's dance classes etc). She was also boundlessly enthusiastic which more than made up for her lack of experience. if you're interested I can try and find the agency name we got her through although it was 6 years ago so they may have changed.

good luck

Thanks, Mrs Wobble. But an agency fee is out of the question.

An aussie is an interesting idea. But I worry the a London winter might be a terrible shock to her. My job invovlves getting on a bus to do the school run. So I usually look for cold weather countries.

I've not had a glance at greataupair.com and there seems actually to be a fairly good supply of candidates on the market.

You are right that I am prepared to swap experience for the right personality and reduced pay.

I've now had a glance at greataupair.com

Well at least she told you she isn't coming back .
Am also looking for a January starter......

OMG... the meet-up is TOMORROW. Where the Hell has this week gone?

I'm looking for another nanny until Jan 2010 when DS goes to school full time. We will get an au pair then.

Yes, I thought of you last night after she resigned.

DH wants me to contact our first Canadian nanny, whose visa has long since expired. I looked at him cross eyed and said "I don't think so".

What is the difference between an au pair and a nanny?

For me, it's mostly down to the hours. She needs to start at 6:30 and clocks of at 7:00. She also does two nights bsitting (if she wants to). And that is way too many hours for an au pair.

Generally speaking, au pairs also do more house work and less childcare than nannies. You would also expect a nanny to show knowing how to look after children and an au pair might need a lot of training.

What about having 2 au pairs??

bugger my little owl

hope you find someone x

just read what i wrote and what it looks like

this blonde doesnt want to bugger you

but bugger about the nanny leaving

I don't think two au pairs would really work out for a few reasons:

1. The au pair / nanny room has one single bed and one sofa (which I wouldn't care to sleep on night after night).
2. One of them needs to have some real childcare experience as my two can sometimes try the patience of a sain, especially the 5 year old.
3. I am buying only one membership to the gym for this bosition. Ditto for the bus pass.
4. I can barely get the likes and dislikes of three adults in to my fridge. I dred to think of stocking it for a fourth.
5. DH says house is too crowded as it is.

So, I think the two au pairs is out... maybe when we drop to an au pair I might consider it. That's only a year away so worh keeping in mind. But I think this time I need one live in nanny.

Fair enough.

www.thechildcompany.co.uk do overseas childcarers, a kind of super au pair, which might be good in the future then.

Put an ad in The Lady magazine. Much cheaper than an agency. I got some fab jobs through it.

athene sorry- that is crap news.
DO you know... I've only twigged from this thread (because you put your email) that your user name is noctua not nocturna! I was obviously thinking of owls coming out at night etc

Don't know where you live but have you checked this thread
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childminders_nannies_au_pairs_etc/651992-Experienced-Australian-nanny-looking-f or-temp-ad-hoc-work-xmas

What a bummer. Am sending you an email. You will need to drown deeply your sorrwos tom.

Oh yes. I'm terribly depressed. Everyone should buy me a drink.