Parents:What do you look for in a nanny?

[Supernanny19]

When a nanny comes for an interview what do you look for?

I've only ever had one, and she's fab, but I did interview 15 so I'll tell you. Someone who I thought I would get on with. Someone who is clearly capable, but not too scary (I did get some who clearly were too into their job, if that makes sense). Someone who seems flexible and easy going.

Someone who loves her job (i suppose i m the oposite of Littleonemum)?

Someone reliable who will offer continuity

Definetely someone who has similar style to my parenting.I think is all about 'match' between family and nanny

punctuality

enthusiasm

initiative

experience

excellent references

genuine love of children (you can't fake it)

Wanting a long-term commitment of at least a year

During the interview I would be looking for evidence of good experience, a similar outlook on childcare to mine, checking written references and asking about gaps in CV, watching for signs of personality traits that could become annoying or cause a clash, seeing how they interact with my child, and also assessing how they speak about previous employers (can be quite revealing). Also, I would want a nanny who lives within a short travelling distance so there is less risk of them being late in the mornings owing to transport problems. After the interview I would probe referees - you want to talk to them on the phone rather than just accepting a glowing written reference. Ask about attendance and sickness record (often not mentioned in written references), also probe for any problems encountered, any reservations they have. Ask also how they treat the house and children's belongings - are they careless, were there lots of breakages or mysterious damage occuring when nanny there. What about their cooking skills, how well did the children eat with them, how often did the children get 'tummy bugs' (might be a sign of careless cooking or hygiene if its happening rather a lot), how happy were the children with them and will they be staying in touch with the nanny, asking her back for visits etc.

Someone who will work for slave labour condidtions.

Just kidding.

I look for the clique factor, nutritional knowledge, and someone who understand she works for me, but can also take the lead without ringing me at work every hour. Oh, and someone who leads a healthful lifestyle (watches what she eats and takes part in at least one sport on a regular basis) so she can lead by example.

"Oh, and someone who leads a healthful lifestyle (watches what she eats and takes part in at least one sport on a regular basis) so she can lead by example."

I like this. When I was looking for families to au pair for not many of them did much but play in the garden and watch TV. I love watersports and am a paddlesports instructor, it was a big influence on my employers to hire me as they have kayaks at their beach house!

Agree with the above :

Good references - I also always check by phoning previous empoyers asking would you employ this nanny again or would you have any reservations?

Punctuality and good health/sickness record

Personal Appearance - looks fairly neat but not overdressed

Commitment for at least a year

Energy - someone who likes to go to the park,run around the garden with the children

Calm - someone who could both deal with a medical emergency and toddler tantrum in a capable way

Seems to genuinely love children and has the 'cuddle factor' and takes an interest in them if they are present at the interview

Can cook not just reheat things and understands good basic nutrition.Can teach basic table manners and will sit and eat with the children.

Good hygiene - I'd check if this is in line with how I like things done

Still with lots of initiative/enthusiasm for the job who can suggest/lead activities/play at the level the children are at.

It is often the case of the nanny and family being the right fit for each other.A good nanny can mould herself to her employer's needs.