Finding an emergency nanny in London

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Does anyone know how I would do this? DS is normally at nursery but he's developed a D&V bug over the last day. I'm obviously not going to be able to send him in at least on Monday and for 48 hours after this has cleared up. He's fine in himself and not obviously ill (except for the nappies). Neither DH nor I can afford to take time off next week. Any other time we would (and DH did yesterday) but next week is crazy, crazy. So we really need to sort this out.

Can anyone give me any pointers? I'm really, really nervous about the idea of leaving him with someone I don't know. I'm less worried about how he would cope as he is very gregarious and loves new people but how would I know that the person was trustworthy? Help!

First obvious question: have you any familiar babysitters who might be able to stand in for a day or two?

Many nanny agencies have nannies looking for work on their books. They probably could find you someone - though it may be tricky to have organise for Monday.

.....Many nanny agencies have nannies looking for work on their books....

now that I've read that back, it's a bit silly.... ....but you know what I mean!

Thanks for the reply. Our babysitter is one of the nursery employees so that won't work...

Really worried about how to sort this out.

You could try Sitters Agency (google them, if unfamiliar).

Otherwise, I'd ask around to see if friends or your regular babysitter could suggest someone.

I know it isn't what you want to hear but leaving a sick child with a stranger isn't very nice. Can you not take parental leave?

Nabster, I hear what you are saying. And in any other situation we would. We're both involved in the G20 summit and leave next week isn't an option.

Any chance of a relative travelling to London to step in? Assuming you're in London....

The firm I used to work for used a company called emergency childcare if our normal childcare fell through or something like you are describing happens. Never used them though

I've thought about that. I'm wracking my brains. But the only option is my mum who provides full time childcare for my brother and so I guess not.

Thanks Spciemonster, I'll look them up. I know this is a crap situation for DS and believe me I feel totally awful about it.

I work for a big 4 accountancy firm so I assume they're a relatively reliable company!

Good luck with it all - bugger of a situation

Thank you - and for being kind. I feel so crap about the whole thing.

Some schools have already broken up for Easter. Maybe you have friends with older children who could recommend a school teacher/employee who might be able to step in?

Or maybe one of the nannies who posts here can refer someone.

As time is very short... could you try looking at Work Wanted ads - such as at Gumtree: London - Nanny Work Wanted and contact anyone who sounds promising. You never know your luck, you may be able to get in touch with someone tonight, meet them tomorrow (go through a mini-interview) and have them work Mon and Tuesday.

Otherwise, any chance of your mum being able to care for your brother (or did you mean your brother's children) and your DS? Would probably involve DS going to stay with Granny for a few days.

Thanks Nannynick - gumtree's a good idea, I'll take a look now. Did think about going to scotland tomorrow to leave him with mum. I guess that has to be my back up plan but it's a looong way and am worried that ds will make my brother's son ill....

Any other relatives a bit closer to home - Scotland is a long way from London. Wouldn't want to do that journey with a sick child.

I have used as agency www.angelsnanniesandbabysitters.co.uk. Emma who runs this small agency is very good. Good luck

Thanks for all the suggestions they are all really helpful and will follow up on them.

No other relatives closer to us. DH's family all live overseas.

Hi,

Let me know if you havent find anyone. I have a friend who may be able to help and she lives in London.

Blame we have an occasional nanny we use that I would thoroughly recommend. Let us know if you're still looking.

Just come back to this; can I take both the recommendations from chicken and mtorun? Thanks so much... Do you mind posting here or shall I put up an email address.

I think its best if you could provide your email address so that, we could forward their contact details.

Thanks for your help. We've just found someone now who is available to help us. She is one of our friend's nanny's friends (if that makes sense). But thanks for taking time to reply.

No problem Glad you sorted.

Im often available on an ad hoc/ emergency basis if you(or anyone else) got caught short of childcare again?
my email is [email protected]
Drop me a line if you'd like someone on hand as a possible back up.
Glad you all sorted though - i expect you've got a busy week ahead with G20 summit - good luck!!