How much would I have to pay a nanny for this?

[BottySpottom]

Next year I will hopefully have 4 children to feed after school, listen to read, bathtime each night, etc etc. As my husband is away half the week, we are considering a part time nanny.

What sort of things can I ask a nanny to do, and how much would that cost in the South West (live out) in nice city?

I was thinking along the lines of her doing supper for the children (would she be allowed to cook and clear up afterwards? I don't want to be the one doing the washing up while she has quality time with my children), helping with bath and reading, and looking after the baby while I catch up with sleep/taking children to and from school and nursery sometimes.

Thank you.

yes a nanny would do all that - though you may find its easier to get a mothers help or a newly qualifed nanny rather than an exp one who prob wants sole charge

lots of familys near me literally have afterschool help from 2-7

they arrive, cook a meal, then pick up from school,do homework, bath etc

costs vary for age and exp and i would have thought about £6/7nett

though sure nick will tell me off for quoting nett not gross

Maybe that's what I need actually, a mother's help. They don't need any qualifications, do they? Where would I find one?

Thanks.

Outside of London rates seem to me to be about the same. Could be anywhere from £6-£12 gross per hour depending on the persons experience. With part-time work it can be towards the upper range of that, as it may be hard for the nanny to find other work to fit with your job.

Some nannies may not want a job were the mum/dad is at home. It is known as shared care. Many nannies prefer Sole Charge as then they don't have their boss constantly telling them what to do (though I'm sure you wouldn't be like that ).

By part-time what do you mean? Just a few hours a day, just a few days a week... what are you meaning by part-time?

I work 4 days a week, so you may call that part time... yet I do 40 hours a week which is more than I did as a civil servant in a full-time job. What some people call part-time others may call full-time... thus you need to clearly define the working hours.

As long as you stipulate the nannies duties at interview and even better in communications prior to interview... then cooking for your children and themselves, plus clearing up afterwards won't be an issue. Helping with bathing is also possible (though does that mean you want someone to work into the evening?). Taking children to/from school is also part of the job. Really almost anything is part of the job... though personally I don't Iron clothing... though I will sling a load of clothes in the washer and hang it up to dry.

Thanks Nannynick. Not sure what hours yet - probably a few hours for a few days a week. I think it'll be quite hard to find someone to do that.

A mothers help sounds like what you need - maybe a childcare student whose at college to do 3.30-7.30 for example or someone who has just qualified in childcare would be suitable.

Depending on if a 16/17/18yr old student still studying or a 18-21yr old just qualified in childcare you would be looking at £4-£6 net an hr. so if 4hrs a day for example would be £80-£120 a week.

A mothers help is more likely to do the tasks you are asking than an experienced qualified nanny who would want sole charge and cost nearer the £8-£10 an hr range.

I would look at mothers help / au pair / cleaner help rather than a nanny if youare going to be home most of these hours. Get someone who specialised in ttasks you like least (ironing? laudry? cleaning?). You couls probably get a cleaner and an au pair for the price of a live-out nanny.

Where in the South West? My sister who lives in Cornwall has thought about having childcare help like this but as far as I know hasn't found anyone. It may be quite hard to recruit for but until you give it a try you won't know. It may suit someone in your city.

Perhaps try with internet advertising, such as on Plymouth Gumtree
Exeter Gumtree
Bristol Gumtree

Agree that describing it as Mothers Help is probably a better way than calling it a nanny job, unless you are planning to leave them in sole charge of your children for several hours.

Also look in Work Wanted section of your local Gumtree... you may find someone looking for a job.

Hello BottySpottom

I had this exact job. I worked as an after-school mothers help for a family of 4 children. The children ranged in age (when I began) from 6 months to 8 years. The duties that you have asked for above are exactly what I did. I also had a little bit of sole charge when the mum brought some of the children to activities. It was a very good job and very hectic as there was always lots to fit in. My hours each day were 3-6.30, except on one evening when I babysat so stayed until 9pm.
I then moved in with this family (becoming an AP) and my duties were the same plus helping for 50 mins in the morning. (Helping to get everyone ready on time and then staying with the baby whilst the mum did the school run).

I would look for students but not necessarily childcare students. This is a perfect part time student job. You also have the added advantage that the student will have longer holidays and will be able to help out then if needed.

As for money, I was paid £5.50ph and I had previous experience of childcare but with older children. I think between £5-£7 dependent upon their experience is about right.

HTH

Thanks all. I hadn't thought of looking at other students, but I guess that would work too - thanks.