Welcome pack for new nanny

[uwila]

We have a new nanny starting in August when I return to work from maternity leave. She is Canadian, but is now working for a family in Holland. She has never been to England before, so much will be new to her. I want to make her a welcome pack (as some wise mumsnetter recommended once). But, I'm not sure what to put in it. I suppose I'll start with maps, local attractions, kids' schedules, important phone numbers, not really sure what else...

Has anyone made a welcome pack for their nanny? Any suggestions on what I should put in it?

We left a pile of magazines in her room which went down well, and some choccies.

does she drive? will info on public transport be useful? info on things for her would make her feel welcome eg local library, any Canadian ex-pat groups?

also - what's her phone situation? is she likely to need a hand sorting out a mobile that works in the UK?

Already got her a mobile phone. So, I'll arrange that. Public transport is good. She won't have a car and prefers not to drive.

Hi Uwila
One sugestion I remember was to prioritise to sort out a bank account with/for her and arrange to pay her into it directly (though cash might be better at first until you are sure it is up and running)-this can be a real headache for newcomers to Britain and often takes weeks to get at your own money.

Flowers awaiting in the room of my nice-but-silly au pair went down well-would do that again in the unlikely event of getting another one.

Gosh when our nanny arrived we had her bed laiden down with loads of things. The poor girl was actually led to believe that she would be sharing a bedroom with 3 kids (by her Agency). I can still remember the look on her face when she opened her bedroom door and had a big double bed, TV, Stereo and tons of goodies and was not sharing with any of the kids.

Details of any local nanny groups would be nice

Details of how to join the local leisure centre (meaning council one rather than luxe gym!)
Ditto the Library
How to sign up with a local GP (might be pragmatic and helpful to get her onto the same list as your family's)

Maybe a list of all the clubs, internet cafes and cinema's in the area. Also why not a tray with biscuits, a sandwich and some fizzy pop on incase she feels a little nervous about helping herself to food on the first day with you?

I know on my first day with my last family I arrived just before tea time and after a 7 hour train journey in cramped economy from Manchester to Bournemouth I was really peckish but even tho the dad insisted I had something to eat, I was just like 'no, i'm ok thanks!' as I was just sooo tired and so nervous at being so far from home, esp as the youngest was also very shy at me. Coincidentally, by the time I left he was my best buddy and used to come in my room at weekends full of joy lol and cried whenever I left the house. He means the world to me and I'll never ever forget him! Oh, hark at me getting all mushy about my gorgeous little babyboy!

A few ideas:

Details of all the activities you'd like her to take your kids to, with times, directions of how to get there, details of how you pay.

Suggestions for outings (e.g. directions to local park / soft play / zoo etc). maybe with leaflets.

Directions to A&E. (god forbid, but you'd rather she got them there than got lost, waited for you to get home).

Something welcoming - chocs, flowers in her room.

Welcome card made by your DD.

Details of anyone you wouldn't mind her calling on in an emergency (friendly enighbough). Complete list of phone nos (you at work / mob / secretary, ditto for DH even if the other side of the country, ditto for any relations in the country).

Details of people you kids know and your nanny might meet - e.g. grandparents, friendly neighboughs, mummy-friends with kids (maybe with photos).

Instructions for washing etc
House rules
your requirements and desires of how she does her job
your way of working expenses, what you'll pay for her, how to organise her meals etc

Map of local area / A-Z etc.

Even if you have a couple of weeks hand-over / introduction she'll have only done some of this stuff once.

Info on your kids: favourite book / toy / activity. what cheers them up when unhappy. routine, food requirements etc. likes / dislikes. Handy tricks for getting them to brush their teeth.

What your answer to them is when they say "where's daddy?" or "when will mummy come home?" or "can I watch max and ruby again, my last nanny let me". (e.g. my DH travels a lot. When DS1 asks where's daddy I say "gone to work on a plane / train, back after tea tomorrow (or whatever). Other people sometimes answer him "america / germany", which doesn't make sense to him (he's 2.5).

HTH

Re Max and Ruby

I've now taught DD to refer to them as "bad rabbits".

ROFL

Max and Ruby, the "bad rabbits"

I've never seen them, and I'm so intrigued. But not intrigued enough to bother watching.

what about do you have any friends in the area who have a nanny.She might get very lonely without any friends!.In all my nanny jobs i had a list of nannies with ages and names of charges.I made friends with a few nannies on the list.