Short Term Childcare

[Chynah]

I will need full time childcare for a period of about 3 weeks early next year to cover me whilst I am at work. I have no family near by so was wondering what my options were as I don't want to get tied into a long term contract/arrangement - this is definitely a one off (child will be 14 months). Grateful for any thoughs/advice.

Childminders will often do this

Nurseries might too

A short term Nanny might also work

place ad on netmums/gumtree/nannyjob saying you require childcare/temp nanny for 3weeks during xxxx

ask for references and CHECK

Hello Chynah,
I might be able to help as a short term nanny, feel free to contact me at [email protected] - experienced with 14 months old and references available ;) When would you need the nanny to start?
Eva

You should be able to find someone - as a nanny I do a lot of this sort of work. Definitely agree about checking references and if it comes to a week before or so and you still haven't found someone then it might be worth finding an agency temp nanny (will cost you a fee though). What are are you in as I might be able to recommend reasonably priced agencies who I know place temps?

Just be careful with references. My children range from 29 to 12 now and I have 4 grandchildren and am an HR Director so know how to interview and check references BUT the only time I advertised rather than going through an agency I nearly got caught out. Fantastic girls, best of 10 we interviewed but when I started to properly dig everything was a lie, name, address, qualifications everything. When I challenged her on it the mobile number never answered again. We went to the police and was told it was either a scam to rob us and clear the house when we were out or worse still they would assault or even steal my son. So sorry to scare you just check those references. Also I have had a number of really good nannies over the years but for many of them have never been asked for a reference - how does that work?? do they write their own.

Gosh Caz that is really scary to think about. I'm not sure exactly when I will need someone yet (need to clear dates with my employer) or for how long (hoping I can pack dc off to gps for at least one week!) - think it might be worth the agency fee for added peace of mind though.

Double check the agency's work though. There are good ones and not so good ones. Personally I'd only recommend you an agency that I know have checked me out thoroughly - there are some who haven't contacted all my references and didn't query/chase the fact I said I was having a new CRB processed (which I was, but they've no way of knowing I was telling the truth).

Chynah where do you live?