how long in advance should I start looking for AP/nanny

[mrsshackleton]

Our nanny of two and a half years is leaving at Easter by mutual agreement (she's Polish and basically her boyfriend is sick of living here and wants to move home). So I need to find either an AP or an afternoon nanny (dds at school and nursery in the morning). Should I start looking now for someone to start in April or is it too early? Thanks

Now isn't too early to start looking in my view. However I like planning things well ahead.

i generally say 3mths, a month to find someone, interview, check ref, 2nd interview etc and then often that nanny has 6/8weeks notice

think easter is early april this year, so not too soon

when looking for an AP I put my profile up on APW about 4 months in advance but at that stage I am "reactive" only responding to those that contact me, at about 3 months I go proactive, searching APs' profiles.

Thank you!

Am sure I'll be on here plenty in weeks to come with more questions

Would the best way to find an afterschool nanny be with an agency or gumtree?

netmums and nannyjob are also good - obv agencies you have to pay a placement fee

Can't imagine there is a Best way but you need to try to think about whom would be applying for such a position, where they may look for that kind of job.

Local Newsagents, Parish notice board/newsletter, School newsletter/noticeboard, sign at local soft-play. Anything local is worth a try, as I would have thought you will be looking for someone local for an after-school position. Such a position may appeal to someone with their own child, if you would consider that option... so may not necessarily be someone who is a nanny, may be a SAHM.

At first avoid agencies, see what results you get from internet and local advertising. Resort to agencies nearer the time.

nannyjob, netmums, gumtree, childcare.co.uk are all quite popular places for people to look for childcare work.