Nanny agencies for Hampshire

[TT3]

Have just had a shocker and been wiped from an agencies books for rude and abusive behaiviour.

I was following up (at 3pm) the answer from a nanny we had offered the job to and who had been thinking "overnight" about it. I at no point raised my voice to shouting or swore when they said they had nothing to report - but was frustrated by the fact they had sent me a nanny for a 2 day a week job, who needed to mull over whether she really wanted 2 days a week nanny job...combined with the fact that they had not managed to get hold of her since and thought this was all very normal and acceptable!

I had already been warned against this agency but stupidly let the husband of boss talk me back into it (on the basis he was a lawyer (and chairman - hence calling me to counter negative feedback I told them about) I am married to a nice, honest lawyer so therefore he must be worth believing - I don't trust people easily!) Anyway, only have myself to blame!

So PLEASE can someone recommend an agency. Gumtree is working a lot better than the agencies so far - who also in this case advertise individual jobs on there! - but keen to explore all avenues as start date end April.

Thanks - and sorry for the rant - please note no names mentioned!!!!!!!!

Hampshire is a large county. Saying if you are North, South may help.

Family Match

Already tried them, thanks all the same, Sailorsgal. Anyone else?

I forget that - thanks Nannynick - we're in the Test Valley (area roughly between Winchester, Andover and Salisbury)...

I have just recently registered with a few agencies in the Hampshire Area. I am in the opposite direction to you but highly recommend the agencies below:

Tigerlily -They have just recently opened their Hampshire Branch. I met with Alison today and she is very on the ball and listens!

Helping Hands -Claire is also fab.

Have you tried Tinies? Haven't had contact with them recently.

I think they will definitely cover your area. If you do get in contact let them know that Alison recommended them

Good Luck and let us know how you get on.

Also forgot Mel at Eden Country Nannies - based in Bath but sure they cover your area.

You're definitely on the right track with Mel at Eden Country Nannies - she is lovely - same with Hyde Park International (Sam) who is also lovely - both these still looking.

Have had some success on Gumtree (which I was put off using by an, in my opinion, slightly dramatic article on another agencies website considering, when I then used them, the consultant admitted to using Gumtree to advertise "difficult posts to fill"!). We'll wait and see if she's as good in person as she looks on paper (CRB checked etc which is great).

Just about recovered from shock of Friday (still can't believe I nearly paid someone who suddenly struck me off the books (by voicemail and email - before disappearing off on a week's holiday - charming!) Why not phone to discuss the problem (whatever it was that I said that allegedly caused offence), or better still - wait for the candidate to answer the job offer, place her if she says yes, and walk away with the money...job done...peculiar business decision in terms of (already very wonky) reputation and remuneration IMHO.

Thanks and good luck with the search - hopefully we'll both find someone lovely to look after the kids, all that matters...!

I've heard good things about Hyde Park International. So nice to hear again that they are lovely.

Though the test of an agency is that they are able to find the ideal candidate who then stays with the family for several years. An agency is therefore only as good as the nannies it has on their books and their track history of placing nannies.

Good luck with your nanny search.

Name and shame TT3

So tempting mranchovy!!! just would rather not ever hear from them again - and I suspect they might kick up a fuss if I named them...get the feeling they are a little touchy!

by process of elimination it's not hard to work out which one of the three agencies I originally contacted, all named above, were the perpetrators, so I'll just leave it at that...!

ps Alison - Tigerlily also great - not contacted Tinies or Helping Hands yet - thanks again for the tips. I will tell the other Alison that you recommended her...