Ok I'm looking for a Mother's Help - advertised on gumtree, what should I ask when I interview?

[mazzystartled]

Am really pleased to have had a few replies - 2 clearly not suitable but 3 very possible-sounding.

What do I need to think about?
And how much should I be paying (am in NW)

Is it live-out?

Minimum wage then?

It's just a few hours per week - maybe 8 or so. Help with school pick ups, keeping children amused whilst I get to grips with new baby, bit of hanging out the washing.

I have had cleaners before (who kind of found me - and they were both wonderful) but finding someone to help with the dcs is new.

I would have a good e-mail or phone conversation with them first and suss them out. See what they expect in terms of pay (remember they are likely to quote net) and compare with jobs in your area on Nannyjob. If you can crystallise what you need then you can ask them whether they're happy to do it.

You will need a contract, make sure the wage is quoted gross, and there is plenty of advice on here. There are also lists of suggested interview questions.

What do you want the MH to do? Make a list!
What kind of person do you want? Calm, energetic, capable, good at following instructions and happy to stay at home, independent and happy to go out with older DCs?
How much experience do you want them to have?
How long is the job likely to be for?

If you can answer those questions for yourself you'll have a good idea of what you're looking for in a candidate and then it's seeing whether you click with them or not.