Tricky advert for nanny

[PrimroseCrabapple]

It looks like we will be needing a nanny from julyish. Am in need of ad wording help please!

We need a confident experienced driver, the school run is down some narrow country lanes. Not sure how to phrase it or check if they are confident ???

We also and this is the icky bit, we really need someone who speaks clearly pronounces t's etc. There is a tendency in this area for lots of missing t's. Our youngest is having speech therapy and we need someone who models correct speech. I have no idea how to, or even if to put it in the advert without sounding like an utter ponce. Any ideas lovely ladies?

The speech stuff is key, given the probs the small one has and I really don't want to go through disappointing people who don't fit this.

You point out in the ad that you need someone with clear speech because your youngest is having speech therapy (hearing problems?) - then you check their voice with an initial phone interview. Specify that experience of speech therapy would be a bonus too.

I'd also specify you need a confident experienced driver and give a minimum length of time they need to have held their driving license. You can check that they're confident by taking them out for a test drive.

Thanks Frakkit, we are still waiting for the hearing test, so not sure if her hearing is affected. She has a number of problems with speech sounds including some vowels so good modelling is essential.

I would use that phrase for the advert- due to having notable speech delay including some vowels it is essential that the applicant consistently provides good speech modelling?

I think that works - you ladies are brilliant!

Also be prepared to play speech games as specified by the therapise. The key is little and often - ie throughout hte day providing they are in the mood. I say this as a mum whose had 2 with speech delay.

I would say beward using the word 'confident' as this can all too easily mean 'careless'!

I would certainly ask for someone who has been driving for some years (i.e. not just passed their test). I would also stipulate someone who has a clean driving license.

If you are really that worried about their driving, how about considering sponsoring them to take the advanced test (I assume this still exists?)

Re the speech, just be very clear that your DC has speech development issues, therefore clear/correct speech will be very important - and any previous experience in this area would be invaluable.

You will be able to tell when you interview anyone how good their actual spoken English is.

use the word "competent" for driving? Ask about previous insurance claims either personal or work claims, ask for the details not just whether they have any IYSWIM

hmmm lots of good suggestions there, i know what you mean about the confident meaning reckless!

I am fretting although i do have a good friend who is a driving instructor so maybe getting him to assess the driving would be good. I know I sound a bit ott, but the roads are a bit crazy, barely enough room for two cars, sometimes not enough, tight blind corners and it is surprisingly busy. It is also prone to ice in the winter, lots of people have near misses on it.

I actually know people who changed school because they couldn't cope with the roads !

Some nannies (like myself) have taken advanced driving training or are members of the IAM. It takes £139 to do the Skill for Life programme. There's also RoSPA and I think BSM do advanced motoring as well. Perhaps that would be something to consider? But there's nothing which says that someone without that isn't a good driver.

I don't see why a nanny would object to a driving assessment. Pass Plus isn't really much good if you've been driving a few years - it's aimed at new drivers and the standards aren't that high.

If you're planning to use an agency SNAP childcare will probably have nannies with experience of speech therapy.

Is it a live out nanny? If so then they would live fairly local (say within 10 miles) so would know how the roads are in the area.

Live out Nanny yes.

Lots of food for thought. Will take a look at SNAP.

Not sure an agency like SNAP will be of that much use to you if you are rural located and wanting live-out. The agency may not know of anyone in your area. Worth a call but if they don't know of someone in your area, you will have just as much luck finding someone as they will in my view.

Where are you planning to advertise? I would suggest local village shops, local newspaper and websites like Nannyjob and Gumtree.
Also have a look on childcare.co.uk to see if there is anyone in your area looking for a nanny job.

That's brill Nick much appreciated. We aren't horrendously rural but from home to school happens to cover 15 mins of dueling banjos type roads. Honestly there are random farm animals milling about, a dapple pony, dove cot etc, kids love spotting stuff on the run, hich of course only adds to the distraction value.

TBH you can avoid the worst of the roads but it doubles the journey time.

I would put in the advert confident experienced driver on country lanes as well as busy main roads and city centres then you will ensure you get an experienced driver.

With regards to speech I hate it when people dont pronouce words properly, I guess the phone interview/initial phone chat is the best way forward.

Could put in advert someone who has experience of working on a 1:1 basis with children who are in reciept of speech therapy.

good call on the driving bit eastmids, have now got a first draft which hopefully doesn't sound to nuts!

Thanks all!

yes a clean license is good but you could miss out on a good nanny by wanting that

i have points for speeding - doesnt make me a bad nanny

i also go up and down country lanes 8+times a day

you ca always go in the car with them before offering the job

Hi, I know that this wasnt an advert and Im not sure if this is ok or not but, I am looking for a job over the summer holidays between university where I am studying Primary Education and have just completed my second year and was wondering if you were looking for a permenant or temporary nanny?

Summer only atm Bexibb, still pondering tbh. Live out west lothian