Personally I would ask for those. Police report from France is easy peasy - she will need to fill in a 'demande d'extrait de casier judiciare' and send it off. It's free. For the medical report all she needs to do is go see her GP equivalent.
References - if you speak the language then I'd call them up and ask them. Get at least 1 work-based reference, even if it's just selling ice-cream, and ask about their time-keeping, work ethic and how they responded to criticism. I would make a table of questions you want answered and write notes on the conversation to make sure you've covered everything you need.
I would avoid asking too many questions at the first stage. Write a clear job description (including hours, pay etc.) and ask them if that's someonthing they're happy with.
For later on you can use the definitive questionnaire copied from this thread. Apparently that is for very serious applicants only (and for a FT nanny) but it gives you some idea and you can adapt it to suit you!
Nanny Interview Questionnaire
Author: AtheneNoctua
This version: March 2008
Note: Questions will need to be revised to suit your circumstances.
Questions:
Normally our 5 year old goes to school full time (8:50 ? 3:15, M-F). Describe a typical day?s activities when school is not in session (i.e. summer break)?
Describe a typical weekly meal plan for the children (include examples for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks you may offer them, keeping in mind that our 5 year old takes her lunch to school)
How would you describe your approach to discipline?
Do you have any degrees or diplomas in childhood education? Any degrees or diplomas in other subjects? If so, what subjects?
Why do you want to work in England?
If we travel as a family within the UK, would you want to join us? What about Europe? The United States?
Do you smoke? If so, how much?
Do you have any requests in terms of the accommodation we offer you?
Are you an au pair / nanny now? If not, why have you decided to become one?
What kinds of foods do you like to eat? (Please be specific and use as much space as you need.)
Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much?
How many hours do you want to work each week?
Summarise your experience with toddlers / young children.
Would you be willing to provide overnight care of the children (in the rare event that both parents are required to travel for work during the week)?
Do you have a driver?s license? From what country? How long have you had it?
Do you own a car in the UK?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Describe your personality?
What qualities make you well suited to be a nanny?
What is your worst habit?
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? fiancé/fiancée? spouse? If so, where does he live?
Do you know anyone in England? Friends? Family?
What is it about our particular nanny job that appeals to you?
Would you take care of the children if they were sick? (They do not get sick a lot, I only ask as a precaution)
Do you have a credit card? A UK bank account?
Do you play any sports? Which ones? How often?
Can you provide a reference from a previous au pair/nanny/nursery job? If so, please attach to this questionnaire and/or provide contact information of previous employer(s).
How many times have you been sick in the last year? What was the illness?
Do you have any children? If so, what ages? Where do they live?
What sorts of things would you include in each entry of a nanny diary? (If it is easier to attach a sample rather than describe it here, feel free to do so)
Summarise your views on discipline, schedules, and routines for young children?
Do you wish to obtain any additional employment besides being our nanny or be involved in any other activities outside of our employment (i.e. church activities, working out, language course, other studies, etc.). If so how much time per week would you expect to spend on these activities?
Are you available for a face-to-face interview in the United Kingdom? If so, when?
What is your salary expectation?
Are you in possession of a work visa for the United Kingdom? If so, what are the restrictions?
Are you able to travel to the London area by your own means?
When would you be available to start this job?
Our almost 5 year old attends a Church of England primary school (which is affiliated with the church we attend), and our almost 3 year old will begin the nursery there in September. How might you encourage their education and participation in the Anglican community?
We are offering a membership to Amida (health club) with this position, if you want it and will use it. Is this something you would be interested in?
As this is a full time nanny position for two small children, there will obviously be some light housekeeping involved (children?s laundry, keeping their toys tidy and organised, etc.) What housekeeping/cleaning duties are you not willing to do?