Im just about to employ a nanny; any tips for what to ask at interview?

[SARAHSUE]

I'd love to hear any suggestions for things to ask/look out for when meeting a prospective nanny for 1st time.

Also my 2d's are currently at nursery and im concerned about how to make the transistion from full time nursery to having a nanny at home. Has anyone had any experience about the best way to settle a new nanny in?

Decide beforehand how you would see her spending her days i.e how much playtime/how much cooking/how much ironing or whatever, and then talk to her about her views and see how much you co-incide. I've had several nannies, the best of which have both done 4 year spells, but the bad ones have been awful! Can she cook, so your children will eat? The best of them will make sure your children are good, varied eaters (they're not mum, so usually firmer about things). Do you want her friends around? If so what rules? I am usually quite relaxed, but I ban boyfriends. Is she discreet? If she sounds off about previous employers in interview the chances are she isn't. Do you want her to do mundane things like the supermarket for you? I learnt the hard way with my first that if your nanny devotes herself to playing with and stimulating your child all the time, then when she's not there you have a child with high expectations who can't sit in a trolley/ let you get on with the routine things that all mums do. Much better to share the workload so that there is no difference between how they spend time with the nanny and how they spend time when you're in charge. Also find out about activities in your area that nannies go to such as swimming or Gymbabes, as nannies are much happier if they have a social network. Lots more advice if you need it, and do e-mail me if you want. Once you've found the one you like, I would suggest one or two trial days, not consecutive, so your children can enjoy playing with her, and look forward to seeing her again: abit like a favourite babysitter. However, if she's the right one, they will adapt almost immediatly IMO.

I have had 2 nannies. There are a lot of websites with good questions on them. You may want to check them out. Generally though, in my opinion, the most important thing is to check the prospective's references. Call each of them and ask them why they left, how they were, what the did, any complaints they had, etc. You will learn a lot from the references. When it is time to hire, you will want to be as clear as possible about hours, pay, holidays, expectations - responsibilities, etc. Good luck!