Tips for hiring a nanny

[chickenwings00]

I’m going back to work this winter and after exploring a few nursery options for my one year old I’m not comfortable that it’s the right setting for her and instead want to explore hiring a nanny.

It would be a part time basis (3 days a week) on a fixed schedule. I was looking at using something like Koru Kids so that I don’t have to worry about the employment / taxes angle of it all but not sure if there are other agencies I should be looking at too? I’m not in London but in another big city.

Any other tips / things to think about when hiring a nanny for the first time?

Having done this before there are a few points you might want to consider in advance:

• Will they have access to a car or need their own, or none at all?
• how would you ideally like to tackle holidays
• would you offer or expect additional babysitting
• can you be flexible on which 3 days?
• can you be flexible and need more than 3 days?
• Will you be in the house at the same time or at work?
• have you found a nanny PAYE service that you like yet?

And then generally what’s your parenting style and what’s most important for you. Our most successful nannies weren’t the ones with the best qualifications on paper. We sourced direct but if you’re in a big city I’m sure there will be agencies to help.

Dont enable them to be too 'at home'. Not until you can see they are able to recognise appropriate boundaries.

Being in childcare for the last fifteen plus years personally I would never send a child under two to a nursery setting, choosing the right nanny and having the funds. Your child will socialise daily but also able to have that one on one so important in the early years. Koru is generally not used by professional Nannies. If you are wishing to advertise yourself Nannyjob.co.uk childcare.co.uk and bubble are resources that a lot of Nannies use to find a job. Also local Facebook groups. Nannyjob is good to see appropriate salaries in your local area. There are lots of nanny pay role companies who will do all the hr side of employing a nanny. Nannytax nannypaye being two of the main ones. Be clear on your expectations before interviewing, so start date hours, duties etc

Note that pretty much anyone can call themselves a nanny as they’re not registered and regulated in the same way as child minders and nurseries. Some are highly qualified childcare professionals, others are nothing more than babysitters.
do not underestimate the cost, particularly for just one child. You’ll be looking at £15-20/hr as well as covering their NI, pension contributions etc.

If you are on a tight budget m you could look for a nanny share. Our nanny had my 2 year old 5 days per week plus nannyshare 1 year old 3 days per week plus did school pickup for the 5 year old. She got paid 120% of normal nanny wage for the area but it was still cheaper for us and the other family

My DS had a nanny until recently, age 2. We interviewed 6 or 7 nannies and in my experience it's key to check your parenting ideas align and also, if flexibility is important, be very clear.

I knew I needed someone who could do extra hours last minute - some candidates said absolutely not (as they had other caring responsibilities like their own children) whereas others loved the potential of lots of extra time.

We also wanted someone quite gentle, willing to work with us as he is our only child. We found a couple of the very experienced nannies were very strict and annoyed at the idea of me being around and me still breastfeeding for example.

The nanny we ended up hiring was an absolute angel so it's worth taking your time finding the right person.

Have you considered a childminder? There's fewer children than in a nursery but still socialising with others. As they're self-employed they sort out their own NI etc and the hourly rate would probably be cheaper than a Nanny.