Advice Wanted - Looking for a Nanny

[Emmalou]

I work part-time and am thinking about going down the nanny route (my 2 girls currently go to a childminder/pre-school). I'm thinking of finding my own versus using an agency - what sort of things should I ask for in terms of qualifications, references, etc. How can I be sure the person is legitimate ?

I was thinking of using gumtree - has anyone used this ? I live in Reading, Berks. Are there any other good places to look ?

Thanks.

Hi

I have had two nannies - first through agency and our present one through thegumtree website. I had very specific requirements this time - I wanted someone who spoke perfect English, preferably Australian, Kiwi or South African. She is great and I am really happy with my Australian nanny. She does have experience looking after boys the same age as my boys however as no formal childcare education.

Our first nanny had qualifications, and loads of experience.

So if you are looking to use websites or Simply Childcare magazine ( the two I used ) I would:

1. Do not put your own ad on thegumtree as you will be overun with unsuitable candidates when it is much easier to filter by responding to ads.

2. Look for people that can't start straight away unless that person has a good reason.

3. If you use thegumtree you will find lots of ozzies, kiwis, south africans and east europeans looking for temporary work. If you want someone who is going to be here in a year or two years then you could have trouble.

4. Most ozzies, kiwis etc will be here on a two year holiday visa which allows them to work for a set period of time ( not two years ) can't remember the amount of the time. Most of them
   workers I don't imagine this is much of a problem.

5. If you employ someone without formal childcare education then you will find gaps in their knowledge as to procedures - so you will need to keep an eye on what they do.

I think as a first time mum I am happy that I used an agency and employed a very qualified nanny. However, second time around I had a very good idea of what I wanted and relied to a large extent on my own instincts which have been proved right.

I found mine through The Lady. I know most Nannies read this.

The Simply Childcare outfit - website here - may not cover your area - don't know, worth checking; but it also sells comprehensive packs of info. on how to go about finding childcare & what to consider - I should think that would be a good start.

The one thing I don't know how to do is a proper police check, which I think would be essential if looking for a nanny privately.

There was a book that WH Smith did at the time I had my Nanny which was very good. Something like "All you need to know about Childcare" in a range of "All you need to know" books. Was their own make ,so to speak and was about £2.50. Actually more of a brochure than book and was near the magazines.

Had all the things to check and a checklist of questions to ask at interview. I found it very helpful.

could also try nannyjob.co.uk I've had a lot of replies from an add on there.

Just spotted this Emmalou - buy the The Good Nanny Guide: The Complete Handbook on Nannies, Au Pairs, Mother's Helps, Childminders and Day Nurseries, by Charlotte Breese & Hilaire Gomer.

Good luck!

I'm sure it's been updated but I used that in 1994 when I first looked for a nanny. Once I got over the inferiority complex in that I wasn't looking for a uniformed (v expensive) Norland type nanny it was actually quite helpful - more so for live in than daily and in fact I've recently gone back to it to help draw up a contract for a live in nanny/mothers help now all the girls are at school and our requirements have changed.

I have a friend who's a nanny and she mentioned a web site which (I think) is called mumstheword.com