What to do with nanny during maternity leave

[Natt]

what do people do with their existing nanny when they have maternity leave for baby no 2? We have a fantastic nanny whom I would hate to lose but can't really afford to have her full time during my (unpaid as self-employed) maternity leave. i think if i could fix her up with some other part-time nannying / sharing during the period she would stay but not sure how to go about this. I don't suppose anyone is looking for a really top parttime nanny from June/Julyish in NW London? any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated!

Don't know the answer I'm afraid Natt, but can sympathise with the problem. I've just been through the interviewing process for a new nanny, and as I have just 1 3yo boy, some of them raised that very question in case it should become relevant. I think some nannies do temping for a while, which can be profitable for them. I saw an ad in the Lady a while ago - a nanny offering her services to go on hols with families to take care of the children. Since it's that summer hols time of year there may be some possibilities for that kind of temp work. I know it's a bit early to try to get anything sorted, but you could discuss it with her and make clear that you're keen for her to stay, and suggest that you jointly put cards up locally in the library/newsagents etc, so she knows you're taking the question seriously. She'll probably be flattered that you want her to stay, and relieved that you're treating it as a joint issue/problem rather than just hers.

Good luck - hope it works out. And let us know how it goes!

Natt, have you talked to her about any ideas she may have? You never know she might be happy to take some unpaid leave & go travelling, visit family etc. I think phb is probably right when she says that your nanny could pick up some short term placements very easily as holiday cover etc. Another good place to look and advertise if you live in London is what used to be called "The Register" and is now Simply Childcare - www.simplychildcare.com.
I hope you manage to come to a mutually acceptable arrangement.

Just had another idea (inspiration from work in a roundabout way) - you could offer her a retention bonus to be paid once she's back with you full time after your maternity leave? (Of course the whole relationship is about much more than just money but it might just add a little extra incentive to get the whole thing to work.)