Which type of nanny do you want?
Before you start the nanny search process, make sure you know what type of nanny you want and are able to clearly define the position you are offering. By answering the following questions, you will have mapped out the nanny’s ideal role and disposition.
There are many things to consider:
- Do you want a part-time or full-time nanny? Part time nanny is a nanny who works for less than 30 hours per week, usually 2-3 full days of afternoons/mornings. Full time nanny usually works 5 days a week in range of 8-12 hours per day. Some nannies work 6 full days per week, but should be rewarded for not having at least 1.5 day in week off.
- Do you require a live-in or live-out nanny? Live-in nannies are handy in case that you are not sure what hours exactly you need, and you would like someone more flexible, also if you require someone who will take care of housekeeping as well, live-in person is much more convenient. You will need to be able to provide the nanny with her own private bedroom and some nannies want their own bathroom ( or at least bathroom that would be shared with children only ).
If you decide to go for live-out nanny, who will be coming to your home when needed, you need to bare in mind her commencement, and also that she does have her own life and probably is going back to her own family every day, and you will need to respect this ( giving enough notice if you need her to stay longer or to come earlier... ) also, the nanny will expect you to provide her with some meals ( I.e. lunch, snack ) and if she will be working full days, there should be an opportunity or a break ( exhausted nanny means a danger to your children ).
- Will the nanny be sharing the care with you, your partner, or another nanny (shared care) or will she be caring for the children on her own (sole charge)? Sole charge nannies need to have many experience with a children of relevant age and will expect higher salary. They will carry out all aspect of day to day childcare, including your child's well being, feeding, health, developing and educating. In case of shared care it is essential that both carers get on well with each other.
- What is your weekly budget for the nanny’s salary (remember nanny salaries are quoted in weekly ‘net’ terms – not gross)? You need to take in consideration the number of children, their age, the hours the nanny will work, the duties she will be responsible for, and also the experience and qualification of the nanny. Also note, that we live in London, and being a nanny is a profession as any other, and you will be an employer, responsible for the nanny's contract, tax and national insurance. Employing a nanny might seem really expensive, but please do consider, that it is a hard job requiring skills and huge responsibility. Neither you would be happy to be paid below the going rate. Happy nanny means happy children = happy you!
- How many years experience would you ideally like your nanny to have? All nannies we take on our books must have a minimum of 2 years in childcare ( nursery or nanny experience ) or can be qualified and have some experience. The more experienced and qualified the nanny is, the bigger is the chance you will receive a high quality of childcare ( and will need to pay more ). Although you will be able to get a nanny with good experience and even a qualification, flexibility and nice personality for £9 per hour NETT.
- Do you require a nanny who drives? Driving in London is not easiest, and many nannies are afraid of taking the responsibility of driving with children in the car in this kind of traffic. Therefore finding a confident driver is a little difficulty and will probably require higher salary( not below £8net ). Also please consider if you will provide the nanny with the car (manual or automatic ), therefore you will need to take care of her insurance ( make sure she is insurable for the type of car you provide at first ), the upkeep of the car and the petrol. Some nannies enjoy the benefit of having the care for their own use when having a time off ( mostly live in nannies ). You can also find a nanny who owns a car and is happy to use it for work, but you will still need to pay for the petrol and ad something to her salary.
- Do you want a nanny whose first language is English? We have a nannies from all over the world and all of them must be able to communicate and understand very well. Most of our nannies are fluent in English, and their ability to speak at least another language might a plus ( especially spanish, french and german speaking nannies ). We also have nannies from England, New Zealand and Australia.
- Do you prefer an artistic nanny? A sporty nanny? A traditional, formal nanny? Or a governess who can focus on developing your children academically? There is a many types of nannies. All of them focus on your child well being, but some nannies are also very good housekeepers ( although the need of focusing on two different duties might develop into a problem of them completing both tasks properly ), qualified nannies ( teachers, nursery nurses, childcarers ) will have a good knowledge of childcare in theory, very experienced nannies will be able to get on with day to day duties and your child routine as soon as they start...
- Would you like your nanny to travel abroad with your family? You will need to consider her nationality and type of visa – passport.
- How many nights of babysitting do you require? 1-2 nights per week are common, and every babysitting ( extra hours ) should be paid extra, if not stated otherwise in the contract – prior to discussion with the nanny before she agrees to take the offer. If you will require more nights, you might need to consider a different person who will babysit for you, as your nanny will probably want to have some evenings for herself.
Remember, these questions are to help guide you in painting a clear picture for us as an agency. The clearer you are about what you want, the quicker they’ll be able to find you the right nanny.