Finding a Nanny and Evening Babysitter

Choosing the right nanny can be one of the most important decisions you can make, yet it is relatively easy. You do however need to be cautious and to vet any nanny 100%. Following up references and asking both the nanny and previous employers lots of questions is very important.

Are you looking for a nanny, or are you a nanny looking for work?
The nanny and family contact service could help

At Poppins childcare a big part of the philosophy is to help parents with childcare. After working in the profession for 20 years and now in this economic climate I found it was important for families and nannies to have contact with each other easily, it is then down to a parent’s discretion on interviewing any prospective nannies as to whether they feel they are suitable.
There are so many nannies around looking for work and families in need of that perfect Mary Poppins, The Nanny and Family Contact Service can help.
I would like to stress, Poppins Childcare is not a nanny agency I do not find nannies positions of employment, and nor do I operate as one, I simply am a port of call for both parties. If you are a nanny looking for work or a family looking for a nanny please do contact me.

There is a very small administrative charge to parents for this service.

The vetting process

The vetting process when hiring a nanny yourself is not to dissimilar to that of nanny agencies, I would suggest to any family thinking of hiring a nanny to think about putting into practice the tips below. These may help you to decide if you are employing the right person for the job, something only the parent can decide.

Most nanny agencies have similar way’s of operating, they need to obtain certain information to keep on file. First they will tend to ask a nanny to send in her full CV, then they will then ask the nanny to go in for a face-to-face interview. When a nanny is at the interview she will be asked about previous positions, why she chose to leave these or why they came to an end. She will also be asked to bring along the following :

Proof of qualifications
Written references
An up to date paediatric first aid certificate
Driving licence
Passport
A valid CRB
Maybe 2 passport photos
They will ask to see 2 utility bills
And they will phone either 2 or 3 references

It is advisable for a parent, when hiring a nanny, that the nanny have Public Liability Insurance, business insurance on her own car, and be registered with Ofsted.