Finding someone you trust to leave your children with may seem an onerous task, but it needn’t have to be…
Life has never been more of a juggle. Keeping abreast of endless school emails, arranging playdates, booking one doctor’s appointment after another, refereeing sibling conflict and producing snacks on demand magician style - all while attempting to work (or survive) with little or no sleep. Being a parent is not a role for the fainthearted. It is all-consuming, made even harder when you have no family nearby to rely on. If this sounds all too familiar, a nanny could be your new best friend. Knowing how to find the right nanny for you and your family can be tricky, but follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way.
Grab a pen and write down exactly what you’re looking for in a nanny. You might want one newly qualified with a fresh outlook and an open mind, or perhaps you’d rather a nanny with years of experience under their belt.
You should also consider your non-negotiable points from the outset - things that you absolutely can’t budge on. Whether that’s a nanny with experience caring for newborns, or one that speaks another language, add these must-haves to your list.
Will it be a part-time or full-time role? Live-in or live-out?
Shared-charge (an extra pair of hands to help with your little ones) or sole-charge (a nanny who takes full charge of the kids)?
Decide what salary you’re happy to pay too. Ensure the hourly rate you’re offering is realistic compared to what nannies in your area are charging - they are caring for your prized possessions after all!
Working in your home, your nanny will become like another member of the family, so it’s important you’re on the same page when it comes to parenting. Everyone has their own style when it comes to praising and disciplining good and bad behaviour, and you may be a routine queen with your baby or prefer a go-with-the-flow approach. Whatever your parenting style, be open with nannies during interviews to check your compatibility.
If possible, begin searching early - if you’re pregnant and know you’ll need a nanny, get a head start before baby arrives!
Asking friends or fellow mums is a good place to begin - word of mouth tends to produce recommendations. You may be lucky enough to hit the nanny jackpot quickly, but the chances of finding the right nanny who is available for the exact days you need, plus one who meets your dealbreaker requirements, can prove stressful. This is where a nanny agency may become your saving grace.
If neither word of mouth or posting in social media groups found you The One, signing up to a nanny agency could save you time and stress.
Think of them like a matchmaker. Upon signing up, the agency will discuss your requirements with you and choose or find a nanny that matches them perfectly, before arranging interviews.
Agencies carefully interview each nanny - running identity checks and viewing all relevant qualifications. Very good agencies will not only check references thoroughly, but ensure their nannies reflect your values – recognising trust, reliability and a warm, caring nature.
Perhaps most helpful of all, agencies will continue to work with you until you have found the perfect match.
Upon hiring a nanny you’ll pay an agency fee, the amount usually depends on whether your nanny is part-time, full-time or a temporary placement.
On becoming your nanny’s legal employer, you’ll need to register with HMRC and set up a PAYE scheme to ensure you pay all relevant tax and national insurance contributions for your nanny.
You should also draw up a contract, including the rate of pay you and your nanny have agreed upon, working hours, holiday pay and sick pay.
Other things to consider include payslips (showing both wage and tax), maternity rights, annual leave, notice period, relevant pension contributions and insurance.
Rose Nannies Agency provide qualified, professional nannies for many families in and around London. Founder Ella Dibb says: “We pride ourselves on being a support throughout the entire process, for both family and nanny. The finer details of the hiring process can seem daunting, but if our clients ever require any help becoming their nanny’s legal employer, we gladly offer advice and recommend companies for everything on their to-do list.”
Julia Sidwell, Manager, Rose Nannies Agency