Childcare query

[KattyKit]

Hi,

Does anyone know what the law is or have any advice as to mothers helps / babysitters etc?

I am looking for someone to look after baby KattyKit one day a week to allow me to catch up on some work but as I will be at home with them do I need a nanny or could I try and find a babysitter / unqualified but nice/trustworthy person?

Many thanks.

[Veronique75]

Hi there,

I am a nanny working in east Dulwich and would recommend you look around for a family already with a family who would be happy splitting the cost for a day for their nanny. The advantages being you get somebody qualified and vetted and your child can have playmates!

You can put something on here or simply childcare is good as well.

Hope this helps

Veronique

[Saffron]

Just curious, how are nannies vetted/qualified in England? I've spoken to lots of people who call themselves nannies, who don't appear to have any qualifications other than their experience in childcare. Ofsted registration for nannies is voluntary anyway. So basically, anyone can call her/himself a nanny. I would recommend you look for an individual with Ofsted registration, or some other pertinent and up to date childcare qualifications. Don't just take it that b/c someone is called a "nanny" that they are qualified to do the job with your child. xx

PS:

Here are a couple links you may find interesting/helpful...

http://www.nannytax.co.uk/nannies/the-ofsted-register/registration-criteria

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Startinganewjob/DG_195809

[KattyKit]

Thanks Veronique I will have a think about that idea.

Good question Saffron - I have no idea! I don't really understand the technical difference between childminders, nannies etc and didn't know that Ofsted registration was voluntary for nannies. I had always assumed that nannies had to be qualified and on some kind of register which is why they were more expensive.

[new mother]

The absolutely key thing with whomever you choose is that you follow up refs carefully. I go to meet the referee in her house and have a cup of tea. If she didn't want to do that, I would wonder why and ask the prospective nanny.

The reason this is essential is so that you can get more of a feel for the people who think the nanny is great (presumably) and you can check how similar you feel to her in her own environment.

Having said this, I have heard of friends employing people solely after video interviews - bonkers in my view but there it is....

[Saffron]

Great advice new mother. You can also ask for a couple of trial days with a new nanny to see how your child gets on with someone new before signing up to a longterm agreement.

[KattyKit]

Thank you. Good advice - will do.

x