After school/holiday nanny?

[amarshall]

Hello,

I'm trying to work out how easy it to find an after school/holiday nanny. My children will both be at primary school in September so we only really need childcare from 3 - 6.30 pm Monday - Friday and during the school holidays. However, I assume most nannies prefer full time jobs with regular hours (for obvious financial reasons!).

We're also considering an au pair but prefer the idea of somebody with a bit of experience who can help with homework and would like to stay with our family for a few years. We need somebody who can drive so they can take the children to after-school activities/play dates etc. and I'm not sure all au pairs would be comfortable to drive in London. Also, we'd prefer a live-out nanny.

It's a bit early to start recruiting (!) but does anybody have this sort of arrangement in place already? If so, does it work well? And was it hard to find a nanny? From the nanny point of view - would you be interested in doing this? I suppose it might fit well with somebody who'd like to work reduced hours or is studying/has other commitments.

Anyway, any thoughts or experiences anyone could share would be appreciated!

Thanks very much.

AM

[nubby'smums]

I know childminders who do this so try them. They would have more experience and be more likely to have a car, though not sure how feasible it would be to take your kids to classes if they have other children to look after as well. My partner is a childminder and thinking of picking up a couple of after-schoolers when our son starts in September. We haven't found out where he is going yet, which would make a difference, but feel free to get in touch and if she can't do it, she knows several other childminders who might have vacancies. Good luck.

[Mook]

I currently work as an after-school nanny, and yes we are few and far between unfortunately. The reason I work part time like this is because I have a toddler of my own who I take to work with me.

Before I had my own child I worked full time as a nanny, and I had experience of looking after babies/toddlers alongside their older school-age therefore I knew I would be able to work in a similar situation with my own son.

I am very lucky, my employer understands that my son and I come as a package and she has no issues with his high chair being at the dining table, his little cutlery and plates in the cupboards and drawers, a few of his toys kicking around the place, and (during the holidays) providing a room for me to put a travel cot up in for him a nap. She also understands that I can't always give my undivided attention to her daughter. From the outset I felt that her priority was for someone that she felt relaxed with to pick her daughter from school. If I felt that my employer resented my son being there then the job would never have worked out. I am happy to have a reduced salary, taking account that my employer provides my son with a meal, and that I can't always give my undivided attention to my employer's daughter. I also have back-up childcare in place in case my son is sick - I can still go to work.

I am very happy in my current job and (as far as I know) my employer is happy too.

I would suggest looking at (and possibly placing an ad) in "simply childcare" (Carla is great) and if you know of any nannies speak to them and get the word out.

Good luck

[amarshall]

Hi - thank you both! Yes, I think childminders might be the best option although I prefer the idea of them being looked after at home when they are both little. Youngest will be just 3 actually and at a pre-school (with primary school like hours). I'd be very happy to consider a nanny with their own child. We'll see - I guess I'll find out when I advertise. It's a bit early yet! Thanks again.