employing a nanny - what do I say

[bluebear]

I'm taking the plunge and trying to find a nanny via the internet ie.not using an agency.
Does a job description of 'childcare and tidying up after the children; cooking their lunch (no 'cleaning' or laundry) seem clear to you lot?
I haven't had more than 4 hours sleep for a fortnight and brain is gone.
Do I need to explain what I mean by childcare?
I'm feeling very dim.

[Tinker]

Isn't childcare synonymous with being a "nanny"?

[bluebear]

That's what I thought but I got an email from a prospective nanny asking about more details of the duties (also asked for hours required despite me putting them in the ad so maybe it's her).

[Crunchie]

I have a nanny and the usual is childcare, including taking children to various activities if requested - such as ballet classes/tumble tots. All cooking and cleaning for the children -which includes cleaning their rooms/playroom, and caring for their toys, also includes all childrens meals as well as clearing up and washing up afterwards. All laundry for the children - including ironing if necessary.

My understanding was that was the norm and to be expected. Personally our nanny doesn't iron, becasue we don't! and she used to end up doing all our washing with the girls!! we said that was too much. She also does little things like emptying the dishwasher etc if I ask her.

I would be a little concerned at this point if they want a huge amount of clarification and to check the hours again, beofre they have been interviewed, it sounds as if they maybe a little workshy

[Kayleigh]

Bluebear. I did have a nanny and still have her contract and list of duties (which was an appendix to the contract).
Am happy to email you this if you would like.

[CountessDracula]

Kayleigh could you post it here or mail to me too, my nanny's contract just says "care of X"!

I am going to re-do it soon so will include a more specific list I think

[bluebear]

Hi Crunchie, thanks, I'm only wanting 1 or 2 days a week hence the no cleaning/laundry thing - my two are a bit of a handful and I can't clean/sort stuff when I've got both of them.

Kayleigh - Yes Please!!! Can you send it via the contact another user thing?

Note the use of the word 'thing' am definetly sleep deprived

[Kayleigh]

Bluebear, no problem will send it tonight from home as am at work at the moment. Not that you'd know !

The contact another user thingy sometimes takes a day or so so don't panic if you don't get it immediately.

[hinnigan]

Hi, I'm a nanny, and recently a new mother, that seems perfectly clear to me, most nannies use the expression nursery duties only

[bluebear]

a-ha! Maybe that's where the confusion lies. Thanks Hinnigan.

[hinnigan]

nursery duties include shopping and cooking for children, washing and ironing for them. All nannies shoud consider these chores as part of their job. Things like emptying the dishwasher, should not be in her job description, but if she is nice she would do it anyway!

[hinnigan]

whereabouts are you bluebear?

[bluebear]

west london

[Kayleigh]

Have contacted you bluebear - let me know if you still haven't received anything in 24 hours or so.

[bluebear]

Thanks Kayleigh

[vivat]

This is cut and pasted from my nanny contract - someone on here gave me some help with it last year - vivat

Daily activity of the child including:
Arrange and supervise a stimulating and child centred day with age appropriate activities, such as painting, drawing, reading, cooking
Provide a safe environment and to highlight the potential dangers in and around the home
Arrange and supervise child activities such as swimming, birthday parties etc
Get child washed and dressed in the morning
Give child their meals
Administer medication as agreed with the Employer, if required
Organising child for school (bags, lunch etc)
Take the child to and from school
Daily fresh air weather permitting
Complete a short daily diary detailing activities, trips, meals, length of sleep etc

Preparing and cooking meals for the child including:
Planning menus
Light shopping for fresh produces and supplies for the child’s food
Preparing and cooking meals and stocking up the freezer
Cleaning the kitchen after the child’s meals

Cleaning and maintaining the child’s living areas including:
Washing, ironing and sewing child’s clothes
Keep the child’s bedroom clean and tidy
Keep the child’s play area and toys clean and tidy at the end of the day
Hoovering the child’s bedroom and play area regularly
Loading and unloading the dishwasher

[bossykate]

god, i am completely jealous of anyone who has a nanny, it's me who has to do all those d**m chores!

[hinnigan]

in response to vivat, I think you are absolutely right, with what is expected from a nanny, although just to warn any potential employers of a nanny, Qualified (NNEB) nannies know what is expected of them and will do all of these things, I don't think there is any harm of mentioning the things that are really important to you, but be careful not to include all of them, or you maybe looking for a nanny for a long time!the most important thing is that they care for your children foremost, be careful not to put too much emphasis on cleaning etc , as this may well get you a good cleaner, but not necessarily a great nanny. All nannies that I know, myself included will do all the cleaning aspects of the job, without them being spelled out, if not then is the time to bring it up. If you ask her in the interview is she clean and tidy, you will come home to a clean house!

[collision]

Hi BB.....how is the quest in finding a nanny? I was a nanny for 15 yrs and am now a Mum (it didnt put me off!!) and would like to know if you found anyone.