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Childcare

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HOW TO CHECK NANNY REFERENCES AND POLICE RECORDS WHEN INDEPENDENTLY SEARCHING FOR SUITABLE CHILDCARE (May 2009)

We have recently been inundated with questions on how to check nanny references and police records when independently searching for a nanny in London, so we have contected an expert, Laura Gray, who is the owner of Nanny Jobs in London, a smart 'Gumtree' for chilcare www.nannyjobsinlondon.co.uk.

Question 1: If I independently search (online, Gumtree, etc) for a nanny what do I need to look for in an interview?

Answer (Laura): First and foremost, you need to see whether you click with the nanny, do you like them, do you feel comfortable with them? They could have the most amazing experience and qualifications etc, but if you don't jell with them, then the chances are that the relationship won't work out.

The next step is to discuss their previous experience; does their experience match up to your expectations? Have they had experience with children of a similar age to your own? You should ask how long previous nanny positions were held and their reasons for leaving. It would be a good idea to ask about the type of things they usually do during a typical day of child-care, i.e. what things do they do to entertain children? Do they feel it's important to get 'out and about'? Do they go to local playgroups or parks? What would they do on a rainy day? Their views on discipline should be discussed, and their methods of dealing with possibly difficult situations.

You should then consider what is specifically important for the role that you are offering, for example; driving ability, knowledge of cooking nutritious meals, ability to help with homework, knowledge of potty training, are they willing to do house-work, how long are they hoping to stay in the position? You should consider their ability to act in an emergency; have they done first aid training (if not would they consider doing this?). They should also be asked if they have a police check (CRB check), if not would they be willing to have one done? It goes without saying that if you are happy with the initial interview, a second should happen for your children to meet with the prospective nanny, you should decide if you felt comfortable with their interaction and where possible ask your child how they felt.

Q2: What documents do I need to request (passport copy, utility bill)?

A2: Driving licence, first aid certificate, child-care training certificates, national insurance card, CRB certificate, and birth certificate, passport. If the passport shows they are not a British citizen, you should make sure they are legally allowed to work in the UK. The home office has lots of information about checking documents in this situation www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Q3: Is it important to do a police check and how would I do it?

Criminal Records Bureau checks (CRB) are not compulsory, but most definitely recommended. They exist to protect vulnerable members of society. An 'enhanced disclosure' is the highest level of police check and is undertaken for people working with children. It highlights people unsuitable for working with children, by checking their criminal record. If your prospective nanny does not have a CRB check, you should arrange for them to have one done. A good place to start is the Criminal Record Bureau's website, www.crb.gov.uk Nannies cannot apply for their own CRB checks; this has to be done by an employer or agency. Individual employers (i.e. parents) are also unable to arrange for a CRB check directly (unlike schools or nurseries) they need to go through an 'umbrella body' such as www.crbchecks.co.uk who will apply on your behalf.

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EVERYTHING MUMS NEED TO KNOW TO HIRE A NANNY IN LONDON (Posted February 2009)

Hiring a nanny will surely not be a difficult exercise... is it? Affordability will certainly not prevent a family from securing a qualified nanny in London ... does it?

Most mums go through the important exercise of hiring a nanny alone and without the essential support of a trusted agency, for many reasons, not least the high charges that pervade agencies in London. Worryingly, although mums are sincerely reluctant to take chances or shortcuts with the care of their beloved offspring, some are compelled to do so because the whole exercise is indeed daunting, could be lonely, certainly time consuming and costly ... and now; there is the transient matter of the credit crunch with its greater effect on London families and worse, those connected to the City's financial services sector.

Happily, mums can still affordably hire a nanny in London and in the current climate and, with relative simplicity by knowing the essential feasible needs they want to fulfill and then importantly set about fulfilling those needs by recruiting a cost effective agency that fully understands not only how to meet those unique needs but also, are singular in their approach towards the mum, adopt holistic standards that are sacrosanct and not least, are affordable without compromising quality.

So how do you know those essential needs and what makes which feasible?

For a start, do not specify those essential needs that your ideal nanny will fulfill until you clearly articulate the functions that you foresee the nanny shall undertake on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. If possible consult your loved one and offspring and, arrive at a consensus. Then plot on paper those clear functions vis-a-vis with the ideal qualifications and characteristics that the nanny should possess. This advised approach is practical and provides a platform for appropriate internal family questions and answers; it is facilitative and highlights the feasibility of each need. It will also underpin your communication with an agency and when you interview potential nannies.

Although these steps may seem straightforward, they are not easy, as the whole process inherently entails foreseen and unforeseen dynamics, not least, the limited time that may be available to mums for the process. Therefore, a wide range of plotting is recommended, for example, if you require a multi-lingual nanny that is a licensed driver with own car and live-out, in addition to a list of must-have qualifications, it may ease the search process if you offer to provide or pay for adequate insurance and maintenance of the car.

Mums wholeheartedly treasure their offspring and are inherently seeking to ensure that such feelings are protected, even promoted, by recruiting a suitable, compatible, perceptive and qualified nanny to care for their beloved offspring.

Any agency that is therefore engaged to recruit a nanny must palpably understand, share and persist in promoting such admirable feeling through policies and practices targeting the nanny immediately before and during their subsequent employment. Such an agency will be only too happy to fully communicate their program with both mum and nanny.

A desirable agency is one that not only introduces a well referenced and qualified nanny but also a nanny who is kind hearted, perceptive, compatible and suits the needs of the mum so as to ensure a happy placement.

Introduction of a nanny to a mum must not be an end but the beginning of a long happy childcare relationship between all three parties.

The essential needs that mums often specify when recruiting a nanny are:

(1) Positive and experienced influence on the daily activities of their offspring.

(2) Live-in, protective nanny to provide continuing and balanced care.

(3) Qualified guardian addition to the family.

(4) Responsible, educated and driver licensed nanny to undertake school runs.

(5) Cost effective, vetted and trustworthy nanny.

(6) Live-out, well referenced and CRB checked nanny.

(7) Experienced and multi-lingual nanny.

It should be noted that the needs listed herein are not exhaustive. It may however be that in seeking to fulfill those needs, mums are faced with one or more unhelpful factors that may make fulfilling those needs not to be feasible; limited funds, inflexible work arrangements, limited time in recruiting the ideal nanny, possible derailment of professional aspirations, effects on lifestyle etc. These factors could be constraining and may lead to compromising outcomes. It need not be so, as there are capable agencies that can advice mums, address unique situations, apply appropriate process standards including comprehensive vetting, simplify the exercise and work as a team with mums to facilitate the fulfillment of those needs despite any or all of those constraining factors.

Hiring a nanny to care for your priceless offspring is one of the most important decision-making exercises a mum engages in and she must therefore seek a nanny agency that is ethical, comprehensively understands and shares such sense of priceless importance.

AUTHOR: Jana Roberts, Happy Nannies Limited www.happynannies.com

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Message from Victoria and baby Ben (December 2007)

I would like to recommend an excellent CPR/baby and child First Aid instructor. Marc Innes many years of experience as a paramedic enables him to share knowledge and experience that cant be found in a text book alone. His sessions are fun and informative and if you have a group of mums he will come to your home. The course is well structured with plenty of time to practice on "dummies". Each candidate takes home hand-outs, laminated emergency instruction cards and a certificate.

Marc Innes _ LPA Medical Associate (an HSE approved company)

Tel: 01273 778884

marcinnes1@btinternet.com

Message from Erin (October 2007)

Looking for Part Time mother's helper to help out with dinner/bath/bedtime for child of 20 months. Hours would be 4:30-7:30. 7 pounds/hour, dinner included. Will need you to play with daughter and help with tidying up. Will only need help when husband is travelling, which is usually one or two weeks per month. Would like to see CV, references, and police check. Spanish speaker preferred. Please contact Erin McGuigan on 07736-686-427 or erinrose85@hotmail.com.

Message from Emmanuelle & toddler Charlotte (September 2007)

Hi Monica, I have understood from your last email that you were compiling childcare/baby-sitting info. Well, I can recommend mine. She is called Elif and her phone number is: 07725441753. Take care Emmanuelle

Message from Melody and toddler Saffy (September 2007)

Hi Monica, I thought of a friend who might be able to help look after your son for the odd day here and there. Her daily rate is 85 pounds. She's very experienced with children and absolutely lovely. She's called Cheryl and her number is 0790 353 7614. I know Cheryl through my Nutrition course. FYI, she lives in Chelsea. Melody