Useful Links: Nannies

Senior Professional Officer Tricia Pritchard says: "Planning is essential. Try to give yourself plenty of time – 9 out of 10 problems I hear about are to do with a lack of planning.

"If an agency doesn’t scrutinise your requirements, rest assured they’ve been just as lax with their nannies. Insist that they meet the prospective nannies face to face before you do.

"There’s nothing more important than your face-to-face interview with your prospective nanny. Be clear about the experience and qualifications you want. Don’t be persuaded to change just because you interview a ‘supergirl’ nanny who’s available to work. Look for NNEB, CACHE or BTEC qualifications. A nanny should ideally have two years’ childcare experience.

"I recommend interviewing 4 to 6 nannies. Ask them to bring along original certificates, references and a CV. Go through the CV point by point in the interview. Throw in little checks like ‘When you were working for Mrs Smith, what did you say the name of the child was?’ Do the same with their qualifications, and compare their answers with the original certificates. Insist on seeing a full Criminal Records Bureau Declaration too.

"Make sure you check all the references in person. Give the referees a call and have an informal chat. Always ask the potential nanny why they left a previous job, and verify this when you speak to the referees.

"Invite one or two you like back to meet your children. Set them an activity and observe how they interact. Most importantly, ask the children later what they think about each candidate. They’re the ones who will have to spend most time with them."

triciapritchard@voicetheunion.org.uk

October 2004

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