For parents in need of childcare, hiring your first nanny is a big step and one which can cause a lot of stress, particularly if you are unsure about the process. When inviting someone into your home to take care of your children, you want to be sure they are dependable, qualified and of course the very best choice for your little ones.
As industry leading childcare providers, we have helped thousands of families find their ideal nanny and navigate the often time consuming recruitment process that comes with finding great childcare. So here is our expert advice on hiring a nanny for those that are looking for a little bit of extra guidance.
Identifying your family’s needs
When hiring your first nanny, you should begin with understanding your specific needs. This may sound obvious, but there are many different types of nanny and childcare options available. If you understand exactly what you are looking for straight out the gate, it will save you a lot of time in the long run and greatly narrow down your search. Our advice on hiring a nanny is to have a clear idea of the type of childcare your family needs.
For example, do you want a live-in nanny to become a full time addition to your home? Are you looking for a part time nanny to help you with the school run or during the weekends? Or maybe you have an upcoming holiday or business trip and are in need of a less permanent solution, such as a temporary nanny. These factors will need to be considered and will inform the type of childcare you require.
On top of their childcare expertise, nannies can come with additional skill sets. So when hiring your first nanny, it's important to understand the role you want them to fulfill. Some families want a nanny who can also provide tutoring, and others may want a combination nanny/housekeeper to be that extra pair of hands around the home. While those who have very small infants are likely to prefer a nanny that specialises in caring for very young children.
Of course when you begin your childcare search you may not have your requirements set in stone, especially if it's your first time. If you are unsure of what type of nanny would work best for you and your family, there is no need to worry.
At Greycoat Lumleys, our expert childcare consultants are here to discuss all your options. We make it our mission to fully understand you and your family’s needs and provide you with the most suitable candidates for you and your children. Not only are we renowned for supplying full-time and part time nannies of the highest caliber, but we are also known as the go-to nanny service for emergency childcare. So, no matter your needs, we have you covered.
Starting your search
Once you have an idea of the type of nanny you are looking for, your search can begin. When searching for a nanny there are several aspects you need to consider. Firstly, their qualifications and experience. You want to make sure that the person you chose is up to the job and has extensive experience caring for children of a similar age to your own. Next, you want to make sure they have undergone the correct background checks and have impeccable references so you can feel at ease knowing your children are in safe hands. Finally, you want to ensure they will be a good fit for both you and your children. This comes with getting to know their personality and expectations for the role.
There are many places you can find nannies, but we would always suggest working with a reputable childcare agency for safety, reliability and unrivaled expertise. While you can of course find a nanny by yourself, working with an agency means that all the hard work is done for you - saving you a lot of time and energy.
We know it can be nerve-wracking for any parent to leave their children with a new nanny for the first time. That's why our rigorous selection process ensures we have only the most highly trained nannies on our books. All chosen for their professionalism, warm demeanour and wealth of childcare experience.
The interview process
Once you have a short list of candidates you can then move to the interview stage of the process. This can be quite daunting, especially if it's your first time. Our advice on hiring a nanny is to consider asking questions that go beyond what you can glean from their CV. Think about questions that will help you gain a better insight into the candidate's personality and approach to childcare, as this will help you uncover whether they are the right choice for your little ones.
This meeting can also be a good time to see how your kids interact with their potential nanny and will help in making your final decision. As, while qualification and experience are important, having a nanny that perfectly gels well with your family is too.
Building a long-term relationship
Nannies are unique when compared to other household staff in that they are not just an employee but an extension of your family. Many nannies will stay with a family for years, building up a strong bond with the children they care for, who often come to see them as a part of the family.
Making sure to build a long term relationship with your nanny is key and will make sure they stay with you for years to come. Regular check-ins and open communication will create a positive work environment and ensure that you are both on the same page.
At Greycoat Lumleys we have only 25 years of experience working in the domestic staffing industry, providing exceptional childcare solutions to our many clients. So if you are looking to hire your first nanny then get in touch. Our highly skilled consultants will be able to expertly guide you through the full recruitment process ensuring that you find the perfect nanny for you and your family.