Tips for Finding the Right Nanny
How to Choose the Right Nanny:
Finding the right nanny can be a challenging experience, and many factors need to be considered when hiring a candidate. A key issue is that great nannies are in high demand, and depending on your family’s needs and your budget, there will be a different pool of available candidates. Finding a suitable candidate who not only meets your needs but is also a good fit for the job and complements your family’s personality and lifestyle is another factor to consider.
Beyond skills, experience and personality fit, the right nanny should also have the right ‘vibe’, a positive attitude and a comfortable dynamic with you and your children. A positive nanny-child relationship is crucial because it impacts the overall child's development, sense of security, and well-being. When a nanny and child have a strong, trusting bond, this can create a stable and nurturing environment in which children thrive. Finally, your expectations, hours, responsibilities and compensation should be negotiated with any potential candidates.
Hiring process, nanny interview questions, background checks and contract negotiations
Family requirements
Firstly, you need to outline your exact family needs, including days and hours, live in or live out position, duties, your expectations, start date, any special requirements you might have, such as: skills, languages, experience and finally, the salary offered and other benefits. This helps narrow the search and ensure that the nanny and your expectations are clear, which is crucial for a successful nanny-family relationship.
2. Nanny interview questions
Once you have selected your candidates, you need to organise interviews to assess their suitability for your family and children, understand their work style, and ensure a good fit for your household's needs and expectations. Generally, the nanny interview questions should cover assessment of their skill and experience, understanding their work style and personality, and identifying potential challenges. Many families organise this initial interview over a video call. The next step should be a nanny trial, which provides invaluable insights into how they connect with your children. It can help you assess their patience, playfulness, and ability to create a positive and nurturing environment for your children. The trial allows both the family and the potential nanny to assess compatibility and ensure a good fit before committing to long-term employment.
3. Background checks
Background checks are part of the hiring process and can further help you verify the candidate’s suitability for the job. These checks allow employers to check criminal records, employment history and the accuracy of job experience, dates of employment, and other work-related details, education and qualifications, right to work and references, which are crucial for verifying information and gaining insights into a candidate’s character and their work ethic. Depending on the job requirements, other checks might include a professional driving licence.
4. Contract negotiations
Nanny contract negotiations should cover essential details like start date, hours, salary, holiday entitlement, and notice periods, additional benefits, like sick pay, mileage reimbursement, and any potential for overtime should also be discussed and clearly outlined.
Conclusion
Finding the right nanny and the right family employers is a crucial part of a long-term, successful working relationship. We recommend starting your nanny search at least two months before the start date.
Allowing yourself plenty of time for your nanny search can help you vet candidates and find a great fit instead of settling for less-than-ideal candidate for the job. A perfect fit nanny for your children can foster a happy and supportive environment and significantly contribute to your child’s overall growth and success. Happy children tend to thrive and flourish and are more able to reach their full potential.
If you are looking for a perfect nanny, take the next step with Elisa’s London Nannies to discuss your specific family’s needs and requirements.