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Negotiating the Nanny maze

Editorial contribution for Manchester Evening News feature on nannies

The recent media spotlight on nanny sex scandals has, in some parents' minds, tarred their image. Yet, thankfully, these nannies represent only a tiny proportion of a thriving UK nanny industry, with thousands of families depending on their professional, caring nannies as a flexible, cost-effective form of childcare. But how can parents be sure they are handing over their little treasures to someone who is trustworthy? Here, Julia Harris, managing director of North West Childcare, offers some practical advice on making an informed decision.

Stage 1 - choosing a nanny agency

The first step to finding a professional nanny is finding a professionally run nanny agency. But here, too, parents are faced with a plethora of alternatives and, with no regulation in place to guide them, it can be difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Canvassing trusted friends and acquaintances for recommendations is a good place to start. Look in the Yellow Pages and try the Internet. Assess agencies' advertisements to gauge which best responds to your particular needs.

It’s preferable to find an agency that is either near to or covers your area. If they are too far away, it’s possible that they won't have applicants registering who would be able to work for you.

There are currently no specific regulations for nanny agencies but a professionally run agency will be approved by the REC - the professional body for all recruitment agencies. Check that yours has this accreditation.

Ensure that the agency conducts Criminal Record Bureau checks. It should also have checked all references of their nannies and interviewed them thoroughly. That said, you'd be well advised to check references yourself for peace of mind.

The agency should provide a high standard of personal service and should be happy to devote time to listening to your individual needs.

Choose an agency that has been established for several years rather than a new agency which will inevitably offer fewer registered nannies. Steer clear of nanny agencies with multiple branches: their standards are often inferior.

When you receive information from the agencies, evaluate the quality and content carefully.

Stage 2: choosing a nanny

It’s crucial that you always trust your instinct. In that sense, choosing a nanny is akin to buying a house or meeting your partner. It should feel 110% right. Bear in mind the old adage: ’If in doubt, leave it out.’

Build up a rapport with the nanny agency so they get to know you and can understand precisely what type of person you are looking for.

When you receive the applicants' backgrounds, look at them carefully but don't be tempted to restrict your judgement solely to a CV. Talk to the agency about the applicants. Remember that the agency will have had the additional insight of meeting the candidate face to face.

During the interview, try to keep an open mind about the candidate. On the first or second interview, introduce the nanny to your children to gauge their reaction. If the children are old enough, encourage them to ask their own questions.

Take account of the nanny’s body language during the interview. Are her responses genuine? You should look out for inconsistencies in her CV and be alert for any unexplained gaps in her background.

Describe the position you are offering frankly as you perceive it. Ask detailed, open, pre-prepared questions and take notes - if you are interviewing several applicants, you may well forget who said what.

Watch to see if the nanny makes an effort with your children. Consider whether she asked any in-depth questions which would imply that she had given the job serious thought. Quiz her on her policies regarding TV, discipline and nutrition. Ask her if there are any issues she would like to discuss with you.

Be sure to provide the nanny or agency with feedback soon after the interview as the applicants are often waiting on tenterhooks! Always be straight and open with the nanny or agency about other applicants.

Contact references yourself, even if the agency has already checked them, it will give you peace of mind.

Lastly, and importantly, take your time. Don't choose a nanny because you are under pressure. This is one of the most important decisions you will ever make and you need to ensure it is the correct one.

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