My supervisor was extremely understanding, but I knew that I couldn’t live off his goodwill for ever.
At first, I tried a private day nursery for a short period, but for various reasons it didn’t work out for me and my 10 month old, and there were no childminders within easy reach.
So, like a lot of first time recruiters, I signed up with an agency – which now no longer exists – and after a couple of attempts, someone walked through the door whom I could hire.
Like all conscientious employers, I had checked Sarah’s qualifications, I had read her written references, and I had compared her to other candidates. I had researched the costs of hiring a nanny and I felt happy that we could afford it and that we were interviewing the right person.
Her Norland diploma spoke for itself, her great written references and her punctuality at interview were all pluses. What really clinched it for me? The way her eyes lit up when she spoke about her reasons for wanting to work with children, her obvious joy and empathy for a little person who couldn’t even speak yet. Her easy manner with us as parents, and her respect for our routines and values.
Once I had completed the final round of verbal reference checking and agreed terms and conditions, I was ready to offer our family’s perfect first nanny her first job. We had 12 months of superb care, knowing that our son was looked after and loved. I was able to complete my PhD and our son had made his first best friend.
And the proof is in the pudding. When my son sees her now, he always need reminding that she started out as his nanny, then became a dearly-loved member of the family, who is still very much in our lives.
Please see our safety articles for tips on safe and efficient hiring.
First Hire
8 years ago I was in the throes of hiring a nanny - I had a PhD that wasn't going to write itself, and my attempts at working during baby naptime weren't giving me enough of a chance to complete in time.
