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Hints and Tips for Families Seeking a Childcarer
Find the Perfect Aupair
Many working women know that, for everything to run smoothly, you need to have good
childcare. Lynne Ledda, of Jobs In Demand Childcare, shares her tips for finding
a great aupair for your family:
Be clear about what you want from an aupair. I ask all my
clients to fill in a form detailing the job the aupair will be expected to do.
Agree the hours you want the aupair to work before she
arrives. I recommend a maximum of 5 hours of help per day, or 25 hours per week,
in keeping with Home Office regulations.
A good agency will establish the aupair's level of
English. Very basic English is not acceptable, but remember that most girls
come to England to improve their language skills.
Investigate local language schools, and ensure that
classes can be fitted in around the aupair's work schedule.
Look for an aupair aged 20+. Sedef Beksac,
my agent in Turkey says, "I look for aupairs with a degree, or who are
studying. Graduates or students can help the family in more ways, perhaps
assisting with homework or art."
Choose an aupair who has some work experience or who
has lived away from her family. She'll have fewer problems settling in.
Pick an aupair with brothers or sisters, who will already
be used to children and family life.
Go for a trustworthy agency - and ask them how much they
know about their aupairs. I know that Sedef interviews all applicants very
thoroughly, so that my clients are well informed. This reassures parents that if
they employ an aupair through Jobs In Demand Childcare they won't
have to worry.
Nanny Tax Break
From April 2005 families who employ a nanny will be entitled to a tax break as long as they earn less than £43,500
in total (or £32,000 if there's one child) to benefit. The payment will be worth £135 a week for one child and
£200 for two or more, and nannies will have to register and undergo a police check before their family will
qualify.
Find the Perfect Nanny
Lynne Ledda, of Jobs In Demand Childcare, shares her tips for finding a great nanny for your children:
Be clear what you want from a nanny. I ask clients to
complete a form detailing what a nanny will do each day. Nannies usually look
after children, and care for their clothes and rooms, but don't clean for the
family.
Think about the hours you need, and your location. If you
work long hours, or are in a remote area, you might need a live in nanny. A
resident nanny shouldn't work for more than 12 hours a day, with two days off per
week, but you can specify up to two evenings babysitting per week as part of the job.
Daily nannies cost more, but you don't have to provide their room and board.
Look for a nanny with NVQs in childcare or NNEB
qualifications. The Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education
(www.cache.org.uk) has details of
all childcare qualifications. A good nanny will update her skills, so
check evidence of ongoing training, and ensure that she has an up to
date first aid qualification.
Look for someone who has worked with children of a similar age
to yours. Ask about the types of activities the nanny would enjoy with your
children - a nanny needs to have good ideas at her fingertips. Discuss things
like swimming, music classes, art and reading if these activities are important to
your children.
It can be difficult to ensure you get reliable candidates when
you advertise for a nanny. Use a trustworthy nanny agency, and they can do much
of the work for you. At Jobs In Demand Childcare, we can provide you with suitable
candidates to meet your childcare requirements.
For recruitment opportunities in many fields why
not try www.jobsindemand.com?
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