Here is a step by step guide to selecting the right carer for your children. This information has been taken from www.findababysitter.com, which puts parents instantly in touch with local, qualified and experienced professional nannies and babysitters.

Interviewing Your Nanny

A successful applicant will be reliable and competent in the childcare responsibilities you require her to undertake. Below is a guide, with model questions, to help you establish if the nanny or babysitter you are interviewing is right for your family.

Interview Etiquette – What your candidate should bring to the interview.

• Always ask to see TWO forms of I.D (one must be photo I.D.)


• The candidate should have a CRB disclosure or be willing to do one. If the candidate has been in the UK for less than 6 months ask to see a police check from their home country. Always request original copies.


• Ask to see written references. If this is not possible ask for landline and mobile telephone numbers of a minimum of two verbal references. These do not both need to be childcare references. A character reference from a respected member of the community is fine, i.e. a doctor or University Professor.


• The candidate should bring an up to date CV.


• ORIGINAL copies of any first aid or other relevant certificates.

Pre-interview

Arrange a time to meet the nanny or babysitter when you will be able to concentrate fully. It is important for her/him to meet your children, but having them present for the entire interview may be distracting.

Go through the candidates CV carefully. Look for areas you wish to question her/him on:

• What activities did you plan with the children in your previous position?


• Why did you leave?


• Do you still keep in contact with previous employers?


• What was the most challenging aspect of the position?


• What was the most enjoyable aspect?

Question the candidate about her qualifications, remember babysitters and nannies may still be very good candidates even if they do not have qualifications. Experience is always the most important attribute:

• How did you benefit from the course?


• What aspects of the course do you think you have applied to your nannying positions?

If a chosen candidate is from abroad ask her why she would like to live in the UK and how long she intends to stay. This may affect your choice.

The Interview

An interview should last 40 minutes to one hour. Plan the interview so the children can be introduced at the end. If your child is young s/he may take an afternoon nap - you could plan the interview to coincide with your baby waking up.

Take your time when meeting a prospective candidate this will help you both to feel at ease. Begin by talking about your children and the position:

• Confirm the start date and hours of work.


• In the case of a nanny discuss household duties, i.e. cooking, cleaning


• Run through each child's routine and which aspects the nanny will be responsible for, i.e. playgroups, swimming lessons, homework.


• If the children have any allergies, medical conditions or special dietary requirements discuss these with the nanny.


• Discuss the rules of the house. It is normal for a nanny to arrange playgroups with other nannies and meetings at the park. Let the nanny know your policy on this, i.e. is she allowed to invite other nannies and their children to your house?


• Confirm salary/hourly rate and in the case of a nanny holiday allowance.

Now proceed with your prepared questions. A good candidate will be proud of her career choice and her work with children - look for passion in her answers, but remember she may be nervous!

• What do you enjoy about being a nanny?


• What qualities do you think are important to have as a nanny and why?


• What do you feel is the most difficult aspect of being a nanny?


• What are you philosophies on discipline? Give the nanny specific examples and ask her to comment, i.e. What would you do if Peter refused to take a bath?


• Ask the nanny about herself, what hobbies she has.


• Ask the nanny to describe herself. Does she believe she is punctual, reliable?


• What activities do you enjoy doing with children?


• How would you plan a typical day?


• Ask the nanny if she has experience in specific skills you require of her, i.e. perhaps you have a toddler soon to be going through potty training, ask the nanny if she has experience in this field.


• Ask the nanny what are the important areas of development for each child during the following year.


• What do you think is important in my childs/rens diet? How would you plan their meals and what would you cook?


• How would you react in an emergency, i.e. what would you do if Peter was chocking? Have you ever been in an emergency with a child?

Post Interview

If you felt the interview was successful and you are seriously considering the nanny for the position, tell her immediately after interview and arrange for a second meeting. She may have other employment offers she is considering and you could loose the opportunity to have her as your child's nanny. If you are not interested tell her you will be contacting Little Ones.

Remember, FAB welcomes' your feedback so please them after the interview and let them know if you find a fantastic nanny or babysitter through www.findababysitter.com!