1. Have the basic facts to hand.
These should include:
- When you'll need them to start (and if there is any set end date)
- Days and times needed, and any drop-offs and pickups
- Is any driving involved? (Pro tip – make sure the car will fit car seats!)
2. Talk through their experience
Ask them questions about their experience, including:
- How long have they been working in childcare for?
- What was their favourite childcare role, and why?
- What is their favourite age of child to work with, and why?
- What is their favourite activity to do with children?
3. Talk about your parenting style
The important things to mention here are:
- What kind of environment would you like the nanny to create for your child
- Whether you believe in any form of discipline, and if so how it is enforced
- Ask the nanny what their childcare philosophy is
- Talk about your child's developmental stage
4. Mention arrangements for holidays
- Be aware that nannies usually get 20 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
- We recommend that you split these days, so that the nanny chooses 10 of these days and you choose the other 10
- Of course you can vary the above, it’s just a suggestion
- Let the nanny know about any holiday that you have already booked
Good luck – we hope it goes well!