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Going part-time changed my life

Want to know more about what it’s like to be a Koru Kids part-time nanny? Alison from Putney gives her take on being ‘part of the family’ and why being a nanny is part of her new life in London.

How did you first hear about Koru Kids?

I was looking for a part-time position, and I googled after-school nanny roles. Koru Kids came up. I read some of the reviews, and I loved that it was local. That was back in September. Since then I’ve worked with two local families.

What was the appeal of part-time work?

It pays the bills, and I still have plenty of time to myself for pottery, walking and anything else I love to get up to. Sometimes the family asks for extra hours, which suits me too because it’s flexible.

We have part-time childcare roles available: apply now

What are the family you work with currently like?

They’re great! Really fun and the mum is super open; she trusts me to use my own initiative and handle the kids. I think we have similar parenting styles. They have a little girl who’s 9, and a boy who’s 11. I help them with their homework, I prepare meals and we play all sorts of games. It’s a great fit – almost feels like I’m going to a family friend’s house.

What sort of meals do you make?

I have a cooking qualification so all sorts really! The last family I worked for didn’t ask for meals, so it depends on the family and it’s worth sussing that out from the beginning when you go for a phone or in-person interview.

A cooking qualification?! Tell us more about what you did before you became a part-time nanny?

I worked in advertising as a copywriter, but I stopped working for a few years when we moved to America and the kids were young. When we moved back to Manchester, I started working part-time in an NHS mental health ward. I did that for 14 years! I love caring for people, but that was the type of role that takes its toll. Being a part-time nanny is a responsibility but it never feels like hard work.

What brought you to London?

My whole life changed. My partner and I divorced and the kids left home, so the only thing keeping me in Manchester was my NHS job. I got in touch with an old flame, and 3 years later we’re living together in Putney. My kids are down in London too, so I’m hoping to see more of them once the pandemic has passed.

How did you find the application process?

You fill in the form, and there’s a quick call with someone from the Koru Kids team. The training is really straight forward – if you’ve had your own kids a lot of it is common sense. I probably spent too much time thinking about it and doing my application to be honest but it takes time when you haven’t done something like that in a while.

What advice would you give someone thinking about applying?

I would say, think seriously if you want to spend time with kids – you’re going to get out what you put in with a role like this. I feel good caring for others and really valued by the family I work with. I think it’s fun getting involved in helping with homework and building a real connection with them. If you’re going to treat it as ‘these are my hours’ then it’s not likely to be a good fit.

Want to become a part time nanny?

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