Nannies provide childcare in your home and are a popular choice for many families. They can look after children of any age and should provide plenty of fun and learning opportunities within a safe environment, usually your home. Nannies can often work flexible hours, which is ideal if your work commitments are outside normal working hours.

Before you start your search for a nanny, it's a good idea to decide exactly what job role you want them to have so ask yourself the following questions:

• What duties do I want them to perform?
• What hours do I need them to work?
• Would I like a nanny share, live in or daily nanny?
• Do I have any special requirements such as non smoker, bi-lingual?
• What experience do I need them to have?
• Does the nanny need to like pets?
• Should they have a car or driving licence?
• Do they need to have experience with special needs?
• Payment details- how would I pay them and how would expenses be reimbursed?
• What are my terms of employment?

Now you have established the job role and what you expect of your nanny you can begin your search. Finding the right person does take time and knowing your children are safely cared for is a huge concern. The safest and most trustworthy way to find a nanny is through a nanny agency. There are no legal requirements on a person applying to work as a nanny and agencies can offer you carefully vetted nannies to suit your requirements, but choosing the right nanny for you and your family is ultimately your decision.

For more information and advice on childcare contact your local Children's Information Service at
www.childcarelink.gov.uk or call:
Bromley: 020 84640276
Bexley: 020 8856 5398
Southwark: 0800 013 0639.